Beaver Watershed Alliance

2025 AR Agriculture, Forest and Water Resources Conference
2025-07-22 - 2025-07-24 | Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W Altheimer Drive, Fayetteville, Arkansas, 72704
Join us for the upcoming Arkansas Agriculture, Forests and Water Conference, happening July 22-24, 2025! This two-and-a-half-day event covers multiple topics of interest to stakeholders state-wide and highlights presentations covering NWA, Central AR, and the Delta area.
This conference is organized by the following partners: Arkansas Water Resources Center (AWRC), Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture – Natural Resources Division, Arkansas Dept. of Agriculture – Forestry Division, Arkansas Forest and Drinking Water Collaborative (AFDWC), Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA) and the Illinois River Watershed Partnership (IRWP).
Location: Don Tyson Center for Agricultural Sciences, 1371 W. Altheimer Dr., Fayetteville, AR
Registration Cost:
$100 (early bird pricing)
$200 (late registration after July 1)
$50 Student Discount
Go to REGISTRATION PAGE

Machine Learning as a Tool to Predict Lithium in Brines Webinar
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | AR
Join us on Aug 21, 2025, at noon for the next Arkansas Water Webinar! To register, click here.

Topic: Machine Learning as a Tool to Predict Lithium in Brines: An Example from the Smackover Formation of Southern Arkansas

Speaker: Katherine Knierim, Hydrologist, US Geological Survey, Lower Mississippi – Gulf Water Science Center, Little Rock, Arkansas

The chemical composition of high salinity groundwater, or brine, is important to understand for quantifying the availability of both water and critical mineral resources. For example, brines may have high concentrations of dissolved critical minerals, such as lithium (Li), and provide an important economic resource as the world transitions to a greater reliance on Li-ion batteries. The Smackover Formation is part of a regionally important petroleum and brine system in the Gulf Coast region of the southern United States (U.S.) and includes high Li concentrations (> 400 mg/L) in the brines. In this study, the U.S. Geological Survey and the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment—Office of the State Geologist used published and newly (2022) collected brine Li concentration data to train a random-forest (RF) machine-learning model using geologic, geochemical, and temperature explanatory variables. Predicted brine Li concentrations from the RF model at approximately 1,000 to 3,000 meters depth across the Smackover Formation ranged from 3 to 420 mg/L. Uncertainty in the mapped RF model predictions—based on the 90th percentile prediction interval across the Li map—were used with formation thickness and porosity information to calculate the range of the Li mass in Smackover Formation brines. This study provides an example of using machine learning to predict deep brine chemistry for a critical mineral resource evaluation. For more info see: https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/fs20243052/full

Annual Beaver Watershed Alliance Friendraiser
2025-09-25 18:00 - 20:30 | Bunch Park, 162 Church Ave, Elkins, AR, 72727, United States
The Annual Alliance Friendraiser – River Rally will be held on Thursday, September 25th, from 6:00 – 8:30 pm along the White River at Bunch Park in Elkins, AR! Join us for a night of celebrating source water protection through music, food, networking with conservation partners, recognizing watershed champions, a silent auction and raffle, and more!
This is more than just an event — it’s a celebration of the people, partnerships, and projects protecting Beaver Lake, the source of drinking water for over 1 in 5 Arkansans. Beaver Lake not only supplies clean drinking water, it powers industries, fuels regional growth, and contributes over $101 million in visitor spending to Northwest Arkansas each year. Managing the lands and waterways that drain into the lake — spanning portions of Benton, Carroll, Washington, and Madison counties — takes vision, collaboration, and resources. These efforts keep local lands healthy, fisheries thriving, and waterways resilient for the next generation.
The Friendraiser – River Rally is our chance to come together, recognize these achievements, and inspire more action for clean water and thriving communities. Whether you’re a landowner, partner, or simply passionate about the outdoors, you’re invited to join the celebration!
Limited Sponsor Space – Become a Supporting Sponsor Today! By sponsoring this special gathering, you’ll connect your brand with conservation success stories, engage with community leaders and outdoor enthusiasts, and help us expand our impact. Together, we can restore rivers, protect water quality, and inspire the next generation of watershed stewards. Your support makes it possible — and we’d love to have you on board! Details below on the form below, for questions, please email info@beaverwatershedalliance.org for more information.
Thank you to our sponsors, Garver Gives and Olsson!

Annual Friendraiser 2025_Sponsorships_packet

Watershed Champion Sponsor $2,500
River Sponsor $1,000
Stream Sponsor $500

Tickets:
Tickets are $25 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Tickets include food, beverages, live music, and a chance to win a raffle item!
Reserve a table for up to eight (8) and enjoy entry, food, and drinks for your entire group. As our way of saying thank you, we’ll feature your name or logo prominently in the centerpiece, putting your support in the spotlight. Table reservation $250.
Come out and Enjoy:

Music by Jumpsuit Jamey and the Can’t Wait to Play Boys
Local beer provided by Orthodox Brewing
Food trucks
Cool treats by Pedal Pops
Silent Auction featuring local goods and wares by local artist and businesses (check in to donate an item to the silent auction!)
Raffle – win an inflatable kayak and other goodies!

Connect with conservation partners:

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Arkansas Prescribed Burn Association
Arkansas State Parks
Beaver Water District
Department of Agriculture-Forestry Division
H2Ozarks
The Nature Conservancy
Northwest Arkansas Land Trust
University of Arkansas Extension Office
Washington County Master Gardeners

Download and Share Flyer
Register for Tickets Below

Habberton Road Volunteer Clean-up with Make A Difference Day
2025-10-04 13:00 - 15:00 | 4890 Horn Lane, Springdale, AR, 4890 Horn Lane, Springdale, AR, 72764, United States
Help us protect water quality and keep the Beaver Lake watershed clean! We are partnering with the University of Arkansas’ Volunteer Action Center for Make A Difference Day 2025. As part of the Beaver Watershed Alliance’s ongoing commitment in adopting Habberton Road in Springdale, Arkansas, this clean-up event aims to partner with university students to remove litter and debris from Habberton Road.

We will be picking up litter along Habberton Road in Springdale, AR. All supplies and snacks provided! Meet at 4890 Horn Lane in Springdale, AR (Coordinates: 36.151899, -94.076568) at 1:00 pm for supplies and instructions. Park in the field in front of the building at the address provided. Please bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes.
Contact Brynnen at brynnen@beaverwatershedalliance.org with questions. University of Arkansas students can also register for this event at GivePulse.com.

War Eagle Creek Workshop &Hands-on Planting Event (RSVP Required)
2025-10-16 10:00 - 14:00 | Carroll Electric, 412B, 5056 Hwy, Huntsville, AR, 72740, United States
Join the Alliance and Arkansas Game & Fish on October 16th for the War Eagle Creek Workshop & Hands-on Planting Event. Learn about funding opportunities dedicated to War Eagle Creek landowners!
The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. at Carroll Electric in Huntsville. Participants will learn about the War Eagle Creek stream restoration project and how to implement these practices on their own streamside properties. Garrett Grimes from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Habitat Program will present the project and the benefits of stream barrier removal, streambank restoration, and riparian corridors.
A free lunch will be served before heading out to War Eagle Creek, where participants will gain hands-on training on how to properly plant native tree species to establish a riparian buffer along a creek. Attendees will also get the privilege to see first-hand the results from the War Eagle dam removal and ongoing restoration work.
Lunch will be provided along with all tools and supplies for planting. We recommend sturdy shoes and outdoor wear.
This event is free, but an RSVP is required. To RSVP, please email daniel@beaverwatershedalliance.org or text/call 479-750-8007.
Speakers & Guests:
Daniel Hagood, Sr. Ecologist, Beaver Watershed Alliance
Garrett Grimes, Northwest Arkansas Stream Habitat Coordinator, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

Lake Sequoyah & Middle Fork Cleanup with Pick Up Where You Play
2025-10-18 09:00 - 12:00 | Lake Sequoyah Park, 6608 E Lake Sequoyah Drive, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
Please join the City of Fayetteville and Beaver Watershed Alliance in our effort to preserve the beauty of Lake Sequoyah by helping clean up litter around the lake and along the Middle Fork of the White River!
Kickoff & Supplies:Meet at the boat launch (6608 Lake Sequoyah Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701). Event will start with light snacks and volunteer location assignments, and will wrap up with giveaways! Middle Fork landowners are invited to pick up supplies and drop off litter at Lake Sequoyah.
All cleanup supplies provided; please wear muck/water boots if you’ve got them.

Two ways to help:CLEAN UP ON FOOT:Volunteers will spread out to pick up litter along the river, shorelines, roads and trails throughout the park.
CLEAN UP BY BOAT:We are looking for paddlers with boats to help us get to the shoreline trash that can’t be reached on foot. (Paddlers will be given a long-sleeve UPF shirt as a thank you for bringing out a boat!) Jon boats are also welcome.

Weather:We’ll work in light rain, but may delay for thunder or lightning. In the case of heavy, persistent rain we may postpone or cancel the event. Updates will be posted on the City of Fayetteville and Beaver Watershed Alliance pages.

This cleanup is part of Pick Up Where You Play (PUWYP), a series of fall cleanups in Washington and Benton Counties aimed at improving water quality.For more information and a full listing of events please visit https://www.uaex.uada.edu/…/nwastormwater/litter.aspx
Thank you collaborators and sponsors:Beaver Watershed Alliance, University of Arkansas Extension Stormwater Program, Boston Mountain Solid Waste, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, Beaver Water District, Benton County Environmental Division, Pack Rat Outdoor Center, Gracie’s Canoe and Camp, Ozark Adventure & Recreation, & WOKA.

Invasive Plant & Litter Removal Volunteer Event @ Walker Park
2025-10-19 13:00 - 16:00 | Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot, 753 S. Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
Help us restore urban streams and forests!
Join us for an invasive plant and litter removal volunteer event at Walker Park in Fayetteville on Sunday, October 19, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 PM! Volunteers are welcome to drop in anytime. We will be removing invasive plant species and litter from this important community park. Help us restore Spout Spring Branch and the urban forests around Walker Park.
All tools, equipment, water, and snacks will be provided. Feel free to bring your own water bottle! Recommended: wear long-sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes. Meet at Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot @ 753 S. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 Coordinates:(36.05425, -94.16145).
This event is in partnership with the US Forest Service, the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, the Northwest Arkansas Black Heritage Association, Arkansas Conservation Corps, the City of Fayetteville, Beaver Water District, and Garver.
This event is also in partnership with Northwest Arkansas’ Pick Up Where You Play fall cleanup series. All participants 18 years and older will be entered to win 3 grand prizes of kayak or float trips on the Illinois River, War Eagle Creek, or Elk River! Find out more here.
RSVPs appreciated but not required. Email volunteer@beaverwatershedalliance.org or text/call 479-750-8007.

Lake Wilson Invasive Pull & Cleanup
2025-11-01 10:00 - 13:00 | Lake Wilson, 4668 S Lake Wilson Road, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
Please join the City of Fayetteville, U of A Dept. of Biological Sciences, Beaver Watershed Alliance & Pack Rat Outdoor Center for a fun morning of stewardship activities as we wrap up the fall volunteer season at Lake Wilson! Volunteers have been focused on removing invasive bush honeysuckle from the riparian areas around Lake Wilson and are making great headway in the effort to prevent this plant from spreading further throughout the park. This event will be focused on continuing these efforts, though we will have a few litter cleanup supplies for those who would like to assist in cleaning up the park and surrounding county roads. (Tools and supplies provided for all volunteer activities, please wear closed-toe shoes.)
Agenda: The morning will start with pastries and coffee, followed by the volunteer activities.
RSVPs are appreciated! Please email kjones@fayetteville-ar.gov to RSVP.
Directions: The park is located at 4668 S Lake Wilson Road. From Fayetteville, take Morningside Drive south from 15th Street for approximately two miles. Morningside Drive becomes City Lake Road; turn left on Wilson Hollow Road. Follow the gravel road over the White River, then turn left on Lake Wilson Road. Event check-in is on the dam.

This event is part of Pick Up Where You Play, a series of cleanups happening in Washington and Benton Counties this fall. All participants 18 and older will be entered to win one of 3 paddling adventure prizes! Learn more about Pick Up Where You Play and see a full listing of events.
For more information or to RSVP contact kjones@fayetteville-ar.gov.
Thank you collaborators and sponsors:City of Fayetteville, Beaver Watershed Alliance, University of Arkansas Extension Stormwater Program, University of Arkansas Department of Biological Sciences, Boston Mountain Solid Waste, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, Beaver Water District, Garver, Pack Rat Outdoor Center, Gracie’s Canoe and Camp, Ozark Adventure & Recreation, & WOKA.

CANCELLED: Invasive Plant & Litter Removal at Lake Atalanta
2025-11-08 09:30 - 12:00 | 120 N Lake Atalanta Road, Rogers, AR, 120 N Lake Atalanta Road, Rogers, AR, 72756, United States
The Lake Atalanta Invasive Plant & Litter Removal event scheduled for this Saturday has been cancelled.
Thank you to everyone who planned to join us and support this effort to keep our community spaces clean and healthy. We’ll share details about a future rescheduled event once plans are finalized.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support.

Join us to improve water quality in the Beaver Lake watershed by removing invasive plants and litter at Lake Atalanta in Rogers, AR on Saturday, November 8th!
Volunteers will have the option of assisting with invasive plant removal of species like Bush Honeysuckle and Chinese Privet from the Nature Trail or assisting with litter removal throughout the park. All equipment, training, water, and snacks will be provided. Lunch will also be provided – please RSVP to volunteer@beaverwatershedalliance.org.
We will meet at the information pavilion at 120 N Lake Atalanta Road in Rogers at 9:30am and break for lunch at 11:30am.
Please wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sturdy shoes. Optional: bring your own gloves and water bottle, these will also be provided.

Native Tree Planting @ Walker Park
2025-11-15 09:00 - 12:00 | Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot, 753 S. Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
Ready to have a hand in restoring an urban forest? Help us plant native trees and understory shrubs in Walker Park’s forested areas along the Waxhaws disc golf course on Saturday, November 15th from 9:00 am – noon. We’ll be planting locally grown native species provided by the Watershed Conservation Resource Center.
RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please reach out to volunteer@beaverwatershedalliance.org. All ages are invited to participate!
All tools, equipment, water, and snacks will be provided. Recommended: wear long sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes. Meet at Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot @ 753 S. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 (Coordinates: 36.05425, -94.16145).
This event is in partnership with the US Forest Service, the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, the Northwest Arkansas Black Heritage Association, Arkansas Conservation Corps, the City of Fayetteville, and Beaver Water District.

RESCHEDULED: Riparian Restoration Workshop
2025-11-18 08:30 - 16:30 | Goshen Community Center, 244 Clark Street, Goshen, AR, 72735, United States
This event has been rescheduled from Friday, October 24, to Tuesday, November 18 – Free workshop. Open to city and county staff, businesses, landowners, and the general public. Learn from conservation professionals on how to reduce streambank erosion, combat invasive species, and revegetate riparian areas in both indoor and outdoor classroom environments.
Attendees will receive a copy of Invasive Plants of NWA: A Field Management Guide, and lunch will be provided at no cost.
Learn about:

Plant Identification: Learn native and invasive species common to riparian areas
Invasive Removal Techniques: Hands-on training for removal and control of invasive species threatening riparians
Revegetation and Developing Management Plans: Develop management plans for riparian protection, including what to plant, where, and techniques to revegetate streambanks

Program Partners: Beaver Watershed Alliance, Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Beaver Water District, City of Goshen.
This workshop is part of an EPA 319 grant in the Beaver Lake watershed administered by the Arkansas Department of Agriculture – Natural Resource Division.
Registration is free but RSVP required. Email info@beaverwatershedalliance.org or call 479-750-8007 to register and save your spot; seats fill up fast!

Low-Tech Tailgate Talk
2025-12-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Huntsville-RSVP for Address
Low-Tech Tailgate Talk: Reducing Erosion with Materials from your Own Landscape

Learn how to prevent erosion and improve your land with simple, low-cost solutions!

Heavy rains can carve channels through fields and pastures, washing away valuable soil and changing the landscape. This workshop will show participants how simple low-tech erosion control (LTEC) structures can protect their land, restore natural water flow, and improve water quality—all without the need for heavy machinery or high costs. After the presentation, participants will take a short walk to view several LTEC structures already installed on site and see first-hand how these methods slow water, capture sediment, and restore natural landscape. Lunch will be provided at no cost. RSVP required!

Speakers:

Daniel Hagood, Sr. Ecologist, Beaver Watershed Alliance

Larry Berry, Program Director, Beaver Watershed Alliance
Alliance staff will be available afterward to answer questions and help you sign up for a free Low-Tech Erosion Control Plan for your property. Funding is available to assist with installation.
The workshop will be taking place in Huntsville, approximately one mile north of Walmart. RSVP for the address.
To RSVP, email daniel@beaverwatershedalliance.org or text/call 479-750-8007

Invasive Plant & Litter Removal @ Walker Park
2025-12-05 13:00 - 16:00 | Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot, 753 S. Block Ave, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, United States
Help us restore urban streams and forests!
Join us for an invasive plant and litter removal volunteer event at Walker Park in Fayetteville on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 1:00-4:00 PM! Volunteers are welcome to drop-in anytime. We will be removing invasive plant species and litter from this important community park. Help us restore Spout Spring Branch and the urban forests around Walker Park!

All tools, equipment, water, and snacks will be provided. Optional: bring your own water bottle and gloves, these will also be provided! Recommended: wear long-sleeves, pants, and sturdy shoes. Meet at Walker Park Splash Pad parking lot @ 753 S. Block Ave. Fayetteville, AR 72701 Coordinates:(36.05425, -94.16145).
This event is in partnership with the US Forest Service, the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, the Northwest Arkansas Black Heritage Association, Arkansas Conservation Corps, the City of Fayetteville, and Beaver Water District.
RSVPs appreciated but not required. Email volunteer@beaverwatershedalliance.org or text/call 479-750-8007.
