Columbus
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie Nature Center
We are closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year holidays. Please call before you come unless you are planning a self-guided visit of the area. Give us a call at 501-214-1997 for more information.
Nature Center Offerings
Acquisition Information
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie is comprised of 4,885 acres of Blackland Prairie. It was purchased in May of 1997 and was the first major land acquisition using money provided by Amendment 75. It fulfills several commitments made in the Plan for Conservation. These commitments include land acquisition and improvement, protection and restoration of habitat, and conservation education.
Admission to the nature center is free thanks to your support of the Amendment 75 Conservation Fund.
Helpful Links
Bring the Outdoors Into Your Community
Click here to request AGFC support for community events, education outreach in your school and more.
Teacher Resources
Grandview educators are available to come to your location to teach about wildlife and the outdoors! Fill out this form to coordinate a visit from one of our educators, or email us at grandviewprairie@agfc.ar.
Wildlife Program Catalog
The classes listed below can be adapted for any age group above the minimum recommended grade. Activities and key vocabulary will be tailored to ensure the content is engaging and appropriate for your students’ grade level.
Mammals, Birds, & Reptiles – Kindergarten plus
Explore three major groups of Arkansas wildlife in one program! Students discover the unique traits that set mammals, birds, and reptiles apart.
Deer and Elk – Kindergarten plus
Students will learn about members of the cervidae family, such as white-tailed deer and elk. Through interactive activities and fun visuals, they’ll explore how these animals grow, what they eat, and how they survive in their habitats; even in urban areas. Students will also discover the unique antlers and tracks that make cervids easy to recognize in the wild.
What Color Is Camo? – All ages
Why do some animals blend in while others stand out? In this interactive program, students explore camouflage, coloration and get hands-on access to animal furs.
Watchable Wildlife – Kindergarten plus
From soaring eagles to darting deer, Arkansas is full of wildlife waiting to be seen! This program teaches students how to spot, identify, and appreciate animals in their natural habitats while practicing respectful observation skills.
Alligators/Reptiles – All ages
Discover the cold-blooded creatures that call Arkansas home! This program introduces students to native reptiles, including snakes, turtles, and the American Alligator, while exploring their habitats, adaptations, and important roles in the ecosystem.
Birds of Prey – 1st grade plus
Meet the raptors that rule the skies! This program highlights hawks, owls, and other birds of prey, focusing on their sharp adaptations, hunting skills, and vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Black Bears – 2nd grade plus
Discover the story of Arkansas’s largest mammal! This program explores the history, biology, and conservation of the American Black Bear, highlighting how this species made a remarkable comeback in our state.
Eastern Wild Turkey – 2nd grade plus
In this Eastern Wild Turkey class, students in second grade and up will discover the unique traits and behaviors of this iconic bird. They’ll learn about turkey habitats, diets, and life cycles through interactive games and engaging discussions. Students will also explore how conservation efforts have helped wild turkey populations thrive across Arkansas.
Aquatic Ecosystems – 3rd grade plus
In this Aquatic Ecosystems of Arkansas class, students in 3rd grade and up will explore the diverse plants and animals that inhabit the state’s rivers, lakes, and wetlands. They’ll learn how each organism fits into the food web, with a focus on the American Alligator as an apex predator, ecosystem engineer, and keystone species. Students will also discover how alligator populations once neared extirpation, placing the many species that depend on their role in the ecosystem at risk.
Wings Over Arkansas – 5th grade plus
Take flight into the world of bird watching! This program introduces students to common Arkansas birds and guides them through the Wings Over Arkansas Program, inspiring lifelong birding and conservation skills. This is a great citizen science project that also helps Arkansas Game and Fish Commission biologists.
Recreation Access Program Catalog
With a focus on safety, these classes will introduce students to responsible recreation in a number of outdoor scenarios.
Leave No Trace – 4th grade plus
Learn how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly! This program introduces the seven “Leave No Trace” principles, teaching students simple ways to reduce their impact and protect Arkansas’s wild places and wild things for future generations.
Water Safety – All ages
Swimming, boating, and fishing are all ways to enjoy Arkansas’s beautiful waterways. Make sure students know how to enjoy the water safely with a quick water safety and life jacket awareness class or a fully accredited 6-hour Boater Education safety course.
Archery – 4th grade plus
Take aim with the National Archery in the Schools Program! Students learn the basics of safety, form, and marksmanship while building confidence and focus through hands-on practice with a bow and arrows.
Fishing and Stream Team
Arkansas is home to more than 230 species of fish, making it one of the most biologically diverse states for freshwater fish in the nation. With over 90,000 miles of streams and rivers, our state supports a wide variety of rich riparian habitats. Discover these vital ecosystems and the species that live in them, and learn how you can help protect and conserve them.
Backyard Bass – 1st grade plus
Fishing fun on dry land! Using casting rods and plastic fish, students practice the skills of casting, accuracy, and sportsmanship while learning the basics of fishing and aquatic conservation. No hooks involved.
Kickin’ and Pickin’
Roll up your sleeves and explore the hidden life of streams! Students “kick” to stir up aquatic insects and “pick” them from nets, discovering how these tiny critters reveal the health of Arkansas’s waterways.
Fish Dissection
Dive into the world of fish biology! In this hands-on program, students examine the internal and external anatomy of a fish to better understand how aquatic animals survive and thrive in their habitats.
Adaptation Artistry – 1st grade plus
Creativity meets science in this interactive program! Students design their own fish with special adaptations to survive in a chosen habitat, learning how real animals use unique traits to thrive in the wild.
Field Trips and Retreats
Plan a memorable visit to our nature center by submitting a request through our field trip request form. Explore a variety of engaging classes, programs, and events using our Volunteer and Events Management System.
For a nature-focused retreat with up to 15 overnight guests, review the Grandview West Lodge Rental Planning Guide to help organize your stay, then check availability and submit your request using the Grandview West Lodge Rental Application.
On-site activities include any of the programs listed above in the Teacher Resources section, plus the following:
Wagon Tour Through the Prairie
Hop aboard our tractor-pulled wagon for an 8-mile ride through the prairie, accommodating up to 40 passengers at a time. Along the way, observe ongoing habitat restoration, enjoy the vibrant wildflowers, and discover pieces of history hidden in the soil, including Cretaceous fossils.
Safe Foraging
Explore the variety of plants, nuts, and mushrooms that appear throughout the seasons. Always ensure any wild foods are safe before consuming, and learn to recognize both edible options and their poisonous look-alikes.
Outdoor Awareness
Encounter natural challenges like venomous snakes, honey locust thorns, and poison ivy while enjoying the outdoors. Understanding and respecting these hazards allows for safer exploration and a greater appreciation of the ecosystem.
Archery Basics Class
Learn the fundamentals of archery using school-approved equipment, with guidance on safe and accurate shooting.
Fishing Derby
Participate in our Education Pond fishing derby, with up to 60 poles and bait provided for catfish. See the Fishing Derby Request form for details and submit requests in late fall for spring events.
Self-Guided Visits
Rick Evans Grandview Prairie showcases the largest remaining example of blackland prairie in Arkansas, featuring open prairie, woodlands, savanna, and non-native grasslands. These diverse habitats support a wide variety of wildlife year-round, including songbirds, deer, butterflies, small mammals, and reptiles. Visitors can enjoy observing wildflowers, watching birds, and experiencing the rich biodiversity of this unique ecosystem at their own pace.
The nature center offers a range of facilities for self-guided recreation. Several miles of hiking trails wind through the prairie and woodland habitats, perfect for exploring on your own. Visitors can fish at the Conservation Pond and practice archery at the 25-target 3-D range (bring your own equipment). The archery range and trails are always open for public use.
On-site amenities include two lodges, an educational building with classroom space, public restrooms, and picnic areas. Whether you are planning a day trip or a longer visit, the center provides opportunities to connect with nature, learn about local species, and enjoy family-friendly outdoor activities. Additional resources are available to help you plan your visit and learn more about the prairie ecosystem.
Other Helpful Links
Nature Center Event Calendar
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Volunteer and Event Management System (VEMS) is your one-stop resource for volunteer opportunities and free events in hunting, fishing, trapping, safety, wildlife, marksmanship and more!