FLINT CREEK HEADWATERS PRESERVE
County: Benton
Size: 67 Acres
Date Conserved: 2017
Trail Miles: 2, easy to moderate
Peach Blossom Lane & HWY 12 in Springtown, Arkansas
Conservation-minded landowners, Dr. John Wasson and his family, donated 67 acres of habitat along Flint Creek in Springtown, Arkansas beginning in 2017. The property and surrounding parcels were in the Wasson family for generations. Dr. Wasson learned to swim in the cool deep pools and jump from limestone outcroppings that border the stream.
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The Wasson family donated the property to the Land Trust to ensure that it would remain undeveloped and made available to residents of and visitors to Springtown for many more generations to come.
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In accordance to Dr. Wasson’s wishes, the Land Trust is continuing our plan to allow public access for “quiet pedestrian and educational” use, while ensuring the protection and proper stewardship of wildlife habitat on the property.
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The property includes a wooded riparian buffer along Flint Creek, which is a tributary of the Illinois River. Riparian corridors protect water quality by slowing runoff and preventing excessive streambank erosion. They also provide habitat to a wide variety of plants and animals and serve as important migration corridors for wildlife to move between habitat areas.
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The Ozark Cave Fish, a species listed as federally threatened occurs in a small cave on the preserve. The land trust is working to restore additional riparian and pollinator habitat throughout the property.
PRESERVE REGULATIONS
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Open dawn to dusk.
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Enter at your own risk.
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In case of emergency, dial 911.
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Foot traffic only; no bikes or motorized vehicles.
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Please clean up after your pets.
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Creek wading allowed.
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Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
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No collecting of plants, flowers or other natural elements.
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Unauthorized fishing and trapping prohibited.
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No camping or campfires.
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Pack out what you pack in; leave no trace.
THINGS TO OBSERVE
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Enjoy a quiet walk next to Flint Creek and wade in its cool waters on a hot summer day.
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Birds- Flint Creek hosts dozens of species of migratory songbirds in spring and late summer. Bald Eagles, Osprey, and herons are frequently seen along the creek.
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Native Plants and Wildlife- Northwest Arkansas Land Trust land stewards are currently restoring sections of the property to native wildflowers and grasses for birds and pollinators. Cottontail rabbits and deer are frequently spotted on the preserve. Flint Creek is home to several species of crayfish and small stream fishes.
PARKING & MAP
From the parking area on Peach Blossom Lane, Wasson trail leads west to Flint Creek and continues north under the Highway 12 bridge along the creek. There are two spots along the trail where visitors can access the creek. Please use caution under the bridge as the trail is unimproved and includes a short scramble over rocks. Please avoid this area during highwater. Trail may be impassible during large rain events and after flooding. Another .1 mile trail spurs from Wasson Trail just down the path from the parking area. This trail is on an old railroad bed and offers nice views overlooking Flint Creek.
