Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center

8300 Wells Lake Road (southeast of Fort Smith, near Barling)

Kiwanas Club Fishing Weekend and National Trails Day
June 7 from 9am - 3pm

Activities include a fishing derby (9 - 11am), a guided hike (9am), canoeing, kayaking, archery and BB shooting from 10am – 1pm. The Fort Smith Bass Club will host a casting contest from 9am – 1pm and kids get a chance to see a pet wildcat from 10am – 1pm. ECCO Partners, a local conservation group, will be on-hand 10am – 1pm. A fish feeding will be at 2pm and laser shooting will be at 3pm.

Night Hike Owl Prowl

June 13 at dusk

Search for night creatures on easy stroll along Wells Lake and Beaver Creek (handicapped accessible) Trail. Led by a member of the education staff. Bring a flashlight.

Boater Education

June 17 and 19 from 6 – 9pm

The Arkansas Boating Education Course teaches the fundamentals of safe, responsible boating. Take the class, pass the test and enjoy smooth sailing. Both classes required.

Star Party

July 11 at dusk

This evening dedicated to viewing the Great Red Planet through telescopes. Arkansas Oklahoma Astronomical Society hosts this starry event dedicated to Jupiter, which, weather permitting, should be visible. Viewing on the north side of Wells Lake.

Crayfish Program

July 12 at 1pm

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s fisheries biologist Brian Wagner gives a seminar on crayfish diversity and biology. Live crayfish exhibits feature 10-15 different species.

Fly-Tying Hands-On Seminar

July 15 at 7pm

Discover fly-tying tips guaranteed to fool the smartest fish. Learn basic principles to creat your own woolly bugger.

Back-to-School Nature Bash

Aug 8 at 7pm

An evening of nature adventure. Hands-on stations and mini scavenger hunts inside the nature center. Prizes, too.

Fish Arkansas

Aug 19 at 7pm

Presentation on where to fish in Arkansas and what species are available.