Governor Asa Hutchinson has proclaimed July as Lakes Appreciation Month in Arkansas. With over a half-million acres of reservoirs in Arkansas, summer is a great time to encourage all Arkansans to appreciate the lakes of our Natural State by participating in recreational activities such as swimming and boating, taking care of lakes, and enjoying the scenic beauty and benefits provided by them – including drinking water for much of the state.
Protecting Lakes for Future Generations In addition to Lakes Appreciation Month being a time to appreciate lakes, it is a time to think about where we would be without their water and the threats facing lakes and reservoirs. These threats include population growth, development, and invasive plant and animal species that put stress on waterbodies. The importance of protecting these lakes and reservoirs for future generations is critical to our quality of life, communities, wildlife, and potential for future growth and economic development.
A NALMS Signature Program
Lakes Appreciation Month is a signature program of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) whose mission is to foster the management and protection of lakes and reservoirs for today and tomorrow. Specific goals of the society are to promote public awareness of lake ecosystems, encourage public support for national, state, and local programs promoting management of lakes and their watershed, and facilitate the exchange of information on the technical and administrative aspects of managing lakes and their watersheds. To learn more about the national Lakes Appreciation program, visit www.nalms.org
BEAVER WATERSHED ALLIANCE (BWA) LAKES APPRECIATION MONTH – YOUTH AND FAMILY ACTIVITIES
All programs are Free | RSVP Required for most events. Contact Becky Roark for more information at becky@beaverwatershedalliance.org or (479) 750-8007.
The following events are taking place to appreciate Beaver Lake and its watershed this month.
Lakes Appreciation Month Cleanup at Hobbs State Park; July 8, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Hobbs State Park Visitor Center, 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
Show your appreciation for Beaver Lake this July by helping to keep it clean! Help cleanup trails and shorelines around Hobbs State Park, Rogers. Kayaks and Stand-up Paddleboards available for float volunteers, must RSVP. Volunteers will check-in at Hobbs State Park Visitor Center to receive supplies and cleanup site information, then return to the Visitor Center at noon for lunch and door prizes.
Rain Garden Stewardship Event July 11, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. South Madison County Convenience Center 17121 AR-16, St Paul, AR 72760 Join us for a rain garden stewardship day in the very headwaters of the White River! The South Madison County Convenience Center is located approximately 0.7 miles east of the Hwy. 23 and 16 junctions on the south side of the highway, St. Paul, AR.
White River Stewardship Float Trip July 14, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Riverview Resort 17939 U.S. 62, Eureka Springs, AR 72632 Join Beaver Watershed Alliance and Pack Rat Outdoor Center staff for a scenic 5-mile paddle on the White River, just below Beaver Dam. Canoes, life jackets, paddles, and snacks will be provided for participants. Participants will need to wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Space is limited and reservations are required for this free event.
Secchi Dip-In Volunteer Monitoring; July 17-18, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Lake Wilson, Fayetteville | Lake Sequoyah, Fayetteville | Lake Atalanta, Rogers | Lost Bridge, Rogers
Volunteer to be a citizen scientist for the day! Volunteers will go out to one of four local lakes in the Beaver Lake watershed and learn to gather a secchi disc reading with BWA, which helps provide a “snapshot” of the transparency of water. Readings are uploaded to national lake monitoring sites and records are kept for research purposes. Materials provided. Must have your own kayak or canoe.
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup of Hwy. 412; July 19, 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Valero Gas Station, 17410 E. Hwy. 412, Springdale, AR
Help keep our roadside clean and prevent trash from running off into the White River, before it flows into Beaver Lake by coming out for the BWA Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup on Hwy. 412. Check-in will be at 9:00 am at the Valero gas station at 17410 E. Hwy. 412 in Springdale, AR. This program is held in conjunction with the Arkansas Highway Transportation Department Adopt-a-Highway program. Cleanup supplies will be provided for volunteers.
Devil’s Eyebrow Preserve – Float and Tour; July 20, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Short Stop Gas Station, Garfield, AR
Come gain an appreciation of Devil’s Eyebrow Natural Area by canoeing or kayaking along the shoreline to pick up trash on the shoreline and learn more about this natural, open-space preserve, which supports the highest concentrations of rare plant species in Arkansas. Volunteers will meet at the Short Stop Gas Station in Garfield at 9:00 am. Kayaks/Canoes will be available to RSVP or you may bring your own boat. Guided tour will be included.
Sunset Kayak Tour at Hobbs State Park; July 24, 8:00 p.m., Hobbs State Park Visitor Center, 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
Spend an evening paddling on Beaver Lake and a guided tour by a Hobbs State Park interpreter. You will learn the basics of paddling in a calm area of Beaver Lake. Recreational kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Space is limited, and participants must be 13 or older. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen and dress for the weather. Reservations are required for this free event.
Scuba Diving at Beaver Lake; July 29, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Hobbs State Park Visitor Center 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
Are you a certified scuba diver? If so, grab your diving buddy and join BWA to swim with the diverse aquatic life that lives under the surface of Beaver Lake! If you need equipment, Sports Co. has equipment for rent for certified scuba divers. Divers must have a diving partner. Must RSVP for this event.
Kayak Tour at Hobbs State Park; July 31, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Hobbs State Park Visitor Center 20201 AR-12, Rogers, AR 72756
Spend a cool morning paddling on Beaver Lake and a guided tour by a Hobbs State Park interpreter. You will learn the basics of paddling in a calm area of Beaver Lake. Recreational kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided. Space is limited, and participants must be 13 or older. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen and dress for the weather. Reservations are required for this free event.