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/