Park Education
Education at Hobbs is a joint endeavor of Friends of Hobbs and the park staff. Our overarching goal is to provide interesting and useful educational programs about the history and natural environment of the park to children and adults alike. Thousands of school children have attended guided tours and education programs at Hobbs in recent years. In addition to the recently published Teacher's Handbook, other educational initiatives include:
Funding of over 25 taxidermy exhibits for classroom instruction and exhibit in the new Visitor Center.
Research and development of new education programs jointly by park staff and volunteers.
Hobbs Teacher's Handbook
The Hobbs Teacher's Handbook describing each education program at the park complete with photos, detailed descriptions and relevant scholastic standards is now available in hard copy through the park office. Preparation of this guide was a joint effort of Friends of Hobbs and the park staff. You may also access the guide on the Arkansas State Parks website through the link below.
View the Hobbs Teacher's Guide
Park Mission
The Park's stated mission is, "To provide enriching educational and recreational experiences in harmony with resource stewardship." Consistent with this mission, the Park staff offers various on-site and off-site educational and interpretive programs to visitors, school children and other groups. In addition, educational activities for volunteers include botanical and entomological research, deer spotting and bio-interpretations, wildflower identification, stream research and archaeological studies.
Archaeology at Historic Van Winkle Hollow
University of Arkansas archaeology students and faculty have conducted numerous investigations of the life and facilities that formerly existed in Historic Van Winkle Hollow. Excavations revealing the history of the Van Winkle enterprise are visible at hte mill and blacksmith shop locations. Graphic interpretative panels stationed along the half-mile historic trial provide photos and narrative about life in the hollow during the last half of the nineteenth century. To learn more, visit this link.
Ozark Natural Science Center
Ozark Natural Science Center is an important partner with Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area in the development of nature education for the Park's 4th grade student day programs. These programs will generate awareness and interest in nature that will prepare students for the Science Center's two-day, one-night program for 5th graders.
Ozark Natural Science Center works closely with Hobbs on other projects and programs of mutual interest. For more information see their website at http://www.onsc.us
Learn More
If you are interested in learning more about the educational opportunities offered by the Park staff call: 479-789-5006 or 479-789-5007 Hobbs is a wonderful place to learn!