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

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.