ADOPT A PRESERVE
Protect the best of our natural spaces by adopting a public preserve in Northwest Arkansas! Your “adoption fee” provides annual support for ongoing conservation and stewardship of open space in our region. As honorary guardian of the preserve, you’ll receive public recognition for your support through social media, the NWALT website, annual report, annual gala, and recognition/logo on preserve kiosk (if available). You will also have the opportunity for a private guided tour with land trust staff to experience your impact firsthand. No duties for care or maintenance of the preserve is implied, but you are welcome to volunteer with us to help steward the preserve.
Available for Adoption
Wilson Springs Preserve, Fayetteville
This 121-acre prairie wetland is home to a species of greatest conservation need, the Arkansas Darter; a small fish species sheltered in the shallow streams of the preserve. Wilson Springs features almost 2 miles of hiking trails open to the public with unique art installations along the way. Nestled in the heart of Fayetteville, the wetland captures and filters stormwater runoff from approximately 900 acres before it reaches Clabber Creek. Clabber Creek is a tributary to the Illinois River and maintaining good water quality is essential for wildlife and people who rely on the Illinois River for drinking water. Click here to read more about Wilson Springs Preserve.
Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary, Tontitown
The Betty Hinshaw Bird sanctuary is a 25-acre remnant of oak barrens (savanna) habitat in Tontitown. The property was donated to the Land Trust by Ms. Betty in 2022 with support from her family to create a bird sanctuary. The site was part of Rocking Chair Ranch beginning in the 1950s where the family grazed cattle and grew hay. Because it was historically a type of grassland habitat, the Land Trust is restoring the sanctuary for the benefit of native grassland bird species.
Initial restoration began in late 2022 and is anticipated to be ongoing through 2026. Restoration activities include removal and control of invasive plant species, prescribed fire, and reintroduction of native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs.
There is an easy 1-mile walking trail around the perimeter of the sanctuary which takes visitors around the grassland and along Little Wildcat Creek. Visitors may access the sanctuary by driving around the pond and heading left down the gravel drive.
Click here to read more about Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary.
Steele-Stevens Heritage Park, Elm Springs
This pocket park in downtown Elm Springs is rich in history. The town's namesake spring flows from the spring house through the park, formerly home to an active Native American site, a Civil War training ground, and even a trout farm. As a heritage park, the site is used to educate present and future generations about the story of Elm Springs. This project helps preserve the heritage of Elm Springs, protects water quality, and provides a scenic park accessible to the people of Elm Springs. Click here to read more about Steele-Stevens Heritage Park.
Flint Creek Headwaters Preserve, Springtown
Just west of the Northwest Arkansas National Airport lies the small town of Springtown in Benton County. The 17-acre preserve surrounds the spring-fed Flint Creek, a tributary to the Illinois River. Wooded riparian habitat protects water quality by slowing runoff and preventing excessive streambank erosion, while also providing a home to a wide variety of plants and animals. Public access will open in Summer 2020 for quiet pedestrian and educational use, while ensuring the protection and proper stewardship of wildlife habitat on the property. Learn more about Flint Creek Headwaters Preserve here.
