 Darrell Stewart, Chair
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The Norfork National Fish Hatchery is located on Highway 177 below the Norfork Lake dam. The Hatchery is visited by 280,000 people yearly, making it one of the most visited areas in Baxter County. The Baxter County Master Gardener Hatchery project began in 2008 in cooperation with the Friends of the Hatchery organization and the National Fish Hatchery Staff. The project is worked entirely by the Baxter County Master Gardeners stressing the use of Arkansas native plants and plants which attract bees, butterflies, and birds. The Gardens include those around the Visitor's Center, in front of the Hatchery office, and around the entrance sign area. The project is funded by the Friends of the Hatchery. Cheryl McConkey was the first project leader. A flower bed was created in front of the visitor center, and Cheryl researched and selected all the plants. The following year the beds in front of the office, and at the entrance sign were included in the project. In 2012 Sally Stidham and Dianna Hall became co-project leaders. The garden on the south side of the visitor center was expanded filling it with easy-to-grow sun-lovers and Arkansas natives. Nametags for all plants were made, and Bob Jenkins created a book listing all the plants and their needed care. He also provided pictures of each plant and created a picture board of the project and events. In 2013 a rain barrel and watering system were added to the gardens at the visitor center. In 2014 a three-section compost bin was constructed out of recycled pallets. In 2015 Darrell Stewart took over as project leader supported by an outstanding group of volunteers. During that time another planting bed adjacent to the Visitors Center garage was added. The Oak Leaf Hydrangea was moved into to this bed, and a new camellia added. Also added were display boards located inside the Visitors Center showing what plants are in the gardens and their location. The gardens consist of Arkansas natives including 4 types of Asters, Hydrangea, 2 types of Virginia Sweetspires, Vernonia, Strawberry Bushes, Maraschino Salvia, Amsonia, Coreopsis, Butterfly Bush, Crape Myrtle, Prairie Lead Plants, Goldenrod, Ninebark bushes, Cannas, Phlox, Verbena, Pink Muhly Grass, Lantanas, and Black Eyed Susans to name a few. In 2016 two new American Beauty Berry and two Joe Pye Weed plants were added to the main beds. Master Gardeners also participated in the Hackler Elementary 4th Grade Adventure Day held at the Hatchery each May giving information on Monarch butterflies, and having games demonstrating their migration and lives. After enhancing the gardens we meet in the visitor center to discuss gardening problems and try to find solutions. We also discuss future needs of our gardens, and have refreshments and fellowship. We also assist the Hatchery Outdoor Adventure in the fall of each year. This event is put on by the Friends of the Hatchery and provides educational opportunities for children. In the past this has included Archery, fly fish casting, fish ink painting, a watershed display, looking at bugs under a microscope, catching real trout from a fish tank, fishing Dry Run Creek, Lawn fishing, BB gun shooting, S-more making, water safety, river boat safety, fly tying, and projects from Master Gardeners. In 2011 we made Chia heads with the kids, in 2012 we made bird feeders from recycled water bottles, in 2013 we made planters from old shoes, in 2014 we provided the children with sun visors and decorations for various plants they were able to identify, in 2015 grass Chia sock heads were made by the children, in 2016 sweet potato cuttings were planted by the children, and in 2017 water bottle bird feeders were made by 435 children. Each year this event grows bigger with up to 500 kids registered and l,000 visitors. This big project could not be done without the support of our dedicated helpers. Our dedicated workers at the Hatchery are Bob Jenkins (who is also our photographer),, Ken Braswell, Donald Beard (who also takes care of the watering of our gardens), Barb Goodlett, Libby Stewart, Rod and Kathy Gilmore, Jo Wilson, Vicki Webb, and Joanne Ragsdale. We also have other Master Gardeners which help us occasionally on Project Enhancement Days. In addition we have other wonderful Master Gardeners who assist with the 2 Hatchery Special events each year. Each and every one of these people bring something special to our group and we are grateful to have them. If you would like to join us at the Hatchery, the regularly scheduled meeting day for Project Enhancement Day is the FIRST Thursday of each month at the Hatchery Visitor Center. Feel free to come down and visit the gardens and enjoy their beauty. Hope to see you there! |
Directions to Go There
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From Mountain Home
Take Hwy. 5 South from in front of the Baxter County Sheriff's Office. Headed south pass the bypass and continue on till you get to Salesville. At the "Y store" in Salesville, turn left onto Hwy. 177. Continue on Hwy. 177 until you reach the Dam. Just before the base of the Dam on the left side of the road is the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. From Gassville Take Hwy. 62/412 towards Mountain Home. Once you get to Mountain Home stay on 62/412 until you reach the 62 Bypass. Turn right onto the bypass and follow it till the Hwy. 5 South Exit. Take Hwy. 5 South and continue on till you get to Salesville. At the "Y store" in Salesville, turn left onto Hwy. 177. Continue on Hwy. 177 until you reach the Dam. Just before the base of the Dam on the left side of the road is the Norfork National Fish Hatchery. Meeting Place Normally we meet in the main parking lot. |
