Blog | Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge

World Environment Day: Hope for the Future of Big Cats

Every year on June 5, people around the world come together to recognize World Environment Day — a global reminder that the health of our planet and the survival of wildlife are deeply connected. World Environment Day was established by the United Nations in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, marking the […]

June 3, 2026 View Article

A Foodie’s Guide to Eureka Springs: Our Favorite Local Eateries

One of the best parts of visiting Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge is discovering everything else Eureka Springs has to offer — especially the incredible local food scene. From rooftop dining and smoky barbecue to cozy cafés and upscale dining experiences, our historic mountain town is packed with locally owned restaurants that make every visit unforgettable. […]

May 27, 2026 View Article

The Myth of the “Alpha”: Why the Scientist Who Popularized It Took It Back

For years, nature documentaries, dog trainers, and even leadership books have talked about “alpha wolves” dominating their packs through force. That idea felt dramatic and satisfying… but it’s largely wrong. And the scientist who helped spread it, Dr. L. David Mech, has spent decades trying to correct the record. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, where […]

May 20, 2026 View Article

What Is Pyometra? Mama Shakira’s Emergency Surgery and Why This Disease Is So Dangerous

As many of you know, recently, Mama Shakira underwent emergency surgery for a life-threatening case of pyometra. Thankfully, thanks to the quick action of our animal care and veterinary teams, she is recovering under close observation here at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. We wanted to take a moment to share more about what pyometra is, […]

May 13, 2026 View Article

Reptiles and Amphibians You Might See Around Eureka Springs in the Spring

Spring in the Ozarks is a time when the forests come alive. As warmer temperatures return and seasonal rains arrive, many reptiles and amphibians begin to emerge after the colder winter months. Around Eureka Springs, Arkansas, the region’s forests, limestone caves, springs, and clear streams provide ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. While […]

May 6, 2026 View Article

A Summer Campfire Comes With Responsibility

There’s something special about a campfire—the glow, the warmth, the stories shared under open skies. But every summer, fires like these spark something else: wildfires that destroy habitat, displace wildlife, and put already vulnerable animals at risk. At Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge, we’ve seen how human actions ripple far beyond a single moment. Campfire safety […]

April 21, 2026 View Article

wild flowers in northwest arkansas Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata)

Where to See Spring Wild Flowers This Season Near Eureka Springs

Each year, as winter loosens its grip on the Ozark hills, something remarkable begins to unfold. Forest floors awaken. Hillsides soften with color. And across Northwest Arkansas, the quiet return of spring brings one of the region’s most breathtaking natural displays. If you’ve been wondering where to see spring wild flowers this season, there’s no […]

April 15, 2026 View Article

NWA Gives 2026: A Second Chance for 24 Lives

NWA Gives 2026: A Second Chance for 24 Lives Each year, NWA Gives is more than just a day of giving—it’s a powerful reminder of what compassion, community, and action can accomplish together. On April 9, 2026, Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge invites you to join us once again for this incredible day of impact. This […]

April 3, 2026 View Article

Why Genetic Diversity Matters for Wild Tigers

Around the world, wild tiger populations face enormous challenges. Habitat loss, poaching, and illegal wildlife trade have pushed these iconic predators to the brink of extinction. Today, fewer than 4,000 tigers remain in the wild, scattered across fragmented habitats in Asia. But conservationists know that saving tigers isn’t just about increasing population numbers. A recent […]

April 1, 2026 View Article

Eureka Springs & TCWR Events – Spring 2026

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit Eureka Springs, Arkansas, when the Ozark Mountains begin to bloom, and the town comes alive with festivals, art, and community events. From lively celebrations like Spring Diversity Weekend and the Spring Fling Bike Rally to the creative energy of the May Festival of the Arts, […]

March 9, 2026 View Article