Central Arkansas Nature Center Highlights Downtown Little Rock Outdoors

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Kerry Kraus, travel writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

When looking for locations to explore nature in Arkansas, downtown Little Rock wouldn't be on the top of most people's list. In fact, it probably wouldn't make the list at all. That would be a mistake …a big mistake. Right in the middle of downtown Little Rock’s River Market District is the Witt Stephens Central Arkansas Nature Center, an environmental oasis amidst the Capital City’s bustle.

Tucked off President Clinton Avenue between the Arkansas Museum of Discovery and Clinton Foundation Store, the fourth Arkansas Game and Fish Commission center is a “one-stop shop showcasing the agency’s wildlife conservation efforts and other educational programs,” said director Neil Curry.

The nature centers, including locations in Pine Bluff, Jonesboro and Fort Smith, are the result of a poll taken by the Game and Fish Commission in 1996 when the 1/8th cent conservation tax was proposed. The majority of the Arkansans who responded asked for an “urban nature center,” Curry said. “The other centers are located on an average of 100 acres while this one has three acres inside Little Rock’s Riverfront Park,” Curry continued. The public obviously knew what they wanted. Since opening in December 2008, the one-year-old facility leads all other centers in summertime tourist attendance. Curry is proud of the fact that people from 30 to 40 foreign countries and all 50 states have visited during the past year.

The sustainable building was constructed with the hope it will be recertified in the future as an official LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) structure, according to Curry. Budget constraints forced some projects needed for the certification to be delayed. The building does have quite a few “green” features though. The design allows daylight to illuminate the interior spaces and all cardboard, aluminum, glass and paper are recycled. The addition of the center complements the existing Heifer International Headquarters and Clinton Presidential Library and Museum, offering visitors to downtown Little Rock an all-round green experience. The three locations are accessible by the River Rail Trolley.

The nature center won two design honors in December 2009 for Best Cultural Project and Best Public Architecture. McGraw Hill / South Central Construction in Memphis selected the Little Rock building out of the 124 nominated projects from six states. Criteria included solutions to challenges, project management, construction innovation, client service and safety.

Recently released stimulus funds are allowing the city to move forward on an approximately two-million dollar wetlands park just east of the nature center. Once completed, the park will expand the center’s outreach and will be used by staff for various programs.

A 10-minute multimedia high-definition presentation in The Natural State Theater is good introduction to the museum. According to Curry, “the purpose of the film is to show the public there is much more to the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission than just checking licenses.” Upon exiting the theater, visitors pass through a replica of a 1930-40s trappers cabin where touch-and-feel exhibits, including fur boards for stretching hides, depict how trapping was, and still is, a wildlife management tool.

A wall of watery living habitat displays covers the Ozark Plateau, Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas River, Coastal Plain, Mississippi River Delta and Delta Country/Big Woods. In the Ozarks, waterfalls and a series of springs provide a home for local fish species. While perusing the exhibit, the common sounds of the area, including elk bugling, turkeys gobbling, and squirrels barking, accompanied by calls of whip-poor-wills and wood thrushes are heard. The geological oddity of the Ouachitas, one of the few east-west mountain ranges in North America, is depicted by different kinds of indigenous trees and a rock-lined stream highlight this region. Examples of the larger fish species found in the Arkansas River are housed in a sizeable moving water aquarium. Cypress tree knees and bases replicate an Arkansas swamp and bayou setting. A huge felled tree plus large fish, turtles, ducks and geese, along with the region’s natural sounds of Chuck-will’s-widows and frogs, introduces visitors to the bottomland forest region of the Mississippi River Delta. A massive three-dimensional exhibit with a mural interprets the Big Woods Conservation Area in eastern Arkansas.

A very large fishing lures collection highlights the south wall. Items in the grouping range from the early 1900s to the 1960s. A walking cane owned by the late Rollie Remmel is here as well. Remmel, an ardent spokesperson for waterfowl and wetlands conservation, was known for his array of eclectic canes. According to Curry, the theme of the exhibit is how one person can make a difference for wildlife conservation.

“Settling the Wilderness 1803-1819,” “Becoming the Bear State 1820-1836,” and “End of the Frontier 1837-1840” are the themes for one side of standing displays. The story of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s three major divisions -- law enforcement, wildlife management and fisheries -- are on the reverse side.

In addition there is a watchable wildlife area that allows visitors views of the Arkansas River and the possibility of seeing some of 90 documented species of birds found on the Arkansas River Trail between the center and the Clinton Presidential Library. There is also a 10-foot-by-12-foot interactive Arkansas map station highlighting the state’s six natural regions, along with three-dimensional pieces of art, photos and art panels.

Programs for all ages such as birding photography and duck calling workshops dot the calendar. Field trips for school children and adults, a monthly evening lecture series and hunter and boater education classes are also offered.

Future plans call for developing more of the Arkansas River bank for public access with additional boardwalks. This link to the river adds yet another dimension to the center’s mission.

Admission to the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center, which is located at 602 President Clinton Avenue, is free. Visit www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com for more information on the programs and opportunities offered by center or call 501-907-0636.

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Submitted by the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism

One Capitol Mall, Little Rock, AR 72201, 501-682-7606

E-mail: info@arkansas.com

May be used without permission. Credit line is appreciated:

"Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism"