Free Wildflower Seminar and Photo Walk
Interested in wildflower photography using any camera available? If so, then this class may be helpful as you seek to improve the quality of your wildflower and flora photos. Joan Reynolds from the Ozark Chapter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society will be leading the program off with a presentation and discussion on spending time in the field to learn more about native plants, including discussion of non-native plants and habitat restoration.
In the second part of the program, equipment and techniques will all be discussed to help you achieve the desired artistic vision for your photography. The class will feature nature photographer Tim Johnson from the Photographic Society of NWA as your instructor. After the indoor presentation, if the weather cooperates, we'll use the grounds and lovely wildflower beds around the Hobbs visitor center for some hands-on practice and demonstration. Remember to bring a camera -- any type will do -- and a tripod if you have one.
This fun session begins at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22, at the Visitor Center. The classroom seminar and discussion will be followed by a photo walk. The cost is free and open to the public. To learn more about the Photographic Society of NW Arkansas, go to www.psnwa.org.
Insects that Suck
Of the 1.3 million known species of insects that inhabit the earth, four of the most bothersome are local residents of northwest Arkansas -- ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes and bed bugs. Dr. Dayton Steelman, emeritus professor of veterinary entomology from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, will present his fascinating three-part program. The basic biology of ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes and bed bugs will be presented, along with the disease-causing pathogens and parasites that they transmit to domestic and wild animals and to humans. According to Steelman, "There will be updates on mosquitoes and tick species now present in the Continental United States, plus there are also new pathogens that cause disease in man and animals relative to the 'invasion' of large numbers of humans and their belongings entering the United States. This will include bed bugs, as they have become a major problem in urban as well as rural areas of the country." Steelman's programs are a must to experience by anyone who has ever encountered any of these four blood-thirsty critters. The public is invited to enjoy one, two or all three of these truly fascinating and informative programs.
Visit on Sunday, June 30, beginning at 1 p.m., for "Ticks"; followed at 2 p.m. for "Chiggers and Mosquitoes"; and at 3 p.m. for "Bed Bugs." There is no cost and the public is invited to attend.
Fun with Mother Nature -- Monthly
We hear about our great friend Mother Nature, but at Hobbs State Park you can actually see her the second Saturday of each month at 10:30 a.m. all year. Her favorite thing to do is to read nature-related stories of the forest and the animals that live there. Storytime will be followed by "hands-on" nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome, however, most stories will target children 3-6 years of age.
Mother Nature visits and reading subjects for this year include: July 13 -- Water Dance -- Water Cycle and Storm Drain Pollution; Aug. 10 -- Caterpillar to Butterfly; Sept. 14 -- Autumn in the Woods -- Preparing for Winter; Oct. 12 -- Bats -- Not Really Scary; Nov. 9 -- It's Turkey Time; Dec. 14 -- Who Goes There? Footprints and Animal Signs
Park Visitor Center
For additional information on Hobbs programs, trails, picnicking or meeting room rental and the Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area Visitor Center, contact the park at 479-789-5000. The visitor center is located on Arkansas Highway 12, just east of the War Eagle Road intersection.
To learn more about upcoming Friends of Hobbs speakers and other park programs, go to www.friendsofhobbs.com and www.Arkansas StateParks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea.
Nature Painting Workshop
Whether you've painted in the past or you have never held a paintbrush, this is the nature painting workshop for you. Lyshell Reann Hiatt-Blech, your instructor, comes from a family of artists. She does personal art instruction as well as group workshops for all ages. Lyshell will inspire you and guide you step-by-step as you create your own nature masterpiece. Thanks to her supportive teaching techniques, even the novice painter becomes successful. At the end of the two-hour workshop, you will leave with new friends, new skills and your very own painting.
Nature painting workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at the Visitor Center. The cost is $30 per person, which includes everything you will need: canvas, brushes, paint and easel. Check or cash will be accepted on the day of the workshop. Participants must pre-register. Minimum age is eight. For more information and to register, call: 479-789-5000
Gardening with Native Plants
Do you know the important role that native plants play in the local ecosystem and what the benefits are in using native species for landscaping and in home gardens? Perhaps you are stumped when it comes to planning your native plant garden and what you should look for when selecting which species to place in a particular location. Eric Fuselier will be at Hobbs State Park to answer your questions. For more than a decade, Fuselier has been studying the native plants found growing wild in the Ozarks. His love of the outdoors began on the trail as an avid hiker and backpacker. Eventually, he was able to put his knowledge of native plants to use in a more professional capacity while working as an environmental scientist for a local engineering firm. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a professional on how to utilize native plants at your home landscaping.
This educational event will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Visitor Center. There is no cost and the public is invited to attend.
General News on 06/19/2019