Field Trip: June 9, Camp Robinson Special Use Area

Mayflower, Faulkner County

Meet at 7:00 a.m. at the Mayflower commuter lot off I-40 West at Exit 135.  We will consolidate vehicles then continue to the Camp Robinson Special Use Area (SUA).  Owned by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, it is 4,029-acres of primarily oak savannah and prairie as well as a 60-acre nursery pond. Frequent burning and mowing maintains habitat for breeding Bachman’s Sparrow, Painted Buntings, Chats, and Bell’s Vireo.  The area also regularly supports a variety of birds of state conservation interest. Ospreys, Orioles, and Bald Eagles nest around Lake Conway.  Hooded Mergansers, Wood Ducks, and Prothonotary Warblers nest at Nursery Pond. Camp Robinson SUA became an Important Bird Area (IBA) on April 22, 2003.  There will be very little walking, mostly driving and stopping.  Bring water and snacks.