AGFC Nature and Education Centers
In 1996, Arkansas voters passed a 1/8th cent Conservation Sales Tax to help the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with the mission of wisely managing all the fish and wildlife resources of Arkansas while providing maximum enjoyment for the people. One of the promises made in 1996 was the construction of nature centers across the state to teach about the outdoors.
The AGFC owns and operates nature centers across the state. These centers are an outlet the Education Division uses for hands-on experience and education. Each center focuses on the natural elements and ecosystems found in its region of the state.
All four of the planned nature centers are now complete. Take time to visit their web pages to learn more about these magnificent structures dedicated to teaching visitors about the great outdoors.
The idea of creating conservation education centers was born when Amendment 75 (the Conservation Sales Tax) was approved in 1996 and increased the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s revenue. Part classroom, part museum and part playground, the centers help people of all ages better understand their natural surroundings.
Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center
1400 Black Dog Road in Pine Bluff's Regional Park
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71611
(870)534-0011
Nature Center Calendar
The first of four nature centers. The Governor Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center was designed as if it were a waterfowl hunting lodge set among Pine Bluff Regional Park's Delta bottomland, Lake Langhofer and Black Dog Bayou. The Delta and its rivers are the star attractions, and exhibits vividly describe how meandering waterways have changed this land and why swamps are incredibly valuable ecosystems.
Visit us on the web at www.deltarivers.com
Forrest L. Wood Crowley's Ridge Nature Center
600 E. Lawson Road
Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404
(870)933-6787
Nature Center Calendar
Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center is the second of four planned nature centers in Arkansas made possible by the 1996 voter passage of the 1/8th cent Conservation Sales Tax.
It features a three-story education, exhibit and meeting facility located on 160 acres. The center adjoins the southern boundary of Craighead Forest Park. The nature center grounds include a 5.5-acre prairie, 2.5-acre pond and approximately 100 acres in woodlands.
Visit us on the web at www.crowleysridge.org
Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center
8300 Wells Lake Road
Barling, Arkansas 72923
(479)452-3993
Nature Center Calendar
The Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center sits on 170 acres of land in Fort Smith that were previously part of Fort Chaffee. The building overlooks Wells Lake, a popular local fishing and picnicking destination.
The center is the third in a series of four nature centers planned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission with money from the 1/8th cent Conservation Sales Tax. The approximately $5 million Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center opened August 2006.
Visit us on the web at http://www.rivervalleynaturecenter.com
Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center
Little Rock
Nature Center Calendar
The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center sits on 3.4 acres in Little Rock, overlooks the Arkansas River and is part of the River Market District. It is adjacent to the Museum of Discovery, Clinton Foundation Store and the Cinton Presidential Library.
The last of the four planned nature centers built with money from the 1/8th cent Conservation Sales Tax in Arkansas opened in December 2008.
Visit us on the web at http://www.centralarkansasnaturecenter.com