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.
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.
West Side Prairie, Fayetteville
Working with the city of Fayetteville, the Land Trust successfully conserved 40 acres of virgin tallgrass prairie adjacent to the newly constructed solar installation that powers the West Side Wastewater Treatment Facility. Recent botanical surveys of the property have identified more than 200 native plant species, providing habitat for pollinators and other wildlife. Plans for public access include a walking trail through the land where residents can enjoy birding and rare native plants. Read more about this collaborative conservation project here.
