Forrest L. Wood adds prestige, conservation legacy to Arkansas nature center
Ranger Boats founder emphasizes environmental education after lending name to Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center
For decades, the name Forrest L. Wood has been synonymous with the quality craftsmanship of Ranger Boats. In 1996, Woods solidified his standing as bass-fishing and outdoors icon by becoming the namesake of the FLW Tour – the flagship tournament trail of FLW Outdoors. Now, the Flippin, Ark., native has added his name to yet another weighty endeavor. Last month, the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center formally opened its doors in Jonesboro, Ark.
Wood said that the project is important for both present and future generations of Arkansas residents.
“It is my hope that facilities such as the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, are the beginning of an educational process for children – many of whom might not have an opportunity to learn about the outdoors – that will continue for future generations,” Wood said.
The nature center opened about a year and a half after construction first began on the project. The huge facility, situated on 100 acres of woodland at the base of Crowley’s Ridge, offers a host of attractions.
The Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center features a 17,000-square-foot education building. Inside the nature center, exhibits reveal the natural forces that formed the 200-mile-long ridge and native wildlife, ranging from large game animals to small insects. It’s a hands-on environment with lots of activities for both children and adults.
What’s featured outside the building is also likely to pique the interest of visitors. Self-guided trails and exhibits are offered, and a flower-and-butterfly garden adds to the woodsy atmosphere. While the trail system isn’t yet complete, officials with the center say the finished paths will take visitors to nearby Craighead Forest Lake.
The nature center and its programs are free thanks to the Arkansas Conservation Sales Tax, an 1/8th of a 1-percent levy tax for both the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism that went into effect in 1997. The project, which cost a total of $5.2 million, was also aided by a $900,000 National Scenic Byways grant.
As the current chairman of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Wood says his involvement in making the center a reality came as a result of following through on the promises made regarding revenue from the Arkansas Conservation Sales Tax. The fact that the six members of the commission decided to name the facility after Wood was an honor – and a surprise.
“Although it is customary for the commission to name a facility for the outgoing commissioner, they obviously felt I had made a contribution to the outdoors,” Wood said. “This is my last year on the commission, with my term expiring in June of 2005.”
While the nature center is designed for residents of all ages, groups of children on school tours will most likely make up the majority of the visitors. And that’s just fine with Wood. He hopes that the message of conservation will be passed on to the children of Arkansas.
“Educating our children about their history and the significance that the outdoor world plays in our lives can only improve the way future generations view conservation and will shape how they care for our resources,” Wood said. “It has always been my thinking that children involved in outdoor activities are more likely to become productive citizens.”