Meeting with Arkansas Conservation Partners

Friends of Healing Springs Natural Area, Inc. participated in the Healing Springs Natural Area Trails Meeting on June 17, 2026, convened by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (ANHC) to discuss stewardship and management at Healing Springs Natural Area.

When & Where

June 17, 2026 · 3:00 p.m.

Illinois River Watershed Partnership
221 South Main Street, Cave Springs, Arkansas

The session included a small group of property owner’s association leadership alongside ANHC staff and other partners working on the natural area’s trail system and watershed projects.

Agenda

• Introductions
• Discussion items
  • Best Management Practices flyer
  • Streambank stabilization project update
  • Proposed trails layout
  • Formal trail agreement between the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT), the Property Owners Association, and the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission

Discussion also covered grants and funding sources for the Little Osage streambank stabilization project.

Follow-Up Priorities

Following the meeting, ANHC identified several next steps:

• Connect with community leadership — Identify the appropriate contact to discuss the potential Friends of Healing Springs group and its role in local stewardship.
• Best management practices flyer — Finalize educational materials for visitors and adjacent landowners.
• Trails agreement — Develop and coordinate a formal trails agreement among the Property Owners Association, ANHC, and ARDOT.

Looking Ahead

These priorities align with our organization’s focus on science-informed stewardship, watershed protection, and collaborative management of Healing Springs Natural Area. We will continue working with ANHC and local partners as trail planning, streambank stabilization, and community engagement move forward.

For questions about volunteering or partnership opportunities, please visit our Get Involved page or contact us.