Hike Crystal Bridges and beyond
The Ozark Society Sugar Creek chapter will host a 4-mile hike in Bentonville at 10 a.m. Wednesday. The hike is easy with slight elevation changes through Compton Gardens and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. Meet at Compton Gardens, 312 N. Main St. in Bentonville, near the Group of Bears sculpture.
Children must be accompanied by a guardian. Bring water, snacks and wear sturdy walking shoes. Participants are required to sign a waiver. All are welcome. Email [email protected] for information.
Bella Vista on foot
Hill 'n Dale Hiking Club will hike Looking Glass, Sally, Rabbit Hole and Mighty Pine trails in Bella Vista on Wednesday. Hike distance is five miles with an option for a 2- mile hike. Interested hikers should email [email protected] for more details.
Circle Lake Alma
A 5-mile family hike is set for 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at the Lake Alma trail at Lake Alma City Park, on North Mountaingrove Road in Alma. The J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale is hosting the hike. Register at register-ed.com or call the center at (833) 356-0847.
Lakes get boost of trout
Lakes and ponds were stocked Dec. 16 with trout by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for winter fishing. They're stocked periodically through February to ensure good fishing. Lakes include Lake Atalanta in Rogers, Lake Bentonville, Lake Springdale, Murphy Park pond in Springdale, Shaw Family Park pond in Springdale, Van Buren Municipal Pond in Van Buren and also Carol Ann Cross Pond, Torraine Lake and Wells Lake, all in Fort Smith.
Trout tackle provided
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host a trout fishing event from 2 to 4 p.m. Jan. 18 at Lake Springdale. Game and Fish will provide fishing gear and educators will be available to assist people with fishing. Anglers 16 and older need an Arkansas fishing license and trout permit. Register at agfc.com or call the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale, (833) 356-0847.
Trails open at Hobbs
More trails have opened as Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area continues to recover from tornadoes May 26 that sent some 2,500 trees falling across the park's 54-mile trail network.
Open trails are Shaddox Hollow (1.5 miles), Bashore Ridge Loop (3 miles), Dutton Hollow Loop (3 miles) Historic Van Winkle (0.5 miles), Sinking Stream (0.5 miles), Ozark Plateau Loop (0.75 miles), Dry Creek Loop of the Pigeon Roost Trail (4.1 miles). Call the visitor center at (479) 789-5000 for more information.
Grants fund youth projects
The Ozark Society is accepting applications for Youth Engagement Grants from nonprofit organizations and schools with projects that take place in the region. Projects must involve school-aged youth in hands-on conservation activities or environmental engagement. Applications for up to $3,000 will be accepted until Jan. 31.
For the application form and additional information, visit www.ozarksociety.net and select Ozark Society Awards, Grants, Scholarships.
Cruise Arkansas River
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center will host pontoon boat trips on the Arkansas River from 10 a.m. to noon Jan. 8-9. The Jan. 8 trip focuses on nature along the river. Emphasis Jan. 9 is conservation. Trips start at Trimble Lock and Dam No. 13 at Barling. Register at register-ed.com or call (501) 710-6285 for registration information.