Jonesboro

The Crow’s Nest on the upper level of the center presents a bird’s eye view over the center’s diverse landscape to the ridge and Delta south of the site.

The facility also has a Discovery Room, meeting room and office space. Plus, over 30 live species of native wildlife species scattered around the facility in aquariums and terrariums!

For those who like to venture farther, trails through the woods connect to Craighead Forest Park. Colorful blooming gardens in front of the center attract butterflies and other insects. Of course, educational programs – from animal feedings to wildlife walks – happen every day; check the schedule to see what’s going on. Keep your eyes open for amphibians, reptiles, and birds!

The nature center’s hiking trails are open every day from dawn to dusk.

There is no parking in front of the entrance, mailbox, or prairie gate. After-hours access can be granted by using the Craighead Forest Trailhead.

Conservation education comes easy at the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. Classes in these six themes are offered to teachers and students.

• Wildlife with Live Animals
• Hunting, Fishing, and Trapping
• Arkansas Natural History
• Plants and their Wildlife Uses
• Skills (Archery, BB-Guns, Sling Shots and Casting)

Most of these programs support the state curriculum, and the staff can work with teachers to develop customized programs. Some programs are designed for all ages – lower elementary (grades K-3), upper elementary (grades 4-6), middle school (grades 6-8) and high school (grades 9-12).

Professional Development

Teachers and educators, click on the link below for a list of professional development classes or workshops currently scheduled around the state.

• Professional Development Workshop Calendar

When you call to schedule a reservation for your group, please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Several options for dates (have your calendar ready)
• Your name
• Organization name, address and phone number
• Number of children and number of adults
• Expected arrival time and departure time
• Desired programs/educational objectives
• Lunch plans and length of time required for lunch
• Any necessary accommodations for children or adults with disabilities
• Grade level, age, or general description of audience

What Should We Wear?

We suggest that your group wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing appropriate for outdoor activities and inclement weather. If it should rain, the tour will still be offered unless there is severe weather. If, for some reason, you would prefer to keep your group indoors on the day of your visit, please contact a staff member prior to your reservation date for other programming options.

Can We Eat Lunch There?

Yes. We have outdoor areas available for lunches and picnics. These areas, however, have limited space and are only available on a first come, first serve basis. Pavilions and picnic areas also are available at Craighead Forrest Park, which is connected to our grounds. You may reserve a pavilion by calling 870-932-6905.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

The nature center is designed to be as accessible as possible. An elevator provides access to all three levels inside. The ¼-mile long Habitats Trail is universally accessible from either the main level or lower level of the building. Doors and hallways meet ADA standards. Inside, two feature films are shown with captions. Exhibits in the main hall feature touch and audio exhibits as well as much to see.

Please let us know if your group has anyone with special physical or behavioral needs. This will enable our staff to plan the best experience for your group.

Discipline of Your Group

Teachers and adult chaperones are responsible for the discipline of your group. This allows staff to spend their energy providing quality programs and responding to questions. We suggest that your group have one adult chaperone for every 10 to 15 children.

Rules and Regulations

To help protect your group and your nature center, please make sure every member of your group follows the rules of the center:

• All plants, animals, minerals, artifacts and other features on the center’s grounds are protected. Please leave them for the next person to enjoy.
• Please dispose of trash properly. Trash containers are located near picnic tables and inside the building.
• While on tour, all members of the group should remain with the group unless they are instructed by staff or a chaperone to leave the group for some reason.
• The group will be asked to stay behind the staff member on the interpretive trails unless instructed otherwise.
• Fishing is not permitted on the grounds unless part of a planned instructional activity.
• Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and attended to at all times. Pets are not allowed in the building. Controlled, leashed pets may be taken on guided hikes, but understand that this may reduce the chance of seeing wild animals.

Scheduled on a monthly basis, these workshops cover a wide range of topics including all types of fishing, trapping, hunting, and profiles of some of our large game species like black bears. The entertaining presentations are done by a wide variety of individuals including AGFC biologists, outdoor personalities and professionals with the outdoor industry. Door prizes relating to the topic and snacks are typically provided. These workshops are in high demand and seating is limited so pre-registration is required.

Please call the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center at 870-933-6787 to find out more about these popular workshops.