Wilson Springs Nature Preserve In Arkansas Is So Hidden Most Locals Don't Even Know About It
By Carol Ann Carson|Published September 28, 2020
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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.
Despite being within one of Arkansas’ busiest towns, Wilson Springs Nature Preserve is an underrated adventure that even locals don’t know about. The park hasn’t been open to the public for long, which may be why it flies low on the radar. Regardless if you’re already familiar or just hearing the name for the first time, Wilson Springs Nature Preserve is a beautiful day trip indeed!
Although Wilson Springs Nature Preserve has been under conservation since 2011, the area was only recently opened to the public.
The nature park was finally open to the public after years of volunteer work, grants, and efforts from groups like the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The preserve features multiple trails that traverse through the wetlands and woodlands.
The preserve has two trails, a loop, and a small spur in the northern section of the area. These trails even have raised footbridges to help hikers cross the wetter patches of land.
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This beautiful preserve is part of Arkansas' natural history.
This 121-acre preserve is the largest wetland remnant in town and one of the few remaining tall grass prairies in the entire region. Thousands of volunteer hours have been poured into the preserve to restore the area to its original form.
One of the most notable features in the preserve are the acres upon acres of natural wildflowers. The collection of reds, purples, and yellows make the trails really pop!
However, it's one that anyone can help with! Learn more about the conservation efforts of Wilson Springs by visiting this website.
Did you already know about this new park? We’d love to hear about your adventures here and see all your 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.
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