When people ask me about my background in conservation, I tell them I’m new to nature. I grew up on the other side of the state in White County across a two-lane highway where my cousin farmed soybeans, rice, and winter wheat. My family hunted, fished, and spent lots of time outdoors, but not me. I spent most of my time in nature thinking of a long list of places I wish I could be instead - school, church, band rehearsal -somewhere, anywhere more exciting than a forest or farm.
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic something started to change, walks on the Razorback Greenway and through Fayetteville’s parks became the highlight of my days. Strolling through my neighborhood, I began to appreciate the everyday wonders of watching and waiting for flowers to bloom, the slow-motion explosion of fall colors in trees, and the sound of water making its way down Niokaska Creek. The world I had written off as boring as a kid, was suddenly vibrant and full of life.
Working at the Land Trust, I’ve grown in my love for nature and met so many folks in NWA’s community of conservation. People who are warm, welcoming, and passionate about protecting the water and land that sustain our home. Some folks have a lifetime love of the region’s abundant natural beauty and others are like me, seeing nature with fresh eyes for the first time.
One thing I am looking forward to the most in 2023 is building this community through the relaunch of NWALT’s Membership Program. Every month we will have opportunities to engage with nature and other people through volunteer events, hands on classes, and lectures from local experts covering all things outdoors.
You can become a NWALT member by making an annual $50 donation or by volunteering with the Land Trust. If you did either in 2022, your membership is active for all of 2023. Members will receive a monthly email announcing new programs, access to early registration, and the latest news of NWALT's work.
We kick off the year with three opportunities to connect with nature, see old friends, and meet new ones. You can learn more about January's membership events and register through the links below.