Suffering severe, winter-induced cabin fever? Then join Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission botanist Brent Baker March 31, 2012, 9:30 a.m., for a refreshing early spring plant walk along the newly established trails at Cove Creek Natural Area in northwestern Faulkner County.
You will be able to stroll through extensive cedar glades to a steep sandstone bluff overlooking Cove Creek just above its confluence with Cadron Creek. Here you will see the rare Ozark spring-beauty (Claytonia ozarkensis), first described in 2006, blooming among the cracks and crevices of the bluff.
Hikers will then follow the trail south along the creek, enjoying several additional overlook spurs along the way, to a rich riparian forest where many wildflowers will be breaking winter dormancy.
Directions: From the junction of AR State Highways 25 and 285 in Wooster (north of Conway), travel north on AR State Highway 285 approximately 6.2 miles to intersection with Mallet Town Road. Turn left (west) onto Mallet Town Road and travel approximately 1.5 miles. Turn right (north) onto Town Circle Road. Go approximately 0.35 mile to JD Road and turn right (east). Follow JD Road straight to the Natural Area parking at end of road (about 0.25 mile). (For map and more information about Cove Creek Natural Area, visit www.naturalheritage.com. Click on the “Natural Areas” tab at the top of the page and then on “Find a Natural Area.”)
The trail is about 1.5 mile, easy and the walk will conclude around lunchtime. For questions, please contact Baker at 479.970.9143 or brent@arkansasheritage.org.
Field trips of the Arkansas Native Plant Society are for members. Botanists from around the state lead these educational walks. While on the trails, participants may ask questions, take photographs, and learn about the ecology of the area.
Membership information is available here.
Arkansas Native Plant Society 