Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter, Northwest Arkansas, AR (2026)

04/03/2026

Ozark Society Highlands Chapter FIRST TUESDAY-FOSSIL COVE-5PM-SIT WITH the Ozark Society.

When: April 7, 2026 Drop-in starting at 5:00pm
Where: Fossil Cove Brewing Co.
1946 N Birch Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72703

No meeting, no exact time to arrive or depart. Just drop in to chat and say hello. Talk about books, travels, trails, the weather, the world, who knows. I’m personally looking forward to a wood-fired, pesto veggie pizza, but that’s another subject. Everyone is Welcome!

04/02/2026

This Hike has been reschedule for Saturday, May 9, 2026 due to rain and questionable stream crossings.

Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter Day Hike

Day, Date: April 4, 2026

Name of Hike: stroll along King's River

Location: Heritage Commission area along King's River, southern Madison County

Hiking Distance: 2 1/2 miles

Elevation Gain: minimal

Rating: pretty easy, 3 river crossings

Features: A unique area, walking on an old road trace along the King's River

For Additional Information Contact: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time: Meet in Harp's parking lot in Huntsville at 9:15 or at the King's River Falls Trailhead at 10:00

Comment: Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes. Hiking poles may be helpful. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

03/24/2026

This Hike has been rescheduled for Saturday, 4/11/26
Ozark Society Family Friendly Hike

OS leader invites all interested folks (all ages) to our next Family Friendly Hike at Wilson Springs Preserve on Saturday, April 11. 2026 at 9:00 AM.

County: Washington
Size: 121 Acres
Date Conserved: 2012
Trail Miles: 2, easy
Open to the Public but closed February through March each year
Highway 112 and N. Shiloh Dr in Fayetteville, AR (Sam’s Club Parking Lot)

Wilson Springs Preserve is a 121-acre wet prairie remnant in north Fayetteville. Part of a historic 1600-acre prairie which is now mostly developed, the preserve is the largest permanently protected prairie remnant in Fayetteville and one of the largest wetland habitats in the region.

Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has worked since 2013 to restore the preserve to a more historic state, opening tree canopy, removing invasive plant species, and fostering native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. The preserve is home to one of the rarest fish species in the state, the Arkansas Darter, which was first discovered in the state in 1979 in a spring on adjacent property. The preserve is named for Steve Wilson, the biologist who first discovered the fish there.

There are approximately 2 miles of walking trails. Because of its unique habitat types, the preserve is very wet during early spring and is closed February through March each year. The trails take visitors through a matrix of habitat types including oak savanna, tallgrass prairie, and wetlands.

Because of the sensitivity of these habitats, no dogs are allowed in the preserve. Visitors may park at Sam’s Club and access the main trail head on the south side of the parking lot.
Things to Observe

Birds- Wilson Springs has nearly 200 species of birds and is a top 10 Washington County Hotspot on eBird. Spring migration is fantastic, and thousands of ducks and waterfowl arrive in December each year.
Native plants- There are more than 300 species of native plants. Spring is a great time for ephemerals in the savanna along Hardimero and Savanna Loop trails. Late summer is an excellent time to see milkweeds in bloom and acres of blooming bidens, wingstem, and ironweed.
Wildlife- Wilson Springs Preserve is home to beavers, otters, raccoons, bobcats, and white-tail deer.
Artwork- Wilson Springs Preserve has 4 permanent art installations created and installed by local artists which highlight different aspects of the preserve.

Come to the Sam's Club Parking lot and stay left along the south side until you see the trail head sign...or a group of hikers.

Meet at the trailhead at 9:00 for a short 1-1.5 hour hike.
Public Access Trail Head at 3081 N, AR-112, Fayetteville, AR 72704

03/21/2026

Wednesday, 3/25/26 Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter: Fort Smith Urban History and Art Hike

Outlaws, brothels, the hanging Judge Parker, sharp-shooter Marshall Bass Reeves, the Civil War, the Trail of Tears, and the Wild West!

Join us, as we explore Fort Smith’s rich frontier history, and view its impressive present-day mural paintings.

We will start the historic part of the hike at the Riverfront Amphitheater. From there we will quickly enter the trail along the Arkansas River. After hiking through Belle Point, the site of the 1st Fort Smith, we will proceed to the grounds of the 2nd Fort Smith. Before lunch we will view some of the 35 murals that make up the Unexpected Project. Lunch suggestions will be announced at the beginning of the hike. After lunch you are on your own to take advantage of some informative museums and exhibits. See suggestions below.

Day, Date: Wednesday, 3/25/26
Name of Hike: Fort Smith History and Art Urban Hike
Location: Downtown Fort Smith
Type of Hike: Paved Trails and Sidewalks
Hike Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: negligible
Rating: Easy

Features: This hike will follow the Riverfront Trail along the Arkansas River, as it leads to Belle Point, the site of the original Fort (1817-1824) and later the Shanty town, Coke Hill (1890s to 1958.) We’ll then hike the grounds of the 2nd Fort (1838-1871), featuring the courthouse, commissary, and gallows made famous by Judge Parker (1875-1896.) The second part of the hike will feature some of the 35 murals displayed in downtown Fort Smith.

For Additional Information: [email protected]
Meeting Place and Time: (From Fayetteville) Meet at 9:00am on the Northeast corner of the Wal-Mart Superstore parking lot on Martin Luther King BLVD in Fayetteville AR. (From Fort Smith) Meet at 10:05am at the Riverfront Amphitheater parking lot, 121 Riverfront Dr, Fort Smith.

Comments: Bring plenty of water, snacks, rain gear if necessary, and wear comfortable hiking boots/shoes. If bringing hiking poles, they should have plastic tips for pavement. No pets are allowed on any Ozark Society hikes. Children under 12 years are discouraged and minors must be accompanied. by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a Liability Release sheet at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OS, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

Miss Laura’s Brothel Museum (2 N B St.): (479) 788-6532:
Wednesday 11:00 to 4:00 $11.00
The U.S. Marshals Museum (789 Riverfront Drive): (479) 242-1789
Wednesday 9:00 to 5:00 Adults $15.00, Seniors $13.00, Students $10.00, Under 5 free
Fort Smith Museum of History (320 Rogers Ave.): (479) 783-7841
Wednesday 10:00 to 4:00 $10.00
Fort Smith National Historic Site (301 Parker Ave.): (479) 783-3961
Wednesday 9:00 to 5:00

03/18/2026

Highlands Chapter Trail Maintenance Outing

Name of Outing: Trail Maintenance on the Buffalo River Trail Boxley Valley

Day/Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026

Location: Boxley Trailhead at Buffalo River Trail Mile 0

Working Distance: About 2 miles

Elevation Gain: Yes

Rating: Moderate

Description: Maintenance will be in the Boxley Valley segment of the BRT. The plan will be to meet at the Boxley trailhead at 10:00 AM and shuttle most people to a drop-off point to work upriver about tw0 (2) miles back to the trail head. The other people will work from Boxley downriver, doing some tread repair and brush removal. We might need to wade Smith Creek right at the trail head so participants should come prepared for that. We will have a very limited
number of loppers available to borrow so best to bring your own.
Contact information: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time:

Meet at 10:00 am at the Boxley Trailhead (Mile 0 of the Buffalo River Trail)
For Google Map to Trailhead see: Upper Buffalo Wilderness Trailhead – Google Maps

Comment: Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes. Hiking poles may be helpful. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

03/09/2026

Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter Day Hike

Saturday, 3/14/26: Lake Alma, McWater Trail
Alma Arkansas

McWater Trail is a foot traffic only trail. It has a rockier tread than
the newer multi-purpose Lake Alma Trail. McWater trail merges in and out of the Lake Alma Trail, as it wraps around Lake Alma. We will take the Waterfall Trail, which is accessed from the McWater Trail, to the base of McWater Falls.

Day, Date: Saturday, 3/14/26
Name of Hike: Lake Alma, McWater Trail
Location: Lake Alma, Alma Arkansas
Type of Hike: Trail only
Hike Distance: 4.4 miles
Elevation Gain: 351ft.
Rating: Moderate

Features: Bluff lines, small cascading waterfalls and moss-covered boulders are visible all along the trail. Prepare for a stream crossing or two. This trail is situated in a shady hardwood forest, giving hikers a chance to see wildlife such as rabbits, foxes, or deer. There is an abandoned settler home site with a preserved brick fireplace and other remnants of a past settlement. And about 20 minutes into the hike, we will see the McWater Falls.

For Additional Information Contact: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time: (From Fayetteville) Meet at 9:00am on the Northeast corner of the WalMart Superstore parking lot on Martin Luther King BLVD in Fayetteville AR. Or meet at 9:50am at the Lake Alma Trail Head.

Comments: Bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, rain gear if necessary, and wear comfortable hiking boots/shoes. Prepare for stream crossings. No pets are allowed on any Ozark Society hikes. Children under 12 years are discouraged and minors must be accompanied. by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a Liability Release sheet at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OS, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

03/05/2026

This Sunday, March 8, 2026, Kay Amos and Duane Curty will lead a hike in Springdale at Fitzgerald Mountain. Please see details below.

Mt Fitzgerald Trailhead @ Bayyari Park

Day/Date:: Sunday, March 8, 2026

Name of Hike: Fitzgerald Mountain

Location: Springdale, Arkansas
Hiking Distance: 4-5 miles on multi-use trail

Elevation Gain: 236'

Rating: easy

Features: Coyote Cave

For Additional Information Contact: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time: 9:30 am at Mt Fitzgerald Mountain Bike Trails Trailhead

02/24/2026

Ozark Society Highlands Chapter: Family Friendly Hike, Rock City on Kessler Mtn
Day/Date: Saturday, February 28, 2026
Name of Hike: Family Friendly Hike | Rock City (northern portion of) Mt. Kessler
Meeting Place and Time: Saturday, February 28, 2026
• Meet at 9:00 am the west end of the parking lot at the Ozark Mountain Smokehouse just off MLK Boulevard in Fayetteville Arkansas at 1725 Smoke House Trail
• For Google Map to Smokehouse see: Ozark Mountain Smokehouse – Google Maps
Hiking Distance: 2-3 miles, should be done well before noon
Rating: Easy to moderate
Features: Rock formations, challenge trails, and overlooks. Note that we will be hiking the ONSC interpretive trail before we get to the private entrance to Rock City. Kessler Mountain reaches 1,856 feet above sea level. The area consists of steep bluffs and rock-covered woodlands with miles of nature trails that traverse through stands of old-growth forest, rock outcroppings and many native flora and fauna species. The area presents approximately 376 acres of undeveloped land. We will be hiking the north end of Mt. Kessler.
Hike Leader: Shari Withey
Telephone and Email: 479-442-6511 and/or [email protected]

02/24/2026

Please Read the Meeting information as it has been altered.

2/28/26 Ozark Society, Trail Maintenance on the OHT

Day, Date: Saturday, February.28, 2026
Name of Hike: Ozarks Highlands Trail Maintenance, Railroad Cut-Fane Creek
Type of Hike: Workday/Hike
Distance: Moderate
Rating: Moderate hike/moderate overgrowth and brush clearing
Features: This is our Saturday to keep one section of trail open and clear. We will be
working the Ozark Highlands Trail from the railroad cut midway between Ragtown Rd and Fane Creek, going both east and west to remove brush, briars, saplings and other vegetation that may encroach on the trail. Afterward, we’ll enjoy the usual after- hike social and snack time. This is a great way to make a positive difference while enjoying the outdoors and hanging out with other hikers.

For Additional Information Contact: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time: For carpooling, meet at MANA South at the Fayetteville intersection of Crossover Rd (265) and Huntsville Rd (Hwy 16) for an 8:45 departure. Or at 9:45 at the parking area on the corner of Hwy 23 and Hwy 215. Redding campground is on Hwy 215 and there will be signs on Hwy 23 to that effect. We will meet there to consolidate vehicles. The road to the railroad cut is rough in some spots, a high clearance vehicle is recommended.

Bring loppers, limb saws or other tools you think might be useful for trimming back weeds and small saplings. A string trimmer will be provided. Bring gloves and bug spray, wear sturdy boots/shoes and work clothes.
Comment: Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes. Hiking poles may be helpful. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

02/15/2026

Should this letter be a concern to Arkansans?
Thank you to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette for publishing.
---------

DOING THE RIGHT THING

Democrat-Gazette15 Feb 2026

I’d like to express appreciation to Tyson Foods for reaching a settlement to protect Oklahoma’s Illinois Scenic River. “Doing the right thing” is what great companies do.

Congratulations to the growers. It appears that your contracts will be allowed to continue. It was inappropriate that you were used as pawns in negotiations.

Thank you to the Save the Illinois River organization (STIR) for tirelessly advocating for your river. You certainly deserve the win.

A big thank you to Judge Gregory Frizzell of the Northern District of Oklahoma for clearly outlining the effects of phosphorus buildup over time and why the current limitations on litter application near the Illinois are ineffective.

And special thanks to Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and others who placed enough value on an Oklahoma tourism treasure to fight for it for 20-plus years.

But wait; there is a lesson here for those of us in Arkansas. Even though litter application limits were, in the end, ineffective, at least they existed around the Illinois, a small concession by Arkansas legislators to Oklahoma. These limits, though flawed, do not even exist in the rest of Arkansas, meaning that our precious scenic rivers, the Mulberry, the Piney, the Buffalo, and the Cossatot, have no protections at all. And very limited (almost zero) monitoring. These scenic watersheds are the driving force behind Arkansas’ burgeoning tourism industry. Can’t we at least do as well as Oklahoma?
Arkansas legislators: You need to address this.

BRIAN THOMPSON
Fayetteville Brian Thompson is president of The Ozark Society.

02/11/2026

2/14/26 Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter Day Hike: King's River Falls Loop
Day, Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Name of Hike: King's River Falls loop
Location: Southern Madison County, Heritage Commission area
Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: minimal
Rating: mostly easy
Features: the Heritage Commission is making a new trail in this area, Evan will take hikers on a loop hike that will encompass the new and the old trails.

For Additional Information Contact: [email protected]

Meeting Place and Time: Meet at Harp's parking lot in Huntsville near the highway at 9:00AM. Evan will lead drivers to the parking area from there.
Comment: Bring water, snack, lunch, rain gear, gloves, and wear hiking boots/shoes. Hiking poles may be helpful. No pets are allowed on any hikes, and children under 12 years are discouraged and must be accompanied by a guardian. Participants are required to sign a liability release at the trailhead to take part in any Ozark Society outing. Everyone is welcome to hike with the OSHC, whether an Ozark Society member or not.

02/06/2026

🍂 🍂
We are incredibly grateful to our friends at The Ozark Society for awarding us the Ozark Society Youth Engagement Grant!

Thanks to their support, we were able to purchase additional radio telemetry equipment that students and campers now use in our radio tracking class. During this hands-on experience, participants learn how to use real wildlife research tools before heading out on our campus and trails to try to locate one of the many three-toed box turtles involved in our ongoing research.

This grant helps make science come alive for young learners and gives them a meaningful connection to conservation right here in the Ozarks. Thank you, Ozark Society, for investing in youth, education, and our native wildlife! 🐢💚

Ozark Society, Highlands Chapter

04/03/2026

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