Protect wildlife and explore The Natural State responsibly.
Arkansas isn’t called “The Natural State” for nothing. From the rugged Ozark and Ouachita Mountains to the vast wetlands of the Delta, the state is packed with natural wonders and incredible biodiversity. Every region offers something unique: caves hiding rare, cave-dwelling species; rivers lined with lush hardwood forests; and pine woodlands that once stretched across the Southeast.
These ecosystems are more than beautiful backdrops for outdoor adventures — they’re living, breathing systems that sustain wildlife and people alike. Preserving them ensures clean water, healthy forests, resilient communities, and thriving wildlife for generations.
Arkansas Ecosystems: A Natural Treasure Worth Protecting
Arkansas is home to a fantastic variety of habitats:
- Shortleaf pine woodlands, once covering millions of acres, are being restored to help endangered species, such as the red-cockaded woodpecker, make a comeback.
- Wetlands and bottomland forests in the Delta serve as critical resting and feeding grounds for millions of migratory waterfowl.
- Caves and karst landscapes shelter highly specialized species, like the Ozark big-eared bat, that exist nowhere else.
This diversity makes Arkansas truly special — but it’s also fragile. Climate change, invasive species, pollution, and habitat loss put enormous pressure on these ecosystems. Protecting them requires both conservation leadership and community involvement.
What is ethical tourism, and why does it matter?
Visitors can help protect Arkansas’s ecosystems by practicing ethical tourism.
Ethical tourism means choosing destinations and activities that give back more than they take. It ensures that travel benefits the environment, respects local cultures, and supports communities while minimizing harm. At its core, ethical tourism is built on:
- Environmental responsibility: leaving no trace, recycling, and minimizing your footprint.
- Cultural preservation: valuing traditions and heritage without exploiting them.
- Supporting locals: choosing experiences that reinvest in communities and provide fair wages.
- Promoting equity: making sure tourism benefits both people and nature.
Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge: An Ethical Tourism Destination in Arkansas
If you’re visiting Northwest Arkansas, one of the best examples of ethical tourism is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (TCWR) in Eureka Springs.
More than just a sanctuary, TCWR rescues big cats from the exotic animal trade and provides lifelong refuge for native wildlife that cannot return to the wild due to human imprinting. Here, animals live in spacious habitats designed to respect their natural instincts and dignity.
When you visit, you’ll learn more than just the stories of the animals — you’ll discover practical ways to live in harmony with nature. TCWR teaches visitors about:
- Leaving natural areas undisturbed after enjoying them.
- Living safely alongside apex predators like cougars and bears.
- Making sustainable choices through practices such as recycling and reducing waste.
Every overnight stay or tour helps fund the care of the animals while supporting broader conservation education. In short, when you visit TCWR, you’re not just a tourist — you’re a partner in protecting ecosystems and wildlife.
Protecting The Natural State for Future Generations
The efforts across Arkansas — from restoring pine flatwoods to protecting wetlands — show us that ecosystems can be healed when we take responsibility for them. And as visitors, the choices we make matter too.
By supporting ethical tourism destinations like Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we help ensure that Arkansas remains a place where forests thrive, rivers run clean, wildlife flourishes, and future generations can experience the wonder of The Natural State.