National Park Week and Park Cleanup Day VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Just a few miles south of Gillett lies a hidden treasure that many Arkansas County residents frequent a few times a year while others visit it on a regular basis. Others, who travel through the area, have no clue of the history that’s hidden in the forest of trees surrounded by water. If you’re not sure which gem I am talking about, well, you are missing out!

In 1686 Henri de Tonti established “Poste de Arkansas”, a trading post in the Quapaw village of Osotouy. That post was later relocated due to flooding from the Arkansas River and became the resting place for Arkansas Post National Memorial.

In 1783, the ONLY Revolutionary War action is Arkansas occurred when Spanish soldiers and British partisans clashed during Colbert’s Raid and following the Louisiana Purchase of 1803, Arkansas Post became part of the United States.

Now, 220 years later, Arkansas Post National Memorial offers a sanctuary for wildlife including migratory and resident birds, deer, raccoons, armadillos, bald eagles, and of course, alligators! The prairie grasses, forest, and marshy areas provide a home for wildlife that draws the attention of visitors from all over, specifically wildlife photographers looking to add that “bucket list” capture to their checklist.

Driving in to APNM, you are greeted with an exquisite view of the natural habitat and grounds that once were used by many different cultures. The view tends to bring a sense of peace to those visiting APNM, but during the ice storm the view changed for those driving through. Trees, large limbs, and a plethora of small limbs covered the roads, causing the park to close until the roads could be cleared. The maintenance crew worked tirelessly clearing the trees covering the roads and making piles of limbs until they could be destroyed.

Now, months later, piles of limbs and downed trees are still in need of cleaning up and on Saturday, May 29, 2023, volunteers are needed to help the staff remove of the limbs. What better way to give back to your National Park during National Park week!?! With more than 400 national parks nationwide, Saturday is the time to get out and volunteer your time and then enjoy the rest of the day exploring all that APNM has to offer!

Volunteers are asked to contact APNM at (870) 548-2207 to let them know they are planning to offer their assistance. If you don’t get an answer there, you can text (870) 509-1575. After the cleanup efforts, volunteers will enjoy lunch provided by Friends of Arkansas Post National Memorial.

Bring your gloves, fishing poles and tackle, and camera and come out to volunteer, enjoy a great lunch, and then go fishing in the park pond! #NationalParkDay #ArkansasPostNationalMemorial