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Glade Ecology & Management Field Day
May 24, 2023 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Join the Beaver Watershed Alliance for a free, family-friendly educational glade ecology and management field day at the Lake Leatherwood City Park’s Steven Foster Educational Glade in Eureka Springs, AR.
When: Wednesday, May 24th, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm noon
Where: Steven F. Foster Educational Glade; Lake Leatherwood City Park, Eureka Springs, AR.
1303 Co Rd 204, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, 36.434453, -93.759812 (Main Building).
36.43807, -93.75872 (Steven F. Foster Educational Glade).
Details: This walk-and-talk tour will feature educational speakers, including Eric Fuselier with the Arkansas Native Plant Society, Brittney Booth, an expert on Ozark glade ecology, and Nate Weston, the Alliance’s Senior Geospatial Ecologist. Participants will see a restored Ozarks glade covered in blooming native wildflowers. They may even spot common glade animals like the beautiful eastern collared lizard! Participants will also learn what makes glades unique, how effective glade management promotes plant and animal diversity, and how these efforts improve water quality and local fisheries.
The Beaver Lake watershed is home to over 11,000 glades, many of which are smaller than an acre in size but possess some of the most biodiverse plant communities in North America. Effective management of glades can prevent habitat loss due to invasive species, such as eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) and others, save habitat for incredible creatures threatened by cedar infestations like the eastern collared lizard (Crotaphytus collaris), and create fish habitat in Beaver Lake by sinking cut cedar trees.
This field trip will include walking/hiking approximately half a mile, mostly over unpaved dirt trails. Please be sure to wear appropriate footwear. The Alliance will provide water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellant, but you are welcome to bring your own as well. Wearing a brimmed hat and sunglasses is also recommended as the glade itself will be in full sun and very bright.
To RSVP or for more information, email info@beaverwatershedalliance.org or text/call 479-750-8007
Thank you to event sponsors and partners: National Fish Habitat Partnership, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Bass Pro Shops, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Beaver Water District, Eureka Springs Parks & Recreation Department, and the Arkansas Native Plant Society.