The Diamond Lakes Chapter of the Arkansas Master Naturalists has adopted the last seven miles of the Lake Ouachita Vista Trail, running from Avery picnic site, just south of Blakely Dam, to the Brady Mountain Road.
The Vista Trail runs for 47 miles along the entire south side of Lake Ouachita, with several entry/exit points along the way. As the name implies, the Vista Trail provides a backdrop, treating experienced, as well as novice, hikers and mountain bikers to outdoor adventures.
Mike Curran, an Arkansas Master Naturalist and LOViT Traildog, helped build this trail. He states in the press release, "This trail was completed last winter after 10 years of hard, often cold work. But it also provided a good workout for those with cabin fever looking for a reason to get out of the house for a while!"
DLAMN's adoption of the trail entails periodic trail reconnaissance, pruning regrowth and clearing downfall following major ice and wind events. Those interested in becoming Master Naturalists and helping in this effort will be provided the opportunity to become certified to operate a chain saw on federal lands through comprehensive training by chainsaw experts.
The local Diamond Lakes chapter is actively recruiting new members who would like to share in its member's passion for the great outdoors of this Natural State. DLAMN's 2015 annual 12-week education classes begin at 9 a.m. Jan. 24 at the Army Corps of Engineers Building, 1424 Blakely Dam Road.
Diamond Lakes Master Naturalists' schedule this year includes classes in entomology, amphibians, herpetology, geology, ecosystems, fungi, trail building and trail maintenance, mammals, trees and botany, and more. Each class is taught by qualified instructors, many of whom are recognized leaders in their field in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Master Naturalist's mission is to develop a corps of well-Āinformed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within our communities. The organization's goals are to develop and support an effective and efficient statewide service network that strives to improve public understanding of the natural resource ecology and management, and to enhance existing natural resource management, education, outreach and research activities.
For more information, go to home.arkansasmasternaturalists.org, and click on "How Do I Join?" or contact the Diamond Lakes President David Olson, [email protected].
Society on 01/18/2015