Wilson Springs Preserve is a 121-acre wet prairie remnant in north Fayetteville. Part of a historic 1600-acre prairie which is now mostly developed, the preserve is the largest permanently protected prairie remnant in Fayetteville and one of the largest wetland habitats in the region.  

Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has worked since 2013 to restore the preserve to a more historic state, opening tree canopy, removing invasive plant species, and fostering native grasses, wildflowers, and wildlife. The preserve is home to one of the rarest fish species in the state, the Arkansas Darter, which was first discovered in the state in 1979 in a spring on adjacent property.  The preserve is named for Steve Wilson, the biologist who first discovered the fish there. 

There are approximately 2 miles of walking trails. Because of its unique habitat types, the preserve is very wet during early spring and is closed February through March each year. The trails take visitors through a matrix of habitat types including oak savanna, tallgrass prairie, and wetlands. 

Because of the sensitivity of these habitats, no dogs are allowed in the preserve. Visitors may park at Sam’s Club and access the main trail head on the south side of the parking lot.