A new project has begun at Walker Park in Fayetteville to restore Spout Spring Branch and the urban forests around the park with opportunities to engage the local community in volunteer efforts throughout the restoration. Plans include restoration of 3,300 feet of Spout Spring Branch, 7.5 acres of riparian area, and 22 acres of forest. Funding for this project was awarded to the Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC) by the USDA US Forest Service through the Inflation Reduction Act. The project also fosters environmental justice by creating opportunities for a historically disadvantaged community to connect to and recreate in restored natural areas. Partners for this project include the US Forest Service, Watershed Conservation Resource Center (WCRC), the Northwest Arkansas Black Heritage Association (NWABHA), the Beaver Watershed Alliance (BWA), American Youthworks and the Arkansas Conservation Corps (ARCC), the City of Fayetteville, and Beaver Water District (BWD).
Spout Spring Branch Urban Forestry Project Fact Sheet (2024)
Arkansas Conservation Corps crews began work on September 16, 2024, removing invasive plant species from the riparian areas around Spout Spring Branch, clearing 2.48 acres to date. Invasive species removal along waterways, also known as the riparian, has shown to have positive impacts on water quality to allow for native species to thrive in riparian areas, which have deeper root systems, habitat benefits, and water quality filtering abilities. Healthy riparian areas are critical to functioning, resilient watersheds that protect Beaver Lake, our regional drinking water source. By using best management practices to remove invasive species such as bush honeysuckle and Chinese privet, ARCC crews are preventing the spread of noxious plants and benefitting the long-term water quality at Spout Spring Branch.
Arkansas Conservation Corps members, along with Beaver Watershed Alliance and Watershed Conservation Resource Center staff.
Jordan Forbis (WCRC) discusses the project with local community members.
A Community Kick-Off Event was held at Walker Park on September 17th introducing project objectives and partners to the local community, 36 participants attended the event. Project partners answered questions about work happening at Walker Park as part of this grant project as well as through the City of Fayetteville’s plans to improve the park. Future engagement opportunities will be planned including volunteer stewardship and educational events beginning late fall 2024. Check the Beaver Watershed Alliance’s events page to learn more!
Project partners and community members gather to learn more about restoration efforts at Walker Park.
Interested in being part of this project in south Fayetteville? You can apply to the Arkansas Conservation Corps at www.americanyouthworks.org or get involved in volunteer efforts each spring and fall.
Submitted November 1, 2024, by Emily Finley, Urban Watershed Specialist, Beaver Watershed Alliance.
Project Update: December 2024.
Images Above: Before the removal of invasive species.
Images Below: After invasive species removal.
