NWALT Surpasses 5,000 Acre Milestone

Northwest Arkansas Land Trust is proud to announce that we have surpassed a milestone of 5,000 acres of land permanently preserved in the region! With the completion of a conservation easement from the City of Springdale, along with the donation of a 15-acre parcel of land from developer Rausch Coleman Homes, our total of acres protected is 5,013.

RABBIT FOOT LODGE

Photo courtesy of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program

The City of Springdale has placed a conservation easement protecting 31 acres surrounding the historic Rabbit Food Lodge, once home to former US Senator J. William Fulbright. The easement prevents future development of the site in perpetuity. The project is in partnership with the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program, who will hold a preservation easement on the home itself. The city is currently restoring the lodge, with the goal of making it available for public use. Access to the site will be provided with a trail connection to the Razorback Greenway which runs through nearby J.B. Hunt Park.

WILSON SPRINGS WEST

Local developer Rausch Coleman Homes donated 15 acres of wetland that connects to the future Underwood Park and Wilson Springs Preserve in Fayetteville. Connecting preserved landscapes allows for wildlife to move freely within the habitat, protects water quality, and provides scenic views.

LANDOWNERS SAVE LAND

35 different properties across several counties, ranging from less than an acre to almost 1,000, are now permanently protected through conservation easements or fee-simple donations to the land trust.

Land conservation would not be possible without the willing participation of landowners. The vast majority of land in our priority landscapes is privately owned. Private landowners, municipalities, developers, and other agencies all play an important role in protecting the lands that provide natural services for our region. Either by conserving all or a portion of their land, landowners can permanently protect the land they love while leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

We want to express our sincerest gratitude to all the landowners, donors, partners, and supporters who have made it possible to reach this milestone of conservation in Northwest Arkansas! The NWA Land Trust is poised to increase the pace of land protection, and your ongoing support is critical. Read our Strategic Land Protection Plan to find out how we're working toward a climate-resilient region, and sign up to make a monthly contribution to sustain the important work of saving land in Northwest Arkansas.