Learn, Walk, Fish – Outdoor Fun for Everyone

The Watershed Resource Conservation Center invites people to a free workshop at the Fayetteville Public Library on Wednesday from 8:45 a. m. to 4 p. m. Participants will learn how to spot native and invasive plants, practice removing the unwanted ones, and hear about plans to protect riverbanks. Sign‑ups are needed; visit bit. ly/4fdJI3Q for details. On Saturday, Ozark Hill Hikers will hold a city walk in Bentonville. Registration happens at Casey’s convenience store between 8:30 and 9 a. m. , and a $4 fee covers the hike. Walkers choose either a five‑ or ten‑kilometer route that takes them through city streets, parks, the Crystal Bridges Museum, and Compton Gardens. A similar event will take place on June 16 in Fayetteville; the start point is a Walgreens, and the trail follows the Razorback Greenway through downtown. Fishing lovers can cheer on Drew Tabor, who topped the Beaver Lake Elite Series solo bass contest on May 30 with a 20. 76‑pound haul. Tayson Hathorn was second, and Brock Lance finished third. Other competitors included Darrin King, Bryan Rogers, Scotty Parsons, Chuck Turkowski, Kevin Kester, Jeremy Claypool, and Carter Carlton. Tayson also earned a big‑bass prize of 5. 03 pounds, while Kelsey Yeager was runner‑up with 4. 96 pounds.Those born after January 1, 1986, who want to drive a motor or sailboat must complete a state‑approved course. The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will offer a free boater class on June 20 at the Janet Huckabee River Valley Nature Center. Call (501) 710‑6285 for more information. Kids ages 8–11 can join a beginner fishing camp from June 23 to 26 at the Hunt Family Nature Center. The program teaches casting, rigging, and bait selection. To sign up, email Hannah Vickmark at hannah. vickmark@agfc. ar. gov. Women interested in outdoor skills can attend the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” weekend on July 10–12 at the Ozark Natural Science Center. The $275 package includes lodging, meals, and classes in fishing, hunting, canoeing, cooking, and more. Applicants must be at least 18; priority goes to first‑time participants who will receive payment instructions by email. Register before June 15 by emailing lea. white@agfc. ar. gov. High school students may apply for the AEGIS Summer Camp, “Water & Wilderness – Plugged into Nature, ” from July 18 to August 1 at the same center. Campers work with scientists on wildlife tracking, bat monitoring, bird banding, and canoe trips. Apply online at onsc. us/aegis. If you want to try fishing without buying gear, the Bentonville Public Library offers a tackle loaner program. Check out closed‑face spin cast rods and reels through the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.