Entries for the 'The Nature Center' Category

• Saturday, May 23, 1 p.m.
Snakes with Kelly Irwin – meet the herpetologist from the AGFC for an educational tour of Arkansas’s famous snakes.

• Saturday, June 27, 1 p.m.
Crayfish with Brian Wagner – join a local fisheries expert for a seminar on crayfish
diversity and biology. You will see 10 - 15 species of crayfish and a PowerPoint
presentation.

• Saturday, July 18, 1 p.m.
Mussels with Bill Posey - Mussel man Bill Posey will present an educational PowerPoint presentation and display of Arkansas mussels. The program is free for all ages and will cover the life cycle and uses of Arkansas’s native mussels.

Special Programming
Thursday, June 11-Friday, August 14

• Thursdays, 10 a.m.-noon
Canoes/Kayaks – Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. It’s a great
family activity. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are
required to wear a life jacket, which will be provided. This activity is weather-permitting.

• Thursdays, 1 p.m.
Laser Shot – Think you’re a “deadeye?” Sharpen your hunting skills using a computer program similar to a video game, complete with laser gun. This activity is dependent upon the availability of the Multipurpose Room.

• Fridays, 9 a.m.
Fishing – Join a member of the education staff at Wells Lake for a few fishing tips, and see who can catch the big one. Rod, reel, tackle and bait will be supplied.

• Fridays, 1 p.m.
Archery – Everyone is encouraged to take part in this beginner’s guide to archery. We provide the bows and arrows, safety and instruction.

Second Friday, Sunset
Family Fun Night – Family-friendly programs taking place out and about in nature at sunset. Bring adequate clothing, snacks, a flashlight and maybe a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, depending on the activity.

• May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Evening Explorations – Looking for ideas outside after dark? Join a member of the
education staff to play a few games, and participate in several night-hiking/campfire
activities sure to entertain all ages. Bring a flashlight and a willingness to have fun.

• June 12, 8 p.m.
Star Party – The north side of Wells Lake on the nature center grounds will be transformed into an outdoor observatory. The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will host an evening devoted to the night sky.

• July 10, 8 p.m.
Owl Prowl and Night Hike – Join a member of the education staff for an easy stroll along Wells Lake and the Beaver Creek Trail. We’ll search for owls and try to call a few. Please bring a flashlight for the walk back.

• August 14, 6:30 p.m.
Back to School Bash – Are you ready to go back to school? Youth of all ages are invited to join the education staff for an evening of scavenger hunts and special back-to-school art projects. Everyone gets to take home something.

• August 14, 7:30 p.m.
Star Party – The north side of Wells Lake on the nature center grounds will be transformed into an outdoor observatory. The Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society will host an evening devoted to the night sky.

Third Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Outdoor Experiences – Designed to sharpen your outdoor skills and interest in hunting, fishing, wildlife management and more.

• May 19
Crappie Fishing Seminar – Keith Sutton, author of “The Crappie Book: Basics and
Beyond,” will share tips for catching slab crappie.

• June 16 and 18 (6 p.m.-9 p.m.)
Boater Education – The Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches fundamentals of safe and responsible boating. Take the class and pass the test. Both evenings required.

• July 21
Native Fish Aquarium Care – Learn tips of the trade for keeping a native fish in an aquarium. We’ll even give away a fish tank at the program.

• August 18
Building the Perfect Birdhouse – Take home your birdhouse just in time to put it up
for spring nesting season. Materials included. Classroom space is limited and registration required. Call (479) 452-3993 to reserve a spot.

Wednesday, 9:30 a.m.
Story Time – Pack up the little ones for some nature adventure. Preschool and elementary stories are read by our staff or volunteers.

Saturday, 9 a.m.
Guided Hike – A member of the education staff will lead a hike along one of many trails. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your camera.

Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon
Canoe/Kayak Program – Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. It’s a great family activity. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants must wear life jackets, which will be provided. This activity is weather-permitting.

Saturday, 3 p.m.
Laser Shot – Think you’re a deadeye? Sharpen your hunting skills using a computer program like a video game, complete with laser gun. This activity is dependent on the availability of the Multipurpose Room.

Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
On Target Archery – Everyone is encouraged to take part in this beginner’s guide to archery.

2 p.m. “Critter Crunch” Animal Feeding

Friday:             snake feeding
Saturday:        fish feeding in the large aquarium

For the rest of the week, stop by and see which surprise critter is having lunch.