Ponca Nature Center

Ponca Nature Center Education about Arkansas' elk and other wildlife populations, interactive exhibit room, and more! Dawn and dusk are the best times for viewing.

The Ponca Nature Center opened its doors in 2002 as part of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission in an effort to provide public education about the sizable elk herd that lives here in the Buffalo River area. Admission to all AGFC nature centers is free thanks to the 1/8th-cent Conservation Sales Tax. The center features a fun, interactive exhibit room, gift shop, visitor information, a wraparound

deck overlooking Ponca creek, picnic tables and a pavilion, and meeting space. The facility is available for group programs scheduled in advance, as well. The Ponca Nature Center is situated conveniently off of Highway 43 in Ponca, Arkansas. Elk are frequently seen year-round grazing in the grassy fields along Highways 43 and 21 South in Boxley Valley.

06/21/2026
06/20/2026

We are so happy to announce that Norfork High School has earned the designation as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership! Additionally we were awarded $1,000 to be spent on outdoor education equipment to support continued implementation of conservation education. Thank you to all the teachers and staff who helped us earn this designation!

06/20/2026

🎣 The 2026-27 fishing guidebook, with changes effective July 1, will soon be available at sporting goods stores and license vendors across the state.
Download your own advance copy at https://bit.ly/4aak3Wq and stay informed on the water this summer.

06/19/2026
06/19/2026

06/19/2026

🌿🏆 Big News for Our Preschool Team! 🏆🌿

Congratulations to the Izard County Consolidated STEM Pre-K for earning designation as an Arkansas Game and Fish Commission School of Conservation Leadership!

Out of 65 schools participating in the program this year, only 31 schools statewide received this prestigious recognition. This designation honors schools that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to conservation education, outdoor learning, and helping students develop a lifelong appreciation for Arkansas’s natural resources.

In addition to this recognition, our preschool has been awarded $1,000 in outdoor education equipment to continue expanding hands-on learning opportunities for our youngest Cougars.

We are incredibly proud of our preschool staff and students as well as STEM Coordinator Courtney Selph for their dedication to learning, exploring, and caring for the world around them. Their efforts are helping build the next generation of conservationists!

🌿🐾 Way to go, Preschool Team! 🐾🌿

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Applications will be accepted through July 10!
06/17/2026

Applications will be accepted through July 10!

🌿 WANTED: Nature Lovers, Critter Keepers, and Eco-Educators! 🐢✨

Are you passionate about conservation? Do you love connecting with people and exploring the great outdoors? The Ponca Nature Center is looking for a dynamic part-time team member to join our crew in one of the most beautiful parts of the state!

We are looking for someone to:
-Inspire the Next Generation: Lead fun, engaging activities for visiting school groups
-Be the Face of Ponca: Welcome and chat with our awesome visitors, organize our gift shop, and sell hunting/fishing licenses
-Animal Care: Roll up your sleeves and help keep our ambassador animal enclosures clean and happy (home to some very cool, non-venomous snakes, turtles, and fish!)

This is perfect for you if:
✔️ You love the outdoors
✔️ You’re enthusiastic, friendly, and great with kids
✔️ You don't mind getting your hands a little dirty for a great cause

📍 Location: Ponca Nature Center
💼 Position: Part-Time

Apply now at: https://jobs.agfc.com/postings/posting/3683/

06/17/2026
We had some fishing fun with Summer Celebration kiddos in Mountain Home yesterday!
06/17/2026

We had some fishing fun with Summer Celebration kiddos in Mountain Home yesterday!

Address

4642 AR 43 Highway
Ponca, AR
72670

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10am - 4:30pm
Thursday 10am - 4:30pm
Friday 10am - 4:30pm
Saturday 10am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+15017106347

Website

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