The Nature Conservancy in Arkansas is presenting the first annual Nature in Focus. This event will hopefully spotlight relatively unknown nature photographers in Arkansas. This years highlighted photographer will be yours truly. I have donated 30 wildflower photos for the silent auction. The event will also highlight the work that the Conservancy is doing in Northwest Arkansas.

Admission is free.

The event will be April 14, 2011 at the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville. It will be from 6:00 to 8:00pm.

Saturday, April 10, 2010 was the photography Field Day at Smith Creek. We had 25 plus participants and great weather. The creek had an adequate crop of wildflowers and a good flow of water above the sink holes for many varied photo subjects. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day and perhaps learned something fro the pros that were on hand.

Perhaps we can make photo days a regular activity on the creek. Let me know if this is something that is wanted.

Visited the Creek today to check on the progress of this year's wildflowers. The toothworts, white trout lilys, and Harbinger of Spring are still in bloom. The Yellow Trout Lilys, Blood Roots, Blue Violets, and Pale Corydalis are just getting started.

The creek had good water flow, with most of the side drains and springs running well.

Spring is almost here, although it was hard to believe today. Temps in the 30's and 40's and misting rain. Not a good photography day. The creek has fair flow above the sink hole. The springs along the creek are keeping some water flowing. The cascades and falls provide good ops, but there is little color now.

The wildflowers should be good this year. The amount of new sprouts comming through the leaves appears to be more this year.  I was able to find small patches of Harbunger of Spring, White Trout Lilys, and Sharp Lobed Hepatica. These and more will become more prevalent in the next few weeks. Smith Creek has one of the few patches of Sharp Lobed Hepatica in the Ozarks. They are not rare but uncommon.

Just a reminder about the Photo Field Day at Smith Creek. It will be April 10, 2010. This should be near the wildflower peak for the Preserve. The cost is $25.00 to the Nature Conservancy. You can reserve a spot by calling Brenda Luper at 479-973-9110 or email at bluper@tnc.org. We will have Michael Doughtery, Paul Caldwell, and Bob Shull.

Harbinger of Spring

White Trout Lily

Sharp Lobed Hepatica