A program on prescribed burns and a backpacking workshop will be featured this weekend at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area.
McRee Anderson, The Nature Conservancy’s fire restoration manager, will explain reasons for, and the benefits of, prescribed burns at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Visitor Center.
“We have found that after several prescribed burns there will be 100 to 150 native species, producing for our forest animals, seeds and berries that weren’t there before the burns,” Anderson said. “Not only do prescribed burns help prevent wildfires, they also result in more food for our forest friends.”
The program is free and part of the Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series.
A backpacking workshop is slated for 1-4 p.m. Sunday.
The three-hour workshop will be taught by Scott Branyan, a veteran backpacker, according to a news release. He has backpacked the Ozark Highland Trail, has made several solo backpack trips in the Ozark National Forest and has completed numerous treks on the Lower Buffalo Wilderness Area.
The workshop is geared primarily toward adults and families. This is a “how to” introduction with gear show-and-tell, slides and recommended resources. Topic covered will include: equipment basics, how to get in shape, what to expect on a backpack trip, maps and planning tools, preparing backpack food, dealing with emergencies, wildlife encounters and how to keep a clean camp. Participants need only bring a note pad and pen.
Cost is $35 plus tax per person and is limited to 15 people. Registration and pre-payment is required. For more information and to register call 479-789-5000.
The Visitor Center is located just east of the Arkansas 12 and War Eagle Road intersection.
For information on other upcoming programs at Hobbs State Park, go to www.friendsofhobbs.com.