Wilson Creek Nature Preserve Is An Inner-City Wetland Oasis In Arkansas
By Carol Ann Carson|Published September 06, 2019
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Carol Ann Carson
Author
Arkansas native, Carol Ann Carson, has written for OnlyInYourState for three years now. She resides in Western Arkansas' Mountain Frontier but calls NWA home as well. The graduate of University of Arkansas - Fort Smith, Carol Ann earned her B.A. in English and will soon be pursing her M.A. in Library Science. She loves exploring the trails around the Buffalo National River and has yet to find a waterfall that wasn't her favorite.
Arkansas is fortunate to have so many stunning natural areas and nature preserves, it’s just one more way we live up to being the Natural State. Back in 2019, the Wilson Creek Nature Preserve officially opened to the public. This beautiful wet prairie is such a unique treasure. Let’s explore this dreamy area more.
It looks like a dream from an Arkansas nature lover -- and indeed, it is.
This is the Wilson Spring Nature Preserve, Fayetteville's largest wetland remnant and newest preserve. The wet prairie has been restored thanks to the NWA Land Trust. Their mission is to protect and enhance the quality of life in the area through the permanent protection of land. This 121-acre preserve is an excellent addition to the 20 protected properties of the trust.
Address: 3081 North AR-112, Fayetteville, AR 72704
Returning the land to its natural form has brought back creatures large and small.
NWA Land Trust has been working to restore this wet prairie since 2012. The majority of the work came from clearing out all the invasive plant species. Today, woodland residents like monarch butterflies, elusive sparrow species, and red tail hawks have all returned to the land.
The preserve has been designed for low-impact visits so activities like bird watching, nature photography, and pleasant walks are encouraged. Keep in mind this is a sensitive area so take care in preserving the preserve and leaving no trash.
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This nature preserve is perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Groups like the Arkansas Native Plant Society have come to Wilson Spring for research. The preserve brings many different scout troops, field trip students, and nature lovers. Guided tours can be provided by the NWA Land Trust with advanced notice.
We’re looking forward to see your nature preserve photos in our Facebook group, Arkansas Nature Lovers. You should join for your chance to be featured and to discover why there’s nothing better than Arkansas’ stunning nature.
