A “Great Arkansas Cleanup” workday will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Volunteers are invited to help pick up litter along Piney Road or assist with trail maintenance and tree removal. Repair efforts are ongoing following the tornadoes that struck on May 26.
Fall Fungi Exploration at Ozark Natural Science Center
The Ozark Natural Science Center will host “Fall Fun with Fungi” on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its Lake Fayetteville location. The program costs $25 for adults and $15 for youth ages 12-17.
Instructor Jay Justice will discuss common mushrooms found in the region and lead a hike for identification. Interested participants can register at onsc.us.
Stargazing Event at Hobbs State Park
Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area will hold a free astronomy program from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at the park visitor center. The Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will provide telescopes for attendees to use without requiring reservations.
Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight covered with red cloth or a red balloon, as well as a folding chair. Binoculars and star charts are also welcome. This program is suitable for ages 8 and older.
Learn Basic Trapping Techniques
A free program on basic trapping techniques will be offered from 2 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at the J.B. and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center, located at 3400 N. 40th St. in Springdale.
Educators will demonstrate different types of traps and essential tools for successful trapping. They will also cover how to target furbearers, including raccoons and coyotes, and discuss trapping regulations. Registration is required and can be done through the nature center’s website. For more information, call (833) 356-0847.
Steven Meador Wins Elite Championship
Steven Meador clinched victory at the Beaver Lake Elite Series two-day championship, which took place on October 19-20. Over the two days, he caught 10 bass weighing a total of 29.08 pounds. Clint Williams finished in second place with 10 bass at 23.56 pounds, while Carter Carlton secured third with 10 bass weighing 22.21 pounds.
The scheduled tournaments are set for Sundays, with additional events on Nov. 17, Dec. 1, 15, and 29, as well as Jan. 12 and 26. The championship will be held on Feb. 1-2, with alternate dates of Feb. 8-9. For more details, call (479) 601-5952.
Participate in Invasive Species Removal
The Sugar Creek chapter of the Ozark Society is partnering with the Nature Conservancy for an invasive species removal event on Nov. 14 at the Logan Springs Preserve in southern Benton County. Participants should meet at 9 a.m. at the preserve parking area, located at 15300 Osage Hill Road, Siloam Springs.
Attendees are encouraged to bring water, work gloves, and loppers if available, as well as a picnic lunch. A picnic will be held by the spring after the work is completed.
Permit Deer Hunts Scheduled
A permit-only alternative firearms deer season, formerly known as muzzle-loader season, is scheduled for Nov. 22-25 at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. Many trails in the park will be closed during the hunt, with several already closed due to ongoing cleanup from the tornadoes on May 26.
A permit-only youth deer hunt will occur on Nov. 16-17, followed by a permit-only modern gun deer season from Dec. 13-16.
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