Hobbs Park celebrates Aldo Leopold with activities

Saturday, March 7, will be a full day of fun-filled activities as Hobbs State Park celebrates the life and extraordinary career of Aldo Leopold with downto-earth family activities. Leopold is the author of “A Sand County Almanac.”

The book has had an immensely popular impact nation-wide and has been described as “a major influence on American attitudes toward our natural environment.”

Leopold, considered by many as the “Father of Wildlife Ecology,” remains relevant today, inspiring projects all over the country that connect people and land. There is no cost, and the public is encouraged to come out for the celebration.

Activities begin at the visitor center Saturday, March 7, as follows:

9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.: Birds & Breakfast — See live birds captured in the Park by University of Arkansas ornithologists, tagged and then released. Bring your camera.

10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Making a Nature Journal & Bluebird Tabletop Booths — Volunteers will help you make a nature journal of your own to record personal observations of nature.

11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Black Bear Hike — Black bears were once so plentiful in Arkansas that our state was unofficially known as “The Bear State.” Join Park Interpreter Kiara on a short hike along the Ozark Plateau Trail to learn about the history, current status and other facts about this mammal.

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.: Shaddox Hollow Trail Hike — Join Park Interpreter Chris on this 1.5-mile, moderately difficult loop through the hills of Shaddox Hollow. Meet at Shaddox Hollow Trailhead on Highway 303, one mile north of Highway 12. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water.

1:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.: Pooch Prowl — Bring your furry friend to the Park as we hike along the Ozark Plateau Trail. All dogs must be on a leash.

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.: Screening of “Green Fire” — Join us for this film about the conservationist and author of “A Sand County

Almanac,” Aldo Leopold. Information: 479-789-5000.