Eagle Watch Cruises -- January and February
Eagles begin to visit Beaver Reservoir when the lakes further north begin to freeze over. At that time, the eagles can no longer get to their favorite meal, fish. The weather has been cold across the U.S. and it can be expected that some 200-plus bald eagles will visit Beaver Lake. Some have arrived already. Scheduled dates for Hobbs State Park Eagle Cruise Tours are as follows:
Jan. 25 and 26; Feb. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 17, 23 and 29.
There are two things eagle watchers need to remember: 1) eagle watching is not a warm-weather sport, and 2) the nastier the weather, the more likely one is to see eagles. If it's cold and a little rainy, that's when eagles will sit in a tree and wait for better weather. Although Hobbs calls these times on the lake "Eagle Cruises," there is other wildlife to see as well. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, red-tailed hawks and maybe deer, beaver or several species of ducks become part of the viewing agenda. No matter what wildlife you see, it's always great to be out on the water. Hobbs State Park provides a safe three-pontoon vessel, driver, and an interpreter to answer questions and share information about the national symbol, the bald eagle.
Adult tickets are $10 plus tax, and children (ages 6-12) are $5 plus tax. Tours depart Rocky Branch Marina promptly at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets (which must be purchased in advance of the tour), call 479-789-5000.
Environmental Specialist and Winter Botany Presentation -- Jan. 26
Plant identification can be challenging, especially during the cold winter months when many species have gone dormant. Luckily, even during the bleak months of winter, plants still provide plenty of clues that can be used to identify what species a tree, shrub or woody vine is. Eric Fuselier will teach about these clues, and how, even during the wintertime, botany can still be a fun way to spend time outdoors. Eric is an environmental scientist in Crafton Tull's Rogers office. He earned a bachelor's degree in environmental, soil and water science from the University of Arkansas, and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Louisiana Tech University. Eric has extensive knowledge of wetland science, soil science and botany. He has served as the president of the Ozark chapter of the Arkansas Native Plant Society.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a professional on how and why winter botany can be fun and personally rewarding, beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26, at the visitor center. There is no cost and the public is invited. For additional information, call 479-789-5000.
Sweetheart Boat Cruises/Lunch -- Feb. 15 and 16
Are you still looking for a last-minute way to score points with your sweetheart on Valentine's weekend? Share the wonders of nature with your love this Valentine's Day weekend by taking a boat cruise on beautiful Beaver Lake and enjoying a delightful lunch at Ventris Trails End Resort. There will also be live entertainment. Lunch features bacon-wrapped smoked chicken with sautéed mushrooms, onions and cheese, twice baked potato, seasoned green beans, French onion soup and salad with homemade bread rolls, chocolate cake, water, tea, or coffee; or a Portabella sandwich...Holy Yum! Alcoholic beverages are available at an additional charge.
There are two Sweetheart Cruises to choose from -- one will run Saturday, Feb. 15 and Sunday, Feb. 16. Each cruise will leave Rocky Branch Marina at 11 a.m. and return at 2 p.m. Cost is $40 plus tax per individual. Reservations and payment must be made in advance. Contact Hobbs State Park to reserve your spot at 479-789-5000.
New Way to Look at Ozark Woods -- April 5
It's all about the science behind the scenery in our regional forests. As we go hiking, there are things right before our eyes that happened yesterday, or even a million years ago, that are easy to understand if we take pause to look at them. As Frederick Paillet puts it in the new book, Ozark Forest Forensics, he co-authored, "The book interprets our natural surroundings in a way that enhances a simple walk in the scenic deciduous woodlands of the Ozark Mountain region. Explanations go beyond trees and their habitat to include other diverse subjects: the leaf litter beneath a hiker's feet, strategies used by wildflowers for pollination and seed dispersal, diseases that can ravage forests, and forces active in the landscape that impact conservation efforts. I've added simplified line drawings to demonstrate specific points of interest in a way that visually-cluttered photographs cannot do." Taking a little time to look at and understand your surroundings greatly adds to the enjoyment of any hike in the woods. Learn how to interpret those things you see and appreciate on a hike, but never much thought about before.
This free program will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 5 (postponed from Jan. 12), at the park's visitor center. The public is invited to attend.
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.ArkansasStateParks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea.
General News on 01/15/2020