Massard Praire Restoration Project

As one of three naturally occurring prairies located near Fort Smith, Massard Prairie was first described in Thomas Nuttall’s A Journal of Travels into the Arkansas Territory During the Year 1819. Nuttall, a preeminent and far-ranging field naturalist, participated in the early scientific exploration of Arkansas and is remembered both for identifying a number of the state’s plants and for his description of early Arkansas life. Remnants of the Massard Prairie that once covered more than 10,000 acres in western Arkansas still exist at Ben Geren Golf Course, where a restoration project, headed by Park Administrator Jay Randolph, is underway to bring back the native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife of the original ecosystem.  Help us celebrate the bicentennial of Thomas Nuttall's visit to Arkansas and learn more about the history of Massard Prairie and the restoration project from Ben Geren Park Administrator Jay Randolph at this engaging program. A photo exhibit featuring the flora and fauna of Massard Prairie will be on display in the community room of the Main library from September ? – October 21. Featured photographers for the exhibit include Anastasia Spears, Larry Millican, Tracy Riley, Mike Martin, Patricia Cale, Jerry Owens, and more. This program and exhibit is made possible by Bedford Camera and Video in Fort Smith.