Nature center offers up-close glimpse of Delta wildlife
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about the Mike Huckabee Nature Center.
The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center was the initial AGFC educational center to be built in Arkansas. The project was a product of Amendment 75, which passed in 1996 and levied a one-eighthcent state conservation sales tax.
The facility was a hit and others followed. In fact, four AGFC nature centers are up and running throughout the state at present, each one focusing predominantly on the specific section of Arkansas where they are located.
Well, it just so happens that the Mike Huckabee Nature Center is situated on a 130acre plot of land in the Pine Bluff regional park. I don’t suspect the facility’s whereabouts was an accident, as it is found between lakes Pine Bluff and Langhofer, the heart of duck hunting country.
That in mind, the huge and impressive structure is designed as if it were a hunting lodge nestled in the Delta bottomlands. And those who visit this facility will likely gain a better understanding of the Delta’s rich history and bountiful habitat.
My wife, Sandy, and I headed to Pine Bluff shortly after attending church last Sunday morning. To be honest, Pine Bluff is not a city where I often gravitate. But we had visited the nature center a few years ago and despite arriving just before they closed for the day, we thoroughly enjoyed the excursion. That in mind, we were confident that an opportunity to arrive at the center with ample time to enjoy all she had to offer was worthy of the drive.
We were greeted by a friendly and helpful staff upon walking into the building. While talking with the AGFC employees I noticed several terrariums situated across the room. I was confident these enclosures housed some of our native reptiles. That in mind, I scurried across the building at the conversation’s end.
Yep, there they were, right there in front of our eyes. Beautiful specimens of reptiles and amphibians. I first noticed a huge Pigmy rattler. I had seen many of this particular species in their natural setting throughout the years, but nothing of this stature.
Although not as impressive in stature, the cottonmouth housed in the enclosure just below the Pigmy rattler was equally intriguing. And although a few pockets of western diamondbacks still exist in Arkansas, the opportunity to see one at such a close distance was truly a treat. In fact, I would suspect most people will never see a western diamondback in a wild setting in Arkansas in their lifetime.
The copperhead was also impressive in size. Although noticeably darker than those we see here in the Ouachitas, its markings were still definite, deeming the snake easily identifiable.
I was somewhat disappointed upon realizing a timber rattler was not part of the display. But little did I know that this particular species was showcased along the adjacent wall, with a huge enclosure sporting two very large specimens.
I was obviously most impressed with the venomous snakes of Arkansas displays. But the nonvenomous species were equally interesting. The speckled king and garter snakes posed at the edge of the glass, but I never managed to find the
banded water snake. However, a large bullfrog was present in the same terrarium.
I was most excited to see various salamanders that I have never happened upon in a wild setting. I was aware and had seen photos of tiger salamanders, but the marbled salamander was a new one on me. I also had an opportunity to catch my first glimpse of a glass lizard before it quickly hid beneath a clump of moss in the bottom of the enclosure.
Eventually pulling myself away from the reptiles and amphibians, I walked a short distance into yet another room. I suppose this room was geared more toward children. However, I also found it entertaining to identify native mammal species by feeling their pelts.
We eventually meandered toward the main section of the building where several interpretive stations shared interesting information pertaining to the Delta, native wildlife, and management practices throughout this section of the state.
I was perfectly satisfied with reading the information posted at each station. However, some of the stations were hands-on, geared more toward holding youngsters at bay. The simulated crop duster would surely be a hit among children, and I suspect they would also find the short film focusing on Hernando DeSoto’s visit to the Delta intriguing.
And let’s not forget the huge aquarium where one can get a bird’s-eye view of native fish. However, the water in the aquarium was extremely cloudy, making it somewhat difficult to see anything swimming in the water.
After taking in all of the sights and sounds inside the structure, we headed outside and embarked upon a pleasant walk along the Discovery Loop, a half-mile path leading through an interesting and diverse habitat.
I was instantly impressed upon striking out along the path, as it is paved and level. I don’t suppose those who are in for a physical challenge would find the trail system of interest. However, this would prove a great destination for those who are confined to a wheelchair or cannot physically tackle rougher and steeper terrain.
Not only does this trail provide a level and paved route, but it also meanders through some very interesting country. I noticed several cottonwoods towering high in the sky. In fact, I noticed several tree species that are not plentiful in our neck of the woods.
The path makes its way across several long and wellbuilt bridges spanning a swamplike environment and the number of locations from where one can stop and scan ponds and slews are plentiful.
I noticed several squirrels and songbirds during our recent visit. But one can rest assured that whitetails and other mammals frequent this particular section of woods, as well. And I would suspect that, during normal years, when we aren’t experiencing a drought and have plenty of water, that migratory waterfowl can readily be seen.
The Whitetail Trail is also paved and makes a quarter-mile loop prior to tying back into the Discovery Loop. This path makes its way through a bottomland hardwood forest and alongside the Blackdog Lake. Although referred to as a lake, the body of water appears to be more of a slew. However, it does provide an optimal habitat for many critters to thrive.
The Armadillo and Blue Heron trails are both primitive and together add one more mile of hiking opportunities to the excursion. These trails also meander through bottomland forests and provide yet more opportunities to catch glimpses of native critters going about their everyday rituals.
As one nears the end of the Discovery Loop, they will have yet more great opportunities to get better acquainted with some of the wildlife that calls the Delta home. Be sure and check out the two bald eagles in the enclosures near the trail’s edge. And although it will likely spend a bulk of the winter months in a heated room, there was still a large alligator in the pond adjoining the back of the nature center.
Yep, the Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center is certainly worthy of mention. In fact, it’s a destination where I hope to visit again real soon.
To get to the nature center, travel along Highway 70 east through Malvern, Poyen, Prattsville and Sheridan. Take a right onto I-530 at Whitehall and take Exit 35. Travel 5.8 miles on Highway 65 business and turn left onto Regional Park Drive. Go six-tenths of a mile and veer right onto Regional Park Drive. Go a short distance and turn right onto Black Dog road. Follow Back Dog Road to the parking area.