NORTHWEST ARKANSAS — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host free nature programs at some of its parks at Beaver Lake this summer.
Rangers from the corps and interpretive naturalists from Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will present the programs.
The schedule:
June 30, 10 a.m. — “Tree Investigators.” Join a ranger on a hike through the forest at Rocky Branch park to identify trees. Children can earn a Junior Ranger Badge.
July 14, 2 p.m. — “Snap, Buckle or Zip.” Safety is the key to summer fun at Beaver Lake. Park rangers at the Prairie Creek park grand shelter will offer water safety tips. Participants receive a free water safety souvenir.
July 21, 8:30 p.m. — “Night Hike.” Rachel Diersen, Hobbs State Park interpretive naturalist, will lead this night hike at Rocky Branch park to identify wildlife that prowls after dark. Bring a flashlight.
Aug. 3, 7:30 p.m. — “Whoo Is Out At Night?” Rachel Diersen will give a program on owls at the Prairie Creek park overlook shelter.
Aug. 10, 8:30 p.m. — “Star Party Part 1.” Join park rangers at the Horseshoe Bend park campground shelter for an evening of star and planet identification.
Aug. 11, 8:30 p.m. — “Star Party Part 2.” The telescopes come out for this final night of the star party at Horseshoe Bend Park.