Hike Title: Cave, Bats and a Hike at Logan Springs Preserve 

Location:  Between Tontitown AR and Siloam Springs AR at 15300 Osage Hill Rd, Siloam Springs AR

Hike Leader:  Mike Slay from the Nature Conservancy and Pattie Heitzman, facilitator

Telephone and Email: 

• Mike Slay 479-973-9110 or mslay@tnc.org
• Pattie Heitzman 479-616-7270 or wldrnss20@aol.com

Day, Date:   Saturday, November 5

Meeting Place and Time:  For those that want to carpool/caravan

• Meet at 9:30 at the Tontitown Winery at 335 North Barrington Road in Tontitown.  Otherwise,
• Mike will be waiting for us at 10:00 AM at Logan Springs Preserve located at: 15300 Osage Hill Rd, Siloam Springs, AR.
• See Google link at:  Logan Springs Preserve – Google Maps

The preserve is off of several pretty country roads, and once you get there and turn onto the gravel road, it is on the left with a sign.

Type of Hike:  Trail, Tour of Logan Springs Preserve

Hiking Distance:  Around 1 mile

Rating:   Easy trail hike

Elevation gain/loss:   Very minimal.

Features: The hike will visit the spring that flows out of Logan Cave and the designated trail along the prairie restoration area, creek, and oxbow lake.  We won’t be going into the cave or up to the entrance. Those entrances are on Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge, and the refuge is closed to protect the cave and the endangered species living in it. Logan Springs Preserve is a tract within the National Wildlife Refuge. The spring run forms an oxbow lake before joining the Illinois River. There is a maze of trails bordering what was once a fish hatchery. Improvements include a lovely pond area with boardwalk and picnic tables. It is a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife.

Did you know:  Logan Cave National Wildlife Refuge is next door to the Logan Springs Preserve. This is a maternity cave, meaning the moms spend the spring and summer there having their babies.  It is home to the 2nd largest population of endangered Gray Bats in the world, approximately 18,000 bats.  Once the babies are mature enough to fly, they spend the fall and winter living at the Buffalo River.

Comments: Bring plenty of water, snacks, rain gear, gloves, and a hiking stick, and wear comfortable hiking boots/shoes.  No pets are allowed on any hikes.  Children under 12 years are discouraged and minors must be accompanied by a guardian.  Participants are required to sign a Liability Release sheet at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing.  Everyone is welcome to hike with the OS, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

I realize this is a short hike for the Ozark Society and will conclude around noon. Hopefully you will know more about the Preserve and what the Nature Conservancy is doing.  I understand Mike has bat stories.  I propose that the group do the apres hike at the Tontitown Winery.  They produce their own wines, and you can sample 5 wines for $12, or try a glass of your favorite.  They also serve sandwiches, pizza, and cheese trays.  Please bring extra money if you would like to partake.

http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf

HIKING SCHEDULE- Fall 2022

October

8     Shepard Springs Lake loop

15   Bob Cross – Hike Leader training

19   Brenda Brown- Big Bluff- WEDNESDAY

21-22 OS Board Meeting – Lake Claiborne, Shreveport
Dark Sky Festival – Tyler Bend
29   Peggy Bulla – Erbie to Cedar Glade

November

2   Peggy Bulla- Dawn Hike to Hawksbill Crag- WEDNESDAY
5   Mike Slay- Logan Springs Preserve
12 Judi Nail – Leatherwood Creek
19 Shari Whitney – Family friendly hike
26 Miranda Kohout- Lake Wedington

December

3     Pattie Heitzman- Lost Bridge, Beaver Lake

10   Tom Perry-Trail Maintenance

17   Luke Parsch- 6th Annual Eureka Springs Urban Hike