April 23rd 2011 (Saturday)  9:30 AM

Mike Oglesby and Lee Cowan invite Arkansas Native Plant Society members to tour their property nestled in a valley in the Boston Mountains in southwestern Stone County at the confluence of Meadow Creek and the Middle Fork of the Little Red River.  Attendees will see Mike and Lee’s home vineyard, Meadow Creek Vineyard, on a terrace of Meadow Creek, overlooked by steep sandstone bluffs.  Spring wildflowers abound on the terraces of Meadow Creek and the Middle Fork as well as the rich lower slopes of the adjacent mountains.  Hikers may also have the opportunity to visit properties of a few of Mike and Lee’s neighbors, including the Meadowcreek, Inc. property, 1600 acres devoted to sustainable education, recreation and wildlife preservation.

This hike may vary from easy to moderately difficult depending on interests of the group.  It will also be partly “off-trail” so wear appropriate clothing and shoes.  Bug spray is also advisable.  Bring a lunch and plenty of water.

Please sign up for this hike by April 18th by contacting Brent Baker at 479.970.9143 or btb2001@hotmail.com.  Complete directions will be provided upon signing up.  If needed, there may be a designated meeting area in a nearby town and then a caravan to Meadow Creek.

This trip is dependent on weather, as streams in the area are subject to flash flooding and low-water bridges are not passable at times of high water.