The Nature Conservancy will be hosting a photo opportunity at Smith Creek on Saturday, April 10, 2010. There will be Arkansas nature photographers on hand to answer questions and offer tips. Those scheduled to attend are:

Michael Dougherty      www.arkansaswildlifephotography.com

Paul Caldwell      www.photosofarkansas.com

Bob Shull    www.bobshull.com

and yours truly!!!!

You can contact the Nature Conservancy for details and reserve a spot at 479-973-9110, speak with Brenda Luper.

The creek has a good amount of flow, including a number of the side drains. The preserve does not have alot of color, but some good color on the rocks and boulders. The best time to visit is early or late on sunny days or all day if its cloudy.

Fall color in the Valley is probably past peak, but still good in some locations.

The elk in the valley are putting on some good shows most days. The largest numbers are near the intersection of 43 and 21. One really nice herd bull in the Steeel Creek fields. Be sure to check out Lost Valley as well.

Was in the valley to see how far along the Elk rut has gotten. Still a week or two away from the peak. The creek had a fair amount of water for good water pictures. The leaves are starting to turn and fall. Some of the creek has some good color that is in the water. The average peak for fall color in the valley is November 7, 2009. With the color and temperatures getting good, should be prime photograhy time in the valley soon.

The Villines Store in The Boxley Valley has set their hours for the fall. They will be open on Saturdays from 8 am till noon and 1 pm to 4pm. They are also open on Mondays from 1pm to 4pm.

For September their Artist of the Month is Michael Dougherty of Arkansas Wildlife Photography.com.