Grandview Prairie offers variety of wildlife, flora
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about Rick Evans Grandview Prairie.
I’ve had the opportunity to experience the outdoors throughout Arkansas. And I can say with all certainty that the state is blessed with a diversity of environments.
Many of us living near Hot Springs can literally look out our doors and see the Ouachita Mountains. This particular mountain range is different from the norm in the sense that it runs from east to west. The Ouachita Mountain Region begins at Mount Magazine near Little Rock and continues west into Oklahoma.
The Arkansas River Valley region is situated just north of the Ouachitas, and produces a habitat much different from what we are accustomed to seeing here at home.
Continue north and the terrain makes yet another drastic change, as the Ozarks are in the northwestern part of the state. The Ozark Mountains are a great deal different from the Ouachitas, as they are more jagged and riddled with caves.
The West Gulf Coastal Plains are nestled in the southern sections of the state. The terrain is flat and hardly a rock can be found lurking beneath its sandy soil.
Then we have the Mississippi River Alluvial Plains, also referred to as the Delta, which covers the eastern part of the state. Fertile soils blanket this particular section of Arkansas. In turn, huge crops of soybeans, cotton, corn and other crops stretch as far as the eye can see.
With such a contrast of environments, one would only expect a diversity of plant and animal species. In turn, those of us with a passion for the outdoors are privy to experiences galore. One might happen upon a rare cave-dwelling crayfish during one outing, only to return to another section of the state on the following weekend in search of alligators.
Of course, a part of the lands throughout the state are privately owned. But we are also blessed with millions of acres of public land, as well. The Ouachita and Ozark/St. Francis National Forests are both popular destinations.
However, many acres of public lands are managed on the state level. In fact, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission operates more than 100 wildlife management systems throughout the state.
The Wildlife Management Areas across the state encompass more than 3 million acres. Some of the designated tracts of land are rather small, while others cover several square miles. The AGFC owns some of these lands outright. But others are a result of cooperative efforts between the AGFC and various other agencies.
The AGFC has teamed up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, timber companies, private landowners and various other groups in these efforts.
I have visited many of the designated management areas throughout the years. Although they all have their own personal qualities, there are some of which I appreciated more than others. In fact, there are several WMAs where I have returned time and time again.
I recently happened upon the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA and Conservation Education Center while kicking around in the southwestern section of the state. So, is this one of those special locations where I am apt to return? You bet. In fact, I am looking forward to visiting again soon.
According to information posted on http://www.encyclopediaofarkansas.net, “The Grandview Prairie was the first major AGFC acquisition,” following Amendment 75, a conservation sales tax which approved in 1996.
Of course, hunting and fishing would be welcomed, although folks using the dedicated area are required to follow regulations specific to that particular WMA. Grandview Prairie differed from many wildlife management areas throughout the state, however, as it would also sport educational pur-
poses. In turn, it was renamed — the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA and Conservation Education Center.
I suppose one might ponder why they chose to include an education center at this particular wildlife management area. Well, I’m not sure that I can answer that question with any accuracy. However, it does sport some interesting qualities.
According to the AGFC, “The Grand Prairie represents the largest contiguous tract of blackland prairie in public ownership in the nation.” The blackland produces a habitat where a plethora of plant species flourish. Many of these plants and trees produce an abundance of food sources. In turn, the wildlife will follow.
The WMA takes in 4,885 acres and consists of small tracts of woodlands, wooded draws, improved pasture, bottomlands and native grasslands. And let’s not forget about two small lakes that are situated within its perimeters, as well.
Each of the aforementioned environments can prove interesting and are certainly worthy of exploration. But I was most intrigued by the open grasslands during our earlier visit, as several sun-loving wildflowers were in full bloom.
Compass Plants towered far above any of the other wildflowers or grasses. Their large flowers were a vibrant yellow and at their prime. I also noticed large colonies of yet another vibrant yellow flower making a showing. Although I failed to carry along my ol’ trusty “Wildflowers of Arkansas” field guide, I’m confident they were some type of coneflower. A collection of other wildflowers were thriving among the tall grasses, as well.
There were also several tree species flourishing throughout the WMA. In fact, several bois d’arc trees were taking root in the windrows. Although admiring their interesting fruit, referred to by many as horse apples, I recalled how this particular tree species is coveted by archery enthusiasts who build their own long bows. And I couldn’t help but ponder if the Native Americans also utilized bois d’arc to build their weaponry.
Eventually leaving the grasslands behind, we followed a road to one of the two lakes that are located within the WMA’s perimeters. According to the information I have since gathered, these impoundments are reputable fisheries.
A launching ramp was located at the lake’s edge, as was an ADA fishing pier. Bass are likely plentiful in these waters, and I would certainly like to try them. However, one would suspect that bream and crappie would thrive, as it appeared there was ample cover to provide an optimal habitat for these particular species. And I’m sure those who are willing to soak a night crawler are apt to coax a few catfish from the shallow and murky waters.
I noticed several water-loving birds wading along the shoreline’s edge and browsing for their next potential meal. But I was most intrigued with yet another critter that flourished in and near the lake’s edge. That’s right, I was thinking alligators.
Millwood Lake was only a few miles up the road from the WMA. And it is noted for producing gators by the hoards. Although none of these primitive looking reptiles swam within view during our visit, I was certain they were there. It was simply a matter of being present at the right time.
As the sun neared the western skyline, we decided to bid farewell to the Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA. Our short visit had proved well worth the drive to the southwestern section of the state. And odds were that we would grow even more acquainted with the destination as I was already anticipating yet another visit soon.
The Rick Evans Grandview Prairie WMA Conservation Education Center is found just off Highway 73, 2 miles north of Columbus.