Our principal purpose is
the preservation of wild and scenic rivers, wilderness, and unique natural areas.
Conservation • Education • Recreation
Outings and Activities
march
sat30mar8:30 AMsat3:30 PMHighlands Chapter Dayhike: Trails at Mt Magazine8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Event Details
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, Tom Perry will lead hikers at the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine. The area around Signal Hill, at 2753 feet above sea level, will
Event Details
On Saturday, March 30, 2024, Tom Perry will lead hikers at the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine. The area around Signal Hill, at 2753 feet above sea level, will give hikers sweeping views of the Pettit Jean River Valley. Hikers will meet at the Walmart Supercenter on West Martin Luther King Dr. in Fayetteville, about 3/8 west of I-49 for an 8:45 am departure, or meet in front of the Visitor’s Center at Mount Magazine State Park. See below for more details.
Highlands Chapter Hike at Mount Magazine
Day, Date: Saturday, March 30, 2024
Name of Hike: Trails at Mount Magazine
Type of Hike: Trail
Distance: 6.9 miles
Elevation Gain/Loss: Maybe 550 feet
Rating: Moderate, due to distance
Features: The hike will start at the parking lot across the hwy from the visitors center and follow the Greenfield Trail to the junction with the Mossback Trail. We will follow that going east to the Benefield West Loop and take that a short distance to the Bear Hollow Trail. We will take the Bear Hollow Trail until it ends at Hwy 309. Then we will cross the highway and walk along the edge of the horse camp to Will Apple’s Road Trail and take that back to the visitors center. Lunch will be somewhere on the Bear Hollow Trail.
Telephone and Email: tomperry106@yahoo.com, 479-841-2414
Meeting Place and Time:
- Meet at northeast corner of the parking lot of Walmart Supercenter on Martin Luther King Blvd in Fayetteville-3/8 mile from I49-for an 8:30 departure: or,
- Meet at 10:15 at the Mt Magazine State Park Visitor’s Center.
- Click on “Location” below for Google map or see link at: Visitor Center – Google Maps
Driving Distance: 110 miles
Comments: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, bug spray, gloves, and wear hiking boots. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a “liability release” http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.
Judi Nail
Outings CoChair
870 421 6824
Time
(Saturday) 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Organizer
sat30mar11:00 AMsat2:00 PMBayou Chapter - Lake Bistineau Paddle11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/lake-bistineau-paddle-2
Time
(Saturday) 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
april
tue02apr7:00 PMtue8:30 PMPulaski Chapter Monthly Meeting7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Event Details
Our meeting is at Second Presbyterian and it’s the start of a busy week. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back for updates. Get info on next
Event Details
Our meeting is at Second Presbyterian and it’s the start of a busy week. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back for updates. Get info on next week’s eclipse and how you can join the viewing party at the Nye’s home in Maumelle. We’ll have environmental and other outings news as well.
Time
(Tuesday) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Second Presbyterian Church
600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Organizer
Event Details
Alan and Janet Nye are hosting a solar eclipse flotilla on Murray Lake (an offshoot of the AR River) on April 8. This is an opportunity to launch your canoe, kayak,
Event Details
Alan and Janet Nye are hosting a solar eclipse flotilla on Murray Lake (an offshoot of the AR River) on April 8.
This is an opportunity to launch your canoe, kayak, paddle board or other boat into the flat water and share fun conversation as we await the TOTAL solar eclipse. Of course if you want to relax in a lawn chair, that’s a great way to view the sky also.
How this works:
Partial eclipse begins at 12:33pm and the total eclipse begins at 1:45pm. It’s all over by 3:11pm.
Depending on how much of the eclipse a person wants to see will determine when they arrive. We will “open the door” at 11:30. We have a launch into the lake that can handle canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddle boards. If someone wants to bring a larger boat, Maumelle has a boat launch down stream at Maumelle Park on the River.
What to bring:
- Water craft
- Snack and drinks to share
- Solar eclipse eye glasses
- Lawn chair
Note: Traffic promises to be heavy so make plans to allow for delays on I 430.
Contact Janet Nye for further information and to confirm if coming.
Time
(Monday) 11:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Location
Janet & Alan Nye's House
80 Belle River Point
Organizer
Event Details
It’s going to be tough to top the eclipse on the previous Monday, but when it comes to raw natural beauty, this hike has a lot. The hike is about
Event Details
It’s going to be tough to top the eclipse on the previous Monday, but when it comes to raw natural beauty, this hike has a lot. The hike is about 4 miles. We will carpool from Morgan McDonald’s at 7:30 or you can meet us at Haw Creek Falls at 9:30. You’ll see cliffs, waterfalls and early wildflowers. Bring a lunch, water and water shoes in case the creek is up.
Steve will be leading a hike for UCA on Sunday at Lost Valley. If you would like to join him, he will be staying at the Hanley Cabin in Jasper Saturday night and you can join him if you contact him before the Saturday hike to Cedar Creek.
Time
(Saturday) 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Location
Cedar Creek - OHT
Organizer
Event Details
: Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Neil Compton. “First River” will be shown on Saturday April 13 at 10
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Location
Compton Gardens
312 N Main St
Organizer
sat13aprAll DayHighlands Chapter Outing: 12th Annual Ozark Classic(All Day: saturday)
Event Details
12th Annual Ozark Classic (A One-day Outdoor Event) When: Saturday, April 13, 2024 Hosts: Highlands and Sugar Creek Chapters of the Ozark Society Location: Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville AR The Highlands
Event Details
12th Annual Ozark Classic (A One-day Outdoor Event)
When: Saturday, April 13, 2024
Hosts: Highlands and Sugar Creek Chapters of the Ozark Society
Location: Withrow Springs State Park near Huntsville AR
The Highlands and Sugar Creek Chapters of the Ozark Society invite hikers, floaters, and lovers of the Buffalo River to celebrate the12th Annual Classic. This year we will be celebrating the Buffalo River and other beautiful wilderness areas from Withrow Springs State Park. Join us for this one-day recreational event on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Everyone is welcome to participate in this event whether an Ozark Society member or not. Please see contact information near the end of this announcement.
Activities for this one-day outdoor event include:
1) No Pre-registration Required – Easy to Moderate Day Hike within Withrow Spring State Park. This 3-part hike, led by Miranda Kohout, will include 3 trails linked together to form 1 hike. It should be fairly easy for you to hike the entire route or choose any combination of these 3 trails. In sequential order this hike will include:
1st) The Dogwood Trail 1.1 miles; 30 min average time; Loop; 170ft. Elevation Gain
2nd) The War Eagle Trail 1.6 miles; 45 minute average time; Loop with optional spur to the river; 246ft. Elevation Gain with spur
3th) Withrow Springs Forest Trail 2 miles; 44 min. average time; Out and Back; 160ft Elevation Gain
Features: This 3-part hike will include: spring wildflowers, visas overlooking War Eagle Creek, and a hike on lovely forested paths. Meet at the Pavilion at 10:45 for 11:00 departure.
2) No Pre-registration Required – Moderate to Difficult Bushwhack Day Hike – Terry Frederick will lead this hike through the Madison County Wildlife Management Area. Meet at the Withrow Springs Pavilion at 9:15 for a 9:30 departure.
Features: Ridges and hollows, tributaries of the Kings River, native shortleaf pines, hardwoods and small streams, birds and a variety of other wildlife dominate this beautiful wilderness area.
3) Pre-Registration Required – War Eagle Creek Float– Don Bridges will lead and coordinate this float. (Meet-up time and location to be announced closer to the event date.)
On the river: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, and all float gear. The water will be cold, so dress for a spill. All floaters will be expected to follow the rules of the river: (i) No glass on the river; (ii) A life jacket for each person in your boat; (iii) Life jacket must be worn (it cannot be tied to the boat) and children under 12 are required by law to wear them; (iv) Coolers and ice chests must be secured in the boat and the lid must be secure, and no Styrofoam coolers; (v) Drinks must be secured in a floatable device such as a “koozie;” and, (vi) Each boat must have a mesh trash bag secured to the boat. You will be asked to sign a “liability release” before the float.
For Hikes and the Float: Bring water, lunch, rain gear, and wear hiking boots. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. You will be asked to sign a “liability release” before the hike. Please see details below. Disclaimer: All participants in the hikes and the float are required to sign a “liability release” http://www.ozarksociety.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/OS-Sign-Up_Sheet_rev4.pdf at the trailhead or float launch site. No pets are allowed on any outings, and guardians must accompany minors.
4) Pre-Registration Required – Classic Pot-Luck Picnic: (Vegetarian and Gluten-Free options available)
The cookout will include grilled burgers, veggie burgers, and potluck dishes. It’s a time to enjoy a meal with old friends and to meet people who enjoy our wilderness areas and strive to protect their uniqueness. Everyone is welcome to the cookout whether or not they participate in the float, or the day-hikes. Everyone is requested to bring a side-dish (snacks, dessert, salad, covered dish) and to provide their own beverages. To reduce the trash, please bring your own non-disposable plates, cups, and flatware; we’ll have napkins. Start time is approximately 4:00 p.m. at Withrow Springs Park Pavilion.
Please Pre-Register by Wednesday, April 10, 2024. Indicate your name and the number in your party, plus a meat or vegetarian option when registering for this event. There are toilets, picnic tables, electric lights and plug-ins at the Pavilion. Please bring lawn chairs. Contact Chris Kline at 479-409-0394 or ckline901@gmail.com
Highlands Chapter Carpool to Withrow Springs State Park:
There will be a carpool from Root School in Fayetteville for NW Arkansas participants who wish to arrive at Withrow Springs State Park Pavilion by 10:45 a.m. Meet at Root School on 1529 E Mission Blvd in Fayetteville for a 10:00 a.m. departure.
Directions to the Withrow Springs State Park and Pavilion:
Please see the attached maps or visit: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/withrow-springs-state-park
Contact Information:
Tom Perry, OSHC Chair, 479-841-2414 or tomperry106@yahoo.com
Peggy Bulla, OSHC Vice-Chair, 479-586-2493 or sunnypegs@aol.com
Judi Nail, (day-hike coordinator): 870-421-6824 or jnail1113@gmail.com
Don Bridges (float coordinator): gofigure243@hotmail.com
Chris Kline (picnic/event coordinator): 479-409-0394 or ckline901@gmail.com
Updates will be announced, as we get closer to the event date.
See Attached maps to the Withrow Springs Park and Pavilion.
Time
All Day (Saturday)
Organizer
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/mt-magazine-weekend
Time
19 (Friday) 11:00 AM - 21 (Sunday) 3:00 PM
sat27apr10:00 AMsat2:00 PMBayou Chapter - Corney Creek Paddle10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Event Details
https://www.bayouchapter.com/event-details/bayou-darbonne-corney-creek-paddle
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
may
tue07may7:00 PMtue8:30 PMPulaski Chapter Monthly Meeting7:00 PM - 8:30 PM 600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Event Details
We are meeting at Second Presbyterian for our meeting this May. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back to see who it will be. After the presentation,
Event Details
We are meeting at Second Presbyterian for our meeting this May. Our speaker has yet to be named, so check back to see who it will be. After the presentation, we will have a business meeting to cover Arkansas environmental events and where our outing will be for this month.
Time
(Tuesday) 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Location
Second Presbyterian Church
600 Pleasant Valley Drive
Organizer
Event Details
Another new hike! We head south to White Oak Lake State Park to hike the Fern Hollow Trail. We will only do half of the trail and then go over
Event Details
Another new hike! We head south to White Oak Lake State Park to hike the Fern Hollow Trail. We will only do half of the trail and then go over to the Little Grand Canyon area on a branch of White Oak creek. Meet at the Chik-fil-A by Bass Pro at 8am or meet us at the Park Visitor’s center at 10. Bring a lunch and water. Hike total of 6 miles or so.
Time
(Saturday) 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location
White Oak Lake State Park
Organizer
Event Details
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark
Event Details
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th
A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark Society Spring Member Gathering May 18-19, 2024, Featuring Author Doug Tallamy
Our annual spring meeting will be like one you’ve ever attended before May 18-19. There’s the host: the 100-member Schoolcraft Chapter centered around Springfield, MO. The chapter is named after Henry Schoolcraft who traveled the winter of 1818/1819 with Levi Pettibone from Potosi to Springfield through the Ozark Mountains and down the White River into Arkansas.
There’s the keynote speaker: nationally known sustainability and conservation author Doug Tallamy, who will present “A Conversation with Doug Tallamy” Saturday. His best-selling conservation and ecology-related books, including Nature’s Best Hope, Bringing Nature Home and the Nature of Oaks. Books will be available for sale.
There’s the meeting location: the Darr Agriculture Center, a feature of Missouri State University.
There’s the extras for the meeting: a catered lunch, a native plant sale, and, in addition, Springfield Environmental Services will present its yard ethic program.
And post-meeting, there’s more: two campsites highlighting spectacular member properties, landscapes and conservation best practices; a potluck in a barn with musical entertainment and maybe even some dancing; a possible reappearance of Henry Schoolcraft himself; and the option of a tour Sunday afternoon of Tumbling Creek Cave and Ozark Mountain Laboratory.
Here are the details as of press time:
Location of Saturday Morning & Afternoon Activities
The Darr Agricultural Center, 2401 S. Kansas Expressway, Springfield, MO 65807, 417-836-5638
Schedule Saturday Morning
8 a.m.-Noon: Native Plant Sale Outside Darr Building – Ozark Society and public invited. Hosted by Missouri Wildflowers, mowildflowers.net, Gaylena’s Garden, gaylenasgarden@gmail.com and Ozark Soul, natives@ozarksoul.com
9 a.m: Member and Board Meeting and Refreshments
Noon: Catered lunch $20, featuring Doug Tallamy. Registration/head count required at www.eventbrite.com/e/ozark-society-spring-meeting-and-luncheon-tickets-847524006117
Saturday Afternoon
2 p.m: Mini-conference, free to Ozark Society members, charge for nonmembers. Doug Tallamy Speaker. Introduction by Curtis Millsap, Chair, Schoolcraft Chapter
3:15-3:30 p.m: Break
3:30-4:15 p.m: City of Springfield Yard Ethics Program. Conclusion by Curtis Millsap for to mini-conference
Accommodations and Evening Activities
Free Camping Sites
Location is Bob and Barbara Kipfer’s historic Bull Mills property, about 25 miles southeast of Springfield. This beautiful 400-acre property includes pristine Bull Creek, a cabin, cemetery, grasslands, woods and site of the former Bull Mills. The Kipfers host many wildflower walks, WOLF School visits, research projects and educational presentations.
Barb or Bob Kipfer, rekipfer@gmail.com for questions, reservations and map
AND
Rockspan Farm, home of Dan and Mike Chiles, an extraordinary tree farm and site of many sustainability projects, best practices, research and innovation
1448 Chiles Lane, Bois D’Arc, MO 65612. https://www.rockspanfarm.com/ for description and directions, 417-848-2780, Dan Chiles
Potluck & Entertainment
After setting up camp, kick back at Rockspan Farm’s Red Barn for good food, music and some toe tapping. Tables, chairs and electric provided.
Sunday Activities
For Sunday, the Schoolcraft Chapter has two possibilities:
- Enroute home if you live south of Springfield, take a slight detour southeast for a tour of the nationally known Tumbling Creek Cave and Ozark Underground Laboratory May 19 at 1572 Aley Lane, Protem, MO 65733. The cave’s owners, Tom and Cathy Aley, have devoted their careers to using dye tracing to track groundwater, its flow and path through karst topography in many parts of the U.S. We’ll need a head count before announce start of tour.
To learn more about the cave go to https://www.ozarkundergroundlab.com/tumbling-creek-cave.html.
- There may be a sighting of the elusive Henry Schoolcraft at the Bull Mills property Sunday morning. We’ll announce an expected time of arrival later. Henry is well versed in his own adventures, of course, as well as the land’s history, starting when an ocean covered it millions of years ago and 15,000 year-old artifacts were left behind.
All Members Welcome!
Missouri Plans to Show You a Good Time
Time
18 (Saturday) 9:00 AM - 19 (Sunday) 12:00 PM
Location
Darr Center
2401 S. Kansas Expwy
Latest News
Spring 2024 Meeting in Springfield MO, May 18th-19th
2024-03-05T11:14:16-06:00By Carolyn Shearman|News & Updates|
A Meeting to Remember: the Ozark Society Spring Member Gathering May 18-19, 2024, Featuring Author Doug Tallamy Our annual spring meeting will be like one you’ve ever attended before May 18-19. There’s the host: the 100-member Schoolcraft Chapter centered around [...]
How to Convince Climate Skeptics
2023-01-25T17:43:12-06:00By The Ozark Society|Pack & Paddle, Winter 2022|
By Fred Paillet, OS Education Chair Climate change is a major environmental concern, and we can see its effect in a worldwide retreat of glaciers as in my illustration below. But those glacier retreats occur in [...]
Annual Membership Meeting at Lake Claiborne
2024-03-01T16:59:08-06:00By The Ozark Society|Pack & Paddle, Winter 2022|
By Alice B. Andrews, Ozark Society Conservation Chair There were at least 46 Ozark Society members in attendance at the annual membership meeting hosted by the Bayou Chapter at Lake Claiborne State Park, LA, October 21-23, and we [...]