Discovering Northeast Arkansas through Forrest L. Wood

Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center and Parker Pioneer Homestead

By: Amber FarmerLIBM 6320Fall 2011

Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Jonesboro, Arkansas

(A. Farmer, 2011)

Parker Pioneer HomesteadHarrisburg, Arkansas

(A. Farmer, 2011) (A. Farmer, 2011) (A. Farmer, 2011)

MissionForrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Parker Pioneer Homestead

(A. Farmer, 2011)

“Owned and operated by four generations of Parkers, Homestead

evolved from an interest in local

history and a desire to preserve it for the

enjoyment of others.”

ServicesCrowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Parker Pioneer Homestead

“Crow’s Nest”“Habitats Trail”“Crowley’s Ridge” movieWorkshops for Professional Development

Sorghum, kettle corn, and broom makingCooking and ChoresTurn of the century farmingStorytellingBlacksmithingReligion and MedicineOne room schoolhouse lessons

(A. Farmer, 2011) (A. Farmer, 2011)

Special ServicesCrowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Parker Pioneer Homestead

October FestivalHaunted HouseMayor’s Cabin rentalPrivate PartiesGift ShopHomemade goods

“Creature Feature”“Feeding Frenzy”“Tales and Trails Nature Stories”“Fly-Tying Round Table”Multipurpose meeting roomGift Shop

(A. Farmer, 2011) (A. Farmer, 2011)

Populations ServedCrowley’s Ridge

Nature CenterParker Pioneer

HomesteadGeneral PublicSchool GroupsPrivate Groups

General PublicSchool GroupsPrivate Rentals

DiversityCrowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Parker Pioneer Homestead

Programs for all agesWheelchair accessible

Fully handicapped accessibleTouch and audio exhibitsWheelchair accessibleMovie has subtitlesPrograms for all ages

Professional Training Crowley’s Ridge

Nature CenterParker Pioneer

HomesteadFull time employees must hold a degree in Parks and Services or other Park degree

Training is provided by a Parker family member or associate

SurprisesCrowley’s Ridge Nature Center

Parker Pioneer Homestead

On-site wildlife unique to Crowley’s RidgeConnected by paved paths to Craighead Forrest Park

Many hands-on activities for visitors to enjoyAll workers are dressed in clothing from their time period in history.Many of the children in this family are home-schooled.

ReferencesArkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. (2011). Aristotle Web Design. Retrieved from http://www.adptfoi.com/Parks/ARKANSAS%20STATE%20PARKS%20MISSION.htm

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center. (2007). Aristotle Web Design. Retrieved from http://www.crowleysridge.org

Farmer, A. (photographs). (2011)

Parker Pioneer Homestead. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.parkerhomestead.com/