Discovering Nature at Our Natural Areas

Over the last 30 years, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) have worked together to conserve some of the most unique landscapes in Arkansas. Whether it’s a tree, flower, feather or fin, each Natural Area has a feature that makes it special and draws visitors.

Here are a few places TNC and ANHC have worked together to conserve for people to enjoy:

One of the newest and most popular places is Rattlesnake Ridge Natural Area. With over five miles of hiking and bicycling trails, two areas to rock climb, and a stocked pond for fishing, there is something for everyone here.

If birds and amphibians are more your speed, take a trip down I-530 to Lorance Creek Natural Area and stroll through the open oak-pine woodland to the boardwalk to experience the sights and sounds of a bald cypress and tupelo swamp.

If it’s rare species you love, look no further than Warren Prairie Natural Area. Home to Geocarpon minimum and the red-cockaded woodpecker, this landscape of saline barrens and woodlands require prescribed fire to thrive.

These Natural Areas each highlight an important part of Arkansas’s diverse ecosystems. But what might not be as obvious is the collaboration of partners these places represent. And while they are beautiful year-round, there is no better time than now to explore them!