Chesney Prairie Natural Area 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. On the morning of Saturday, April 26th, bird expert Joe Neal will lead up to 15 participants on a casual walk through Chesney’s native prairie with a focus not just on birds but also on the insects and plants that this unique ecosystem supports. Joe Woolbright of Ozark Ecological Restoration Inc. who manages the preserve will also join this trip. Participants can expect to walk about 1.5 miles around flat mowed grass trails for no more than two hours. There are no facilities at the preserve.
This Saturday morning trip will depart from Mount Sequoyah at 8:00 AM. Meet Joe Neal at Millar Hall at 7:45 AM for a prompt departure. Joe Neal will lead the carpool to Chesney (~45 minutes drive time). Participants who wish to meet directly at Chesney can find the group at the trailhead (GPS: 36.218533, -94.4826207) a little before 9:00 AM. Expect to return by 12:00 PM.
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).