The Villines Store in the Boxley Valley will open for the Spring Season, on March 20th. This year they will be open on Fridays, from 9:00am to 4:00pm. They will also open by appointment. Lots of neat stuff from local artists, including a selection of 8x10s and 11x14s from Cove Creek Photography.

The Store is located approximately half way between the Intersection of Hwys 21 and 43 and Ponca. It is located on the South side of the road (river side). It is a small rock building next to a couple of barns. There is a little white house across the road.

A must stop thru the valley when you visit.

March 15, 2009. Terri and I spent the day at Smith Creek to do some final clean up on the trail and check the wildflowers. Last week there were only White Trout lilys. This week they were on the decline, but others were out and on the way. Below is a list of the wildflowers at Smith Creek now:

Harbinger of Spring, Blood Root, Pale Corydalis, Toothwort, False Rue Anemone, Blue Violet, Dutchmans Breeches, Yellow Trout Lily.

We also found Blue Phlox, Cleft Phlox, and Rose Verbena near the intersection of Hwy 43 and 21.

Blood Root and Shadow

The Nature Conservancy's NWA Green Growth Chapter has scheduled a hike at The Smith Creek Preserve near The Boxley Valley near Ponca, AR. The hike is set for Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. If you are interested in attending please contact me or Brenda Luper at 479-973-9110.

You do not have to be a member of the Conservancy or Green Growth to attend.

March 7, 2007. Spent the day clearing the road from the bridge to the springs. All done!!! The preserve is ready for spring and hikers again. While dealing with the negative of the storm damage, it was great to see the early wildflowers beginning to bloom. I saw White Trout Lilys, Toothworts, and Harbinger of Spring.

White Trout Lily (Dogtooth Violet)