About Us
A community-led Arkansas conservation nonprofit serving Healing Springs Natural Area and the Little Osage Creek watershed. Recognized by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Mission
Protect and restore a spring-fed watershed ecosystem through conservation, education, and stewardship.
Vision
A resilient spring-fed watershed where clean water, native habitat, and sensitive aquatic species are sustained through science-informed stewardship and community partnership.
Who We Are
Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. was formed by community members committed to the long-term protection of this significant natural area in Highfill, Arkansas.
We are an Arkansas nonprofit corporation recognized by the IRS as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3). Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. brings together local residents, conservation professionals, and volunteers who share a commitment to responsible stewardship of Healing Springs Natural Area and the surrounding Little Osage Creek watershed.
As a newly formed organization, we are building the infrastructure—governance, partnerships, and volunteer programs—needed to support sustained conservation work. Our board provides oversight, transparency, and accountability in all organizational activities.
Partnership with Arkansas Conservation Agencies
Collaborative conservation requires strong relationships with public agencies and scientific partners.
Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. works in coordination with the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) and other state conservation partners. ANHC manages Arkansas's System of Natural Areas, which includes Healing Springs Natural Area, and provides scientific expertise essential to informed stewardship.
Our organization complements agency management by mobilizing volunteers, pursuing grant funding for restoration projects, and serving as a community voice for watershed protection. We respect the regulatory framework governing public natural areas and operate as a supportive partner—not a replacement for agency authority.
Agency Collaboration Areas
- • Habitat assessment and stewardship planning
- • Volunteer coordination for approved activities
- • Environmental education and public outreach
- • Grant-funded restoration project implementation
- • Watershed health monitoring and reporting
Stewardship Philosophy
Lasting conservation is built through patience, science-informed practice, and respectful partnership with public agencies, landowners, and volunteers. Our work prioritizes ecological integrity, transparency, and measurable outcomes in the field.
Science-Informed
Conservation decisions guided by ecological knowledge and professional expertise.
Collaborative
Working with agencies, landowners, and community members toward shared goals.
Transparent
Open governance and clear communication with donors, partners, and the public.
Community Role
Conservation succeeds when local communities are engaged as stewards, not just visitors.
Northwest Arkansas is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. As development pressures increase, community-led conservation organizations play a vital role in protecting the natural resources that define our region's character and ecological health.
Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. invites residents, educators, students, and outdoor enthusiasts to participate in caring for this natural area. Through volunteer workdays, educational programs, and advocacy for watershed protection, our community helps ensure that Healing Springs remains a healthy, accessible resource for future generations.