The Little Red River Audubon Society
The Little Red River Audubon Society (LRRAS) has been around for about 25 years and has contributed to the betterment of the mind and community.
LRRAS has delighted local kids including some of your grandkids every year at the Creature Feature when the Little Rock Zoo brings 2 and 4-legged creatures to visit. The kids are able to get up close and personal with these critters, ask questions, even touch some of them and have their picture taken with a bald eagle. Despite its size a bald eagle only weighs nine to ten pounds.
LRRAS learned about the geology of Arkansas and why the State Parks are where they are. We even learned that we actually don’t live in the Ozark Mountains but on the Ozark Plateau. I can still hear the speaker describe the geology and as we drive around the state many of the geological features are now recognizable.
LRRAS met the people who have worked on returning the Archey Fork to its natural state, which will assist with fish and wildlife habitat, flood control and recreational opportunities.
These are just a few of the things LRRAS has learned over the years.
LRRAS has sent local kids to the Halberg Ecology Camp with a full scholarship each year. Two years ago we were able to send four kids and if they showed enthusiasm and participation they have the potential to go back next year, again on scholarship, and might even be invited to senior camp the following year.
LRRAS has sold bird seed to nourish your feathered garden friends and a few squirrels too! The money raised goes towards the above scholarships, it pays for the bird seed that is in the window feeders at Indian Rock Village for the enjoyment of the residents who cannot get out and about.
LRRAS has provided birdhouses on Indian Hill Golf Course to give homes for your feathered friends and built the Swift Tower located in Ed Leamon Park.
These are just a few of the things LRRAS has done in the community.
Currently the group is in transition in that we need more members but more importantly we need more of those members to assist with official functions of the group. The same few people have been acting in these capacities for several years and as Bob says, at 80 years old, having been an officer for many, many years, its time to sit back, relax and enjoy the meetings.
Our organization is running just three events each year until we can increase interest again, but we consider these very important.
Essay contest for local school children to attend the Halberg Ecology Camp on a full scholarship. Takes place in April/May.
The only scheduled meeting is our annual “CREATURE FEATURE”, again for the kids when we get a visit from Little Rock Zoo with several animals for KIDS of all ages to see up close and personal and occasionally touch. Takes place in June.
October is our annual GREAT BACKYARD BIRDSEED SALE, which we use to raise money to send those same kids to the camp.