With area school’s upcoming spring break, parents are already making plans to combat spring break boredom.
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center offers recreational and educational programming for people of all ages. Along with daily, weekly and monthly events, the center offers specialized programs suitable for any nature enthusiast. One of many fun and informative sessions is sure to interest you.
Refer to this schedule when you plan your next trip to the nature center. One of their many fun and informative sessions are sure to interest you.
Regularly Scheduled Programs
Daily 2 p.m. Critter Crunch Animal Feeding
Friday snake feeding
Saturday fish feeding in the large aquarium
*For the rest of the week, stop by to see which surprise critter is having lunch.
Weekly
Friday – 3:45 p.m. Nature Break – Join the nature center staff for a 30-minute nature activity for 3- to 7-year-olds.
Saturday – 10 a.m.
Guided Hike – A member of the education staff will lead a hike. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your camera.
Saturday – noon-2 p.m.
Canoe/Kayak Program – Staff members will assist boaters on Wells Lake. A parent or guardian must accompany children. Participants are required to wear life jackets, which are provided. This activity is weather-permitting and will not be available December-February. (Canoe and kayak check-outs, on your own, are available Tuesday-Thursday during summer, from 8:30 until 3 p.m.)
Saturday – 3 p.m.
Laser Shot – Think you’re a deadeye? Sharpen your hunting skills with a computer program similar to a video game, complete with laser gun. This activity is dependent on the availability of the multipurpose room.
Sunday – 2:30 p.m.
Archery – A beginner’s guide to archery. We provide bows, arrows, safety tips and instruction.
They offer many special events, workshops, and special programs as well. Please go to their calendar for more information.
Available for Check-out
Binoculars – Daily until 3 p.m.
Hiking Bags – Daily until 3 p.m.
Canoe/Kayaks – Tuesday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Loaner Tackle – Daily until 3 p.m.
Take a Hike
The center has six different trails, each having a unique theme or focus. The two most popular right now are the Field and Forest Trail and the Oak Savannah Trail. Click on the links below for scripts that include detailed educational information for each of these two trails. Allow 45 minutes for each hike.
Signs of Wildlife Outdoor Scavenger Hunt
Print and make copies of the scavenger hunt list, and bring them out to the nature center with you on your visit. They recommend an hour for the scavenger hunt. This scavenger hunt is suitable for most grade levels.
Exhibit Hall Indoor Scavenger Hunt
Print and make copies of the exhibit scavenger hunt, and bring them out to the nature center with you on your visit. The education staff has created two scavenger hunts. One is a simple search and find the animal hunt for younger students, and the other is a more detailed hunt for older students to look for information about the Arkansas River Valley. Allow one hour for this hunt.
