New NW Arkansas nature center an impressive facility
Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary takes readers on a journey to J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center.
Last week’s destination article focused on an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission learning center situated in southwest Arkansas. Well, this week, we’ll be visiting yet another Arkansas Game and Fish Commission facility with a similar mission.
However, the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center is somewhat different, in a couple of ways. First and foremost, it is situated in a totally different environment. Located near Springdale, it is in the midst of the jagged Ozarks, where limestone bluffs and crystal-clear, mountain-fed streams are abundant.
It is also worthy to note that the nature center is a far larger and elaborate operation than the one we recently visited in the southwestern section of the state. In fact, the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center consists of an impressive building spanning 32,000 square feet, surrounded by 61 beautiful acres of property.
Of course, the facility shares the same conviction to stress the importance of conservation, as do the eight other AGFC nature and education centers throughout the state. But it is also its goal, as with the others, to focus on the section of the state where it is located.
The nature center is rather new to the public, as it opened its doors for business on Dec. 11, 2020. Although one would suspect that the number of visitors has been somewhat dampened by the present pandemic, there were several others visiting the facility during our recent excursion into northwestern Arkansas; all of which appeared to be following the guidelines posted to ensure everybody’s well-being.
According to information posted on the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s website, they are confident that the new facility will prove a popular destination, and rightfully so.
Located in close proximity to some of the fastest-growing towns throughout Arkansas, the nature center will surely prove a popular destination for school groups. But curious nature lovers of all ages will likely gravitate to the facility. In fact, the AGFC anticipates an excess of 100,000 visitors annually.
We took advantage of the opportunity to visit the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center during a recent excursion into the Ozarks. And I was impressed with the outing.
Entering the building, we were greeted by a kind lady at the reception desk, who appeared eager to share interesting facts pertaining to the new facility. Although I enjoyed our conversation, I was most eager to actually tour the building, and see the interpretive stations first hand.
I immediately gravitated toward several terrariums situated within sight of the entryway. Evidently, the reptiles and amphibians housed in these enclosures sensed that the outside temperature hovered near the single digits and the stiff winds lent to a chill factor near zero.
They had buried themselves in the thick bark and could hardly be seen. However, I suspected they would become far more active and viewable when the bout of winter weather subsided.
I then noticed an overhead display of a flock of Canada geese flying in formation. And I couldn’t think of a better display to fit the frigid conditions awaiting just outside the door.
Continuing around the corner, I noticed a large aquarium. Of course, I made a Bee-line to this live exhibit, as native fish were swimming within the perimeters of the large, clear enclosure.
It was interesting to get a close-up view of fish species, native to northwest Arkansas, going about their everyday business. In fact, it was most exciting to watch smallmouth bass swimming in the enclosure.
I was also impressed with the virtual creek that appeared to be running from the 2,000-gallon aquarium and under the floor. The running water exhibit is fairly technical, using video screens inset in the floor and under glass.
According to information I gathered via the AGFC website, sensors near the ceiling detect the exact location of visitors, and will trigger video and audio responses. The videos might appear as fish, turtles or other water-loving creatures in the virtual stream. And those who step on the glass floor are apt to hear splashing sounds, as if they are treading water.
Some of the interpretive stations provided information pertaining to all four seasons in the Ozarks. And I was impressed with huge fabricated blades of grass stretching nearly to the ceiling that separated the preschool room from the exhibit hall.
I would suspect that youngsters might also enjoy the cave replica that connects the exhibit room to the hallway. Those making their way through the exhibit will hear audio of dripping water and a “hallow echo” to lend to the feeling of entering a true cave.
Entering another room, I noticed a variety of native pelts displayed on a row of tables. Although I have seen all of these native mammal species, firsthand, in a wild setting, excluding a badger, it was interesting to actually feel the difference in the texture of their coats.
There were several other interactive interpretive stations situated throughout the exhibit hall, I was also very interested to see what awaited outside the building. That in mind, I donned my gloves and my fleece beanie, zipped up my jacket, and struck out in the midst of the frigid temperatures.
Those who enjoy shooting their bow would likely appreciate the 3D archery range that is on-site. There was also yet another building that served as an indoor airgun and archery range.
The facility would not be complete without a designated trail system. However, very little, if any, of the property consists of a wooded environment. In turn, the dedicated ADA paths pretty much make their way through an open-field setting.
I’ll be the first to agree that such an environment is hardly exciting or scenic during the brunt of winter. However, I would suspect that a walk along the route would prove somewhat interesting during the spring, summer and fall.
In fact, one will likely be able to see a tallgrass prairie restoration project during the warmer months of the year. And I anticipate returning when the native plant gardens are making a showing during the spring.
Yep, the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center is a destination where I hope to visit again soon. It is a facility where one can learn of the importance of conservation, while getting better acquainted with the Ozarks and why many gravitate toward the northwestern section of Arkansas to enjoy a stint in the wonderful outdoors.
There are several routes leading to Springdale. However, I will share the route I find most enjoyable. From Hot Springs, take Highway 270 west for about 63 miles to Y-City and turn right onto Highway 71, toward Fort Smith.
Remain on Highway 71 for 55 miles and turn right onto I-540 north, toward Interstate 40. Go
12 miles and take Exit 1B onto
I-40 east, toward Little Rock. Travel 4.6 miles and take Exit
12, toward Fayetteville.
Go 51 miles and take Exit
73 onto Elm Springs Road. Go three-tenths of a mile and take a right onto Elm Springs Road. Travel three-tenths of a mile and turn left onto North 40th Street. Remain on 40th Street for 1.5 miles and the entrance to the destination will be on the left.