March events in the Arkansas River Valley

Located near Paris, Mount Magazine State Park staff offer a Build-a-Black Bear program on March 3, 24 and 31. Participants learn about one of the most fascinating creatures on the mountain and build and dress a stuffed bear to take home. The cost per bear is $19.95. Purchase tickets at the front desk. The program takes place in the lodge Hearth Room. For more information, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

Catch the Dutch Oven Cooking, from Sparks to Forks program on March 10 at Mount Magazine State Park near Paris to learn an easy way to cook outdoors. This workshop begins with a flint and steel fire starting demonstration. The fee of $15 includes hands-on instructions, a booklet of tips and recipes, and a sampling of your Dutch oven endeavors. Space is limited and reservations are required. Sign up by March 5. For details, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

Are you brave enough to venture out into the nighttime forest? Join a park interpreter from Mount Magazine State Park near Paris for an adventurous night hike on March 10. Listen to evening sounds, learn about nocturnal animals, and test your night vision. Be sure to bring a flashlight. Admission is free. For details, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

On March 12 take a guided trek to various waterfalls in Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. A park interpreter leads the way on this Waterfall Drive program that does involve some hiking. Sturdy shoes are recommended. On March 16 the park offers a Waterfall Expedition to experience on the Mount Magazine’s largest waterfalls. This trek is short but very rugged. Bring your camera for photography tips. Meet a park interpreter at the last parking area on Cameron Bluff Overlook Drive where the North Rim Trail crosses. Space is limited. For details on either free program, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville offers a two-night Boater Education class on March 12-13. Learn about Arkansas's safe boating laws and practices. Anyone born on or after Jan. 1, 1986, and of legal age to operate a motorboat, must have successfully completed an approved Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Boating Education Course and carry proof while operating a motorboat on Arkansas water. The law also affects operators of sailboats. The six-hour course covers boat classification, registration, life saving equipment, navigation aids, rules of the road, maintenance, courtesy, and more. After attending both nights and passing the test, you will receive your boater education card. This is a free course, but you must pre-register by calling 479-967-5516.

Warmer temperatures signal the emergence of early spring butterflies such as mourning cloaks, falcate orangetips, and zebra swallowtails. Mount Magazine State Park near Paris offers a free Spring Butterflies program on March 15. Join Lori Spencer, author of "Arkansas Butterflies and Moths" and a new children's book, "The Diana Fritillary, Arkansas's State Butterfly", in the visitor center classroom to get your butterfly fix. For details, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

March is Archeology Month in Arkansas, and you are invited to spend a day discovering some of the archeological treasures of Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton during Archeology Day at Petit Jean on March 17. Activities include seeing the genuine Native American pictographs of Rock House Cave, located in the park. The event is free. Visit http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/ or call 501-727-5441 for more information.

Explore the fascinating world of Mount Magazine State Park’s showcase butterfly during the Diana Fritillaries program on March 17 and 24 presented by Lori Spencer, author of "Arkansas Butterflies and Moths" and a new book, "The Diana Fritillary, Arkansas's State Butterfly." Meet in the visitor center classroom. Books are available for purchase in the gift shop. After the program, have your books signed by the author and principal photographer. For more information, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

Mount Magazine State Park near Paris is the only known nesting site for rufous-crowned sparrows in Arkansas. On March 18 and 30, meet a park interpreter at the hang glider launch to try to find sparrows and other kinds of birds. Binoculars are available. The event is free. For more information, visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502.

Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville offers Spring Break Activities on March 19- 23. The park will offer programs and activities all week. Park interpreters explore the many signs in nature that signal the coming of spring. Contact the park at 479-967-5516 for a detailed schedule. Admission is free.

Take a Bear Gap Expedition on March 22 at Mount Magazine State Park near Paris. Join a park interpreter to explore a seldom visited area of the park. Investigate interesting geological, historical, and legendary features of this unique place. Wear hiking boots and carry water for this three-mile hike. There is no cost and participants should meet at the Brown Springs Picnic Area. Visit www.mountmagazinestatepark.com/ or call 479-963-8502 for details.

As the Arkansas River journeys through Lake Dardanelle, it continually shapes the land and creates numerous outdoor opportunities from fishing to kayaking. Enjoy an Evening Kayak Tour on March 23 with staff from Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. Participants paddle kayaks through some seldom-seen shoreline of this beautiful 34,000-acre lake. Sign up at the visitor center by calling 479-967-5516 at least one day in advance. Please specify when you sign up if you want a tandem (2 person) or solo kayak. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6-12, and free for children younger than 6 when riding tandem with an adult. Pay when you register. Meet at the front doors of the visitor center.

The 20th annual Arkansas River Valley Lawn and Garden Show is set for March 23-25 in Fort Smith. Presented by The River Valley Master Gardeners and University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, the show features several professionally-designed interpretive gardens, dozens of garden-related vendors, garden centers and many professional speakers. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children 12 and younger. Call 479-883-0623 for more information.

Take a Birding Basics class on March 24 from staff at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. Bird watching is a hobby for all ages. To get started you only need binoculars, a bird book, and birds. Lake Dardanelle State Park has plenty of birds, so meet a park interpreter in front of the visitor center and learn just how easy bird watching can be. There is no cost to participate. Call 479-967-5516 for details.

Join a park interpreter at the grassy area across from the visitor center to learn some of the basics of cast iron care, Dutch oven use, and a few new recipes during the Dutch Oven Cooking Rewards class on March 24 at Lake Dardanelle State Park in Russellville. The cost is $2 for adults and free for kids 6 and younger. Sign up two days in advance by calling 479-967-5516.