FREE - Featuring aquariums, wildlife exhibits, native gardens, gift shop and more. Wild Tales Story The Witt Stephens Jr.
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Central Arkansas Nature Center, whose mission is introducing the public to the importance of conservation education in Arkansas, is the fourth nature center established by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC). The center opened on December 17, 2008, and is funded by the Amendment 75 Conservation Sales Tax, allowing the center to provide free admission. Highlights of the center include:
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Large indoor aquariums filled with native fish from several of Arkansas’s natural divisions.
• An exhibit timeline sharing the natural resource history of Arkansas and the role of the Arkansas Game and Fish commission in 100 years of conservation success.
• An extensive collection of fishing lures and tackle showcasing many early Arkansas lure and tackle manufacturers.
• A theater presentation provides information on many areas of research and education with which the AGFC is involved.
• The center features sculptures, photography, and other pieces of art inside and outside the building.
• More than 100 bird species have been seen along the riverfront nearby. A wildlife area provides excellent viewing from a glass wall within the building.
• The center is surrounded by native plant beds featuring many plants that are beneficial to wildlife.
• Education staff provides specialized school field trips, teacher workshops, and public programs throughout the year. A classroom and administrative offices are located across a breezeway from the exhibit hall.
• Visitors may also purchase nature-themed items in the gift shop. Arkansas authors are featured, with subjects ranging from hiking trails to fishing.
• The center is one level, providing easy access for strollers or those with limited mobility. A shaded breezeway with picnic tables and benches offers a place for viewing the river.
Come join us this fall for a Hunting Series: All About Squirrels. This will be a series of classes offered throughout the fall and winter based on squirrel hunting. It is the perfect opportunity for beginners!
The first class will teach all about Squirrel Hunting Basics. Various topics will be covered including: habitat, scouting, fi****ms and even making a take home squirrel call.
Register at: https://register-ed.com/events/view/217170
Did you know there are SIX different sub-species of Turkey in the world?
Come check out our new Wild Turkeys of the World exhibit where you can see beautiful fans up close of the Eastern Wild Turkey, Osceola Wild Turkey, Rio Grande Wild Turkey, Merriam's Wild Turkey, and Gould's Wild Turkey.🦃
We look forward to seeing you!
The sun is shining, the grass is green and it's not 90 billion degrees outside! You know what that means??? Archery for range day! Join staff and volunteers today between noon and 2pm.
The Nature Center has been a host for interns since the site began. It has been a pleasure to host Haylee Ledford as an intern this year and we look forward to seeing how her time with nature center staff, volunteers and AGFC staff impacts her future endeavors.
If you are in the River Market area you should drop by! There are plenty of new things to see-these murals being at the top of the list.
If you haven't been to the Central AR Nature Center in the last week or two then you might not have seen the exciting temporary displays currently up. The Arkansas Wildlife Federation artwork is definitely worth seeing!
Swing by between 8:30am-4:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.
The Central AR Nature Center is excited to host the Arkansas Wildlife Federation Student Art for the next 4-6 weeks. Looking at the way Nature inspires youth artists inspires us all.
We are excited to share that the 2024 "Wildlife of Arkansas" Student Art Contest exhibit is now on display at the Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center! This travelling exhibit features the 53 winning submissions from this year's contest and demonstrates the impressive array of skill, creativity, and inspiration that Arkansas' young artists possess. We hope that you'll enjoy the artwork along with the other fascinating exhibits on display at this Nature Center located in downtown Little Rock. If you can't make it, don't fret - the exhibit will be visiting communities across the state through the rest of the year!
School is almost over, now is a great time to plan for summer activities. The Central AR Nature Center is offering two fish camps this summer.
The first is for those looking to learn basic fishing skills. This is a beginners only class, if a student participated in a fish camp last year they will not be eligible this year.
https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/212155
The second class is an introduction to fly fishing for female students in 7th-9th grades. All needed gear will be provided.
https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/212157
If you have any questions about fish camps or other summer programs, call the nature center at 501-251-1083.
April showers bring spring flowers- if you look outside there is no telling what else you may discover. Check out this article for more information on a Nature Challenge happening between now and April 29th. Participants qualify for a collectible sticker which can be picked up at the Central Arkansa Nature Center. Hope to see you soon!
🐢 Get outside between April 26-29 and document any wildlife you see.
City Nature Challenge is a friendly competition between urban areas all around the world to see who can make the most nature observations.
🦋 This year the challenge is coming to Pulaski County.
🦉 Before the submission period, visit https://bit.ly/441EEbc to download iNaturalist and get more information about the challenge and how you can participate.
Mark your calendars and get ready to learn more about the natural world around you! We will be unveiling more information about the 1st ever Pulaski County City Nature Challenge over the next two days.
Arkansas is known for several things- good fishing and good eating being priorities for many in our state. AGFC needs your help to keep invasive species out of AR. Some, like the snail mentioned in this article, move quickly from state to state if not stopped. Stay informed! Help keep invasive species from spreading across the state.
Mr. S***t is in the breezeway with several native Arkansas mammal furs. Do you know your mammals? Come by and test your animal id skills, especially if you are waiting for a concert or another event in the neighborhood.
The sign is legit, there is an Alligator Snapping Turtle in the aquarium. He knows that today is Fish Feeding day!
Join nature center educators for these water themed events:
10am-Wild Tales with S***t
11am-Creature Feature on Amphibians
1-2pm- Know Fish, Go Fish
2pm- Fish Feeding
If you've read this far you should get a reward-more turtle video in comments.
A first day of great spring break programs is in the books!
Tomorrow we will have a fish themed day full of creature features, skill building and whatever else the day may bring.
Check out register-ed.com for more spring break opportunities.
Picture: Bird hike participants point to birds in their habitat along the River Trail.
Looking to add to your tackle box? Do you enjoy looking for lures in unique places?
Check out the Nature Center's outdoor swap shop today. The doors are open and it looks like it will be a beautiful day!
Spring Break is just around the corner. Check out register-ed.com for the events in the Little Rock area.
The AGFC is conducting a survey of proposed hunting, fishing and conservation regulations and we need your input before the Commission votes on the proposals. Take the survey by March 15 to have your voice heard.
⌨️ This year's survey has been streamlined and should take less time than previous input surveys.
🤔 You'll even have the opportunity to win some hunting swag after you complete your survey. https://bit.ly/3utqmD1
Happy Valentines Day!
Something exciting has arrived at our gift shop! Make tracks to our location to get your eclipse glasses. The nature center gift shop is open Tues-Sat from 8:30am-4pm.
Have you got an early jump on spring cleaning? Are you looking for tools to build an outdoor skill? Regional Outdoor Swap Meets will be held at most nature centers. The Central AR Nature Center will be hosting one mid March.
For more information please contact the nature center at 501-251-1083.
The power of the passionate makes a difference. If you are interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities at the Central Arkansas Nature Center please register at the link below:
https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/208473
Need to brush up on or want to learn some Dutch Oven skills? This is the class for you! Come learn the basics of Dutch Oven cooking from it's history to the different methods it can be used to prepare delicious food outdoors. Be prepared to cook, taste, and go home with several recipes.
Use the registration link below to sign up.
https://register-ed.com/events/view/209136
Looking for a fun project to welcome spring migrators? Check out the Bluebird Basics Program February 24th, 2024 from 1pm-3pm. Get ready to welcome Bluebirds during Bluebird migration with this hands-on, fun program where you can build your own nest box. All the materials and tools will be provided to put the nest box together.
Register at:
https://register-ed.com/events/view/209005
Join an experienced shed hunter on Saturday, February 3rd at 1pm to learn more about Shed Hunting with Dogs! Now is the time to start searching for deer sheds. This program will give you all sorts of great tips and tricks to make your shed hunt successful.
The Nature Center gift shop got something cheefful today. Eebo puzzles are a staple at our puzzle and activity table. If you are looking for a high quality puzzle- look no further! There are puzzles in the gift shop we have never had on the puzzle table because no museum employee wants to try to count 1000 puzzle pieces to see if one is missing!
It is National Squirrel Appreciation Day! Enjoy these squirrely fun facts:
-Squirrels are often measured in grams for accurate weight but they need roughly 100lbs of food per year per 1 squirrel.
- Squirrels cannot always get to the food they stash so they accidentally plant a variety of trees and shrubs throughout the year.
- Squirrel fingers and toes are designed for jumping, catching limbs and climbing quickly...allowing them to skitter.
-Squirrels always think the bird feeder is a squirrel feeder- good luck trying to squirrel proof your seed feeders!
Looking for something fun to do tomorrow. Come by the nature center from 12-2 pm for Range Day. You can test your shooting skills at our BB gun range.
There will be no Range Day tomorrow July 15th.
Sorry for the inconvenience.
602 President Clinton Avenue
Little Rock, AR
72201
| Tuesday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Thursday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Friday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
| Saturday | 8:30am - 4:30pm |
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If you haven't been to the Central AR Nature Center in the last week or two then you might not have seen the exciting temporary displays currently up. The Arkansas Wildlife Federation artwork is definitely worth seeing! Swing by between 8:30am-4:30pm Tuesdays through Saturdays.
The sign is legit, there is an Alligator Snapping Turtle in the aquarium. He knows that today is Fish Feeding day! Join nature center educators for these water themed events: 10am-Wild Tales with Skeet 11am-Creature Feature on Amphibians 1-2pm- Know Fish, Go Fish 2pm- Fish Feeding If you've read this far you should get a reward-more turtle video in comments.
Today is National Bird Day! Here is Kristen Brown giving a few extra tips and information about what you can do to honor the day!
It may look like fun and games but our educators are working hard to get activities ready for Boo!seum next Thurs.
Check out our NEW exhibit we have on display! This exhibit highlights artwork from Arkansas Students!
Make a squirrel cuttin' call this Sat., Jan. 8, at 2 pm here at the nature center. Register at https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/175822.
Mosaic Templars Cultural Center
W 9th Street
