Betty Hinshaw Honored through Native Tree Planting

Volunteer Pam Morgan plants a Coralberry at the Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary

In November we were sad to announce the passing of Ms. Betty Hinshaw, whose passion for nature and generous contribution of 25 acres to the Land Trust led to the creation of the Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary in Tontitown. One of NWALT’s goals for the sanctuary is to restore and to increase the forested riparian area along Little Wildcat Creek.

In December, volunteers, staff, and friends from US Fish & Wildlife Service and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission gathered at the sanctuary to plant more than 1200 native trees and shrubs. A diverse mix of woody plants will provide food and cover for birds and other wildlife and improve and stabilize soils along the creek. Species planted include box elder, American sycamore, slippery elm, elderberry, and coral berry.

The plants were provided through funding from US Fish and Wildlife Service with support from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The sanctuary is home to and part of migratory routes for more than 100 observed bird species.

“We’re excited to see this restoration project taking shape and hope to honor Ms. Betty’s legacy by fulfilling her dream of restoring habitat for our native birds and wildlife,” said Renee Sniegocki, the Land Trust Director of Stewardship.

The Betty Hinshaw Bird Sanctuary is open to the public and features an easy 1-mile loop trail. For more information on the sanctuary click here.

Our partners, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission also helped direct volunteers and planted with us!

The NWALT Team after a day of planting trees