Morning beauty on and around World Peace Wetland Prairie featuring insects on Verbesina virginica, white crownbeard, also known as frostweed because of its winter beauty PLUS U.S. native wild begonia

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE and widen view.

Natural-resource conservation short video clips by Aubrey James Shepherd

Theo Witsell says this is Spiranthes lacera var. gracilis. Ladies tresses are members of the genus Spiranthes and among many native U.S. orchids. My south-Fayetteville photo was made after sunset September 22, 2010

Plant in photo identified from my photo by Theo Witsell, botanist for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and editor of Claytonia, the publication of the Arkansas Native Plant Society. Its species is Sprinthes lacera variant
You aren't likely to find many native wild orchids hereabout because they are mostly small and grow surrounded by tall grass or other vegetation, but there are some Ladies tresses here and there in Northwest Arkansas. Thia link describes and provides photos of one species found mostly in high country near the east coast. However, you might find it in the Ozarks. You might find something similar if you walk a few hundred miles of wild country and keep your eyes where you are planning to step and are extremely patient. If you find one, please photograph, but don't encourage other people to go look at it, because it is unlikely to survive if someone tries to move it. It is growing where it is because conditions are perfect for it. And spiranthes aren't showy enough to grace a wedding bouquet or even a kitchen table. My photo was taken from less than 2 centimeters with an inexpensive camera set for close-up work. The light was poor and I have so far gotten a really picture of a spiranthes flower in several years of trying. There are some better photos of them online.
Texas has an endangered similar species seen at the following LINK.

Northwest Arkansas Ducks Unlimited banquet on September 24, 2010, at Washington County Fairground

Start the celebration early for the Alabama game by attending the Northwest Arkansas Ducks Unlimited membership banquet at the Washington County Fairgrounds. Lots of great food, unique auction items and plenty of prizes.
Individual, couple, Sponsor and Corporate tables for eight are available. To purchase your tickets online please click the Buy Tickets link below.

If you're interested in becoming a volunteer on the committee, or would like more information on the banquet, please contact me at the email address shown. Be sure to forward this email to friends and fellow duck hunters who would also like to attend the banquet.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Illinois River waterfowl on January 6, 2010.

False foxglove, aka Agalinis purperea, aka smooth purple gerardia on Pinnacle Prairie, 200 feet west of WPWP on September 8, 2010

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE and widen view of gerardia on Pinnacle Prairie west of World Peace Wetland Prairie on September 8, 2010.

City Council approves plan to have Fayetteville certified as wildlife habitat by National Wildlife Federation

Someone asked whether World Peace Wetland Prairie has any connection to the Trail of Tears or the heritage of native Americans

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE view of Heritage Trail sign and one on the approach to WPWP from 15th Street north on S. Duncan Avenue and from Hill Avenue east on 11th Street.

March 2003 archived story about the Town Branch neighborhood.

Monarch 20 feet from the ground and 20 feet from World Peace Wetland Prairie

Please click on individual images to ENLARGE and widen view of Monarch butterfly on Chaste berry, aka vitex.