Official Kids Mag

By Suzanne Rhodes Official Kids Mag What better place to look deep and gain understanding than by visiting a spectacular new nature center right here in Northwest Arkansas that will get you unplugged and nosing into the wonders of quail and fish, caves, rocks, streams and fresh air. Oh, and there's an outside archery range as well as indoor archery and BB gun ranges, too! Getting kids and grownups unplugged from their devices and distractions to be more connected to the natural world is one of the goals of the JB and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale. It just opened in December and is already attracting lots of families, individuals, school groups, Scouts and other clubs. There's no charge whatsoever to go there, but because of COVID-19, you have to make reservations in advance, and group size is limited to 10 people. "There's an endless amount of things to do outside," said Steve Dunlap, the center's program coordinator. "From outdoor adventures, learning new science, and simple recreation, the outdoors is real and accessible." It's been called a green island, 61 beautiful acres that include restored prairie land, and you can hike on any of the many trails that will connect to the Razorback Greenway when construction is completed this year. You might even see a quail family bobbing in and out of the tall grasses. Inside the center, you'll be greeted by a stunning mural with drawings of animals created by students K-5 at T.G. Smith Elementary in Springdale. Get ready for fun and exploration, beginning with an interactive walk through the seasons of NWA and the chance to see enclosed habitats of critters like bobwhite quail, lizards, several species of snakes and other wildlife. Crawl inside a bear den to see what it's like to hibernate. Splash through a digital interactive stream without even getting your feet wet, where colorful fish replicas swim, then watch the actual, live versions of those same fish in a big aquarium. Learn to identify animals like racoons, deer, and foxes by their tracks and scat. Beat your dad or friend by shooting ducks to rack up points at the hunting simulator where "you can hunt just about anything and perhaps get a little taste of something you might be missing out on," Steve said. "I've spent much of my life hunting, fishing or having some other adventure in the great out of doors. The best part of this job is passing on those experiences and what I've learn on to the next generation." The Springdale center is one of nine nature centers throughout the state run by the Arkansas Fish and Game Commission (AFGC). The leaders Discover worlds of wonder at Ozark Highlands Nature center Photos courtesy Wayne Rhodes, Ozark Highlands Nature Center & NWA Democrat-Gazette "Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better," wrote the great Albert Einstein. 8 • April 2021 • www.OfficialKidsMag.com

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