FAYETTEVILLE, AR (Oct. 27, 2022) -The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust (NWALT) announced they would bestow the first Arkansas Conservation Legend Award to Frank Sharp, known for his tireless efforts to protect the natural beauty of Northwest Arkansas and his commitment to the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. The award will be presented during the Trust’s Acre by Acre fundraiser at the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse, 1725 Smokehouse Trail, Fayetteville, AR, from 6:00–9:00 p.m. This is the first year of this annual outreach and fundraising event focused on honoring people who are making a true difference in protecting the land, water, and wildlife that helps make Northwest Arkansas such a special place to call home. Click here to purchase individual tickets and table sponsorships
“The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust and our community owe Frank Sharp so much for his philanthropy and his unwavering dedication to protecting natural resources throughout our region,” said Grady Spann, NWALT Executive Director, and CEO.
Sharp is well known throughout the community for his conservation efforts, most notably in 2010 as the driving force to secure an additional 350 acres that nearly tripled the size of the Kessler Mountain Regional Park. During the event, he will be honored for his dedication to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, along with his tireless efforts throughout the community at large. His commitment to the Trust goes back to its infancy, when Sharp generously offered the non-profit the use of the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse, rent-free, for their offices. The smokehouse was built in 1976 by Sharp for his family business selling quality smoked meats. According to Spann, “Frank’s generous donation of space inside the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse to the Land Trust allows us to invest more in the important programs we provide and save more land."
Over the years, Sharp has made numerous improvements to the smokehouse to benefit NWALT’s mission to educate the public about land conservation, including the addition of the Kessler Mountain Nature Center, which hosts students from elementary school to college. He has expanded the property to include a ¾ mile nature trail, larger public restrooms and an outdoor pizza oven for day-long hikes and events.
This casual gathering will include food from Wright’s BBQ, beer from Fossil Cove Brewing Company, music from a string duet at the University of Arkansas Department of Music, and a tour of the property. All proceeds will go toward the mission of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.