The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas - Spring 2008 Field Trips in May

Spring 2008 Field Trips in May

If you are interested in registering for one or more of the following field trips, please contact Cynthia Sizemore at (501) 614-5093 or csizemore@tnc.org. You can view the field trip registration form on the main field trips and events page.

May 3: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kings River Float Trip
Join us for a 7.7-mile canoe trip on the scenic Kings River near Eureka Springs. Spring should be a good time to spot migratory birds, and we’ll discuss the Conservancy’s work on Ozark rivers. While the Kings is typically ideal for intermediate-level paddlers, the degree of difficulty varies depending on water levels. Float length is subject to change. Canoes, paddles, life vests and shuttle will be provided. We’ll send confirmed participants a list of items to bring. $40/person (Contact us for special registration instructions.)

May 9: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Explore Bayou DeView with Gene Sparling and David Luneau
This trip is an extra-special treat! Paddle with naturalist Gene Sparling through the very place where he spotted the ivory-billed woodpecker in 2004. Birding pro David Luneau, who captured the ivory-bill on video, will be there to help identify the birds you see and hear. Limited to 11 participants. Bring your lunch, camera and binoculars; we’ll provide drinks, canoes, life vests and paddles. $100/person.

May 10: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ozark Oak Woodlands Restoration Tour
Tour by van the Ozark National Forest Big Piney Ranger District, where we are restoring the oak woodland ecosystem using fire and ecological thinning. We’ll show you the differences between areas before and after a prescribed burn and discuss the role of fire in a healthy woodland ecology. With blooming wildflowers, the forest is beautiful in spring. Bring a lunch; we’ll provide drinks. $10/person.

May 15: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Wonderful Wildflower Walking Tour in the Blacklands
The blacklands are famous for their vibrant wildflower displays. Join us for an easy walking tour through the Arkansas Game & Fish Commission’s Rick Evans Grandview Prairie in Hempstead County near Columbus. Arkansas Field Office director and botanist Scott Simon will identify wildflowers and fill you in on this incredible ecosystem. Bring a lunch; we’ll provide drinks. Minimum of 10 participants; maximum of 30. $10/person.

May 17: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Caddo River Float Trip
Join us for a 7.5-mile canoe trip on the upper Caddo River and take in the spring scenery. While the Caddo is typically ideal for intermediate-level paddlers, the degree of difficulty varies depending on water levels. Canoes, paddles, life vests and shuttle will be provided. We’ll send confirmed participants a list of items to bring. $35/canoe. (Registration and payment is through the outfitter; please contact us for instructions.)

May 24: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Motorboating on the Lower White and Cache Rivers
Learn how big rivers have transformed the Delta, how man has attempted to “tame” them, how they’re changing, and what the Conservancy is doing to conserve these rivers, the lifeblood of the Mississippi River Valley. Leaving from Clarendon, we will travel up and down the White and Cache rivers in large, flatbottom boats. Life vests will be provided. Minimum of eight participants; maximum of 16. Bring a lunch; we’ll provide drinks. $20/person.

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