Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society will host a field trip to Chesney Prairie Natural Area near Siloam Springs on Saturday, July 13th, at 8:00 AM. Chesney is an 82-acre grassland preserve managed by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission. It represents a precious remnant of the much larger historic Lindsley Prairie that once comprised 20-25 square miles. We can expect native prairie birds like Dickcissel, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, American Kestrel, and possibly Painted Bunting and Loggerhead Shrike. We’ll also take in the native summer flora like Blazing Star, Rattlesnake Master, and various attending pollinating insects.
Meet at 8:00 AM at the entrance to Chesney Prairies Natural Area (GPS: 36.218533, -94.4826207). The trip will consist of a flat 1-mile loop walk on mowed grass trails. We expect to spend about two hours moving slowly to take everything in, but attendees are free to come and go as they please. Chiggers and ticks are minimal on the paths thanks to mowing, but insect repellant is still worth considering. Water and sun protection are recommended. The trip is free and open to the public. You do not need to be an NWAAS member to attend.
This trip is free and open to the public. There’s no limit to participation. We ask that you RSVP by email to [email protected] so we know how many to expect. In your email, please include your name and the total number in your party.
From Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, take highway 412 W to near Siloam Springs city limits. At the intersection of 412 & 59, turn N onto 59. You pass the Siloam Springs airport. Approximately 1 mile past the airport, note an intersection: the road west is “Chesney” and the road east is “Bill Young.” Take Bill Young Road east approximately 0.8 miles. At this point there is a gravel farm road going north. Go approximately 0.5 miles north on this road to the dead end and the entrance sign to Chesney Prairie Natural Area (GPS: 36.218533, -94.4826207)