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Jewel Moore Nature Reserve: Conway's Prairie Remnant

Explore the Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, a preserved prairie and woodland showcasing Conway's natural heritage on the UCA campus.

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The Jewel Moore Nature Reserve, located on the University of Central Arkansas campus, protects 18 acres of the original Conway prairie and woodland. It serves as an outdoor classroom and a peaceful retreat with walking trails and diverse flora and fauna.

A brief summary to Jewel Moore Nature Reserve

Local tips

  • Visit during the summer months to see the wildflowers in full bloom.
  • Stay on the trails to protect the delicate prairie ecosystem.
  • Bring binoculars for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migration seasons.
  • Take only pictures and leave only footprints to help preserve the reserve's natural beauty.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Jewel Moore Nature Reserve is located on the southwest corner of the University of Central Arkansas campus. From the center of campus near the Student Center, walk southwest towards Farris Road. The entrance to the reserve is located off Farris Road, adjacent to the HPER Center parking lot. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes on paved sidewalks.

  • Driving

    From downtown Conway, head north on Hendrix Avenue, then turn left onto Dave Ward Drive. Continue west on Dave Ward Drive until you reach Farris Road. Turn left onto Farris Road. The HPER Center parking lot, adjacent to the reserve entrance, will be on your right. Parking is available in the white-lined spaces at any time, and in yellow-lined spaces after 5 PM. Green-lined spaces are off-limits.

Unlock the Best of Jewel Moore Nature Reserve

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Discover more about Jewel Moore Nature Reserve

The Jewel Moore Nature Reserve (JMNR) stands as a living testament to the natural history of the Conway area. This 18-acre reserve, located on the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) campus, represents the largest remaining undeveloped fragment of the original 2,500-acre Conway Prairie. Once a college farm in the 1940s, the area was transformed into an outdoor classroom in the late 1970s by UCA Biology Professor Dr. Jewel Moore, for whom the reserve is named. The JMNR boasts over 235 identified species of flora and fauna, supporting a diverse community of pollinators. Visitors can explore a network of trails that wind through dense forests and open prairie. These trails are ideal for running, walking, and biking, with benches and seating areas available for বিশ্রাম. The reserve offers a tranquil escape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the JMNR plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. Prairies act as natural sponges, absorbing rainfall and replenishing the atmosphere. The reserve also provides educational opportunities, with interpretive signs along the trails and guided tours available for various groups. Each fall, students and volunteers collect seeds from different plant species to create packets for the public, promoting the use of drought-tolerant prairie plants in home gardens.

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