STEELE-STEVENS HERITAGE PARK
Steele-Stevens Heritage Park
County: Benton
Size: 1 Acre
Date Conserved: 2015
Open to public
Water Avenue in Elm Springs, AR
The namesake spring of Elm Springs is permanently protected through a conservation easement that allows for public access to one of the most historic pieces of land in the city. Landowners Gene and Glenda Stevens donated the easement to the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. Preservation of the property as public space was a dream of Glenda Stevens. The property has been in the Steele Family for over 100 years.
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Steele-Stevens Heritage Park is approximately 1 acre. This park helps preserve the heritage of Elm Springs, protects water quality, and provides a scenic park accessible to the people of Elm Springs. There is a bench and picnic table for public use.
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Steele-Stevens Heritage Park received the highest conservation priority ranking possible under the Northwest Arkansas Open Space Plan due to its combination of historic and ecological significance. The land and spring have a rich history as a Native American site, a civil war training ground, a trout farm and more.
PARK 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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Elm Spring flows from beneath an old springhouse near the site of a grist mill which was destroyed during the Civil War
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The spring creek is cool and clear and is habitat to several crayfish, salamander, and fish species.
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Native Plants- Many native shrubs were planted along the border of the park in cooperation with Illinois River Watershed partnership including elderberry and ninebark. Their spring and summer blooms attract a wide variety of pollinating insects.
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MAP & PARKING
Steele-Stevens Heritage Park has no trail, but visitors may park in the parking area under the sign and are free to explore the grounds.
