Description
Visitors to Presson-Oglesby Preserve can step back in time to experience the native Cherokee prairies that originally covered tens of thousands of acres within the Arkansas River Valley of west central Arkansas. Common prairie grasses, stunning wildflowers and grassland birds are highlights.
Why TNC Selected This Site
Presson-Oglesby Preserve is a high-quality tallgrass prairie. The tract is representative of the once extensive Cherokee prairies that originally covered tens of thousands of acres within the Arkansas River Valley of west central Arkansas.
The preserve connects two other protected native prairies, Cherokee Prairie and H.E. Flanagan Prairie natural areas, owned by the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission.
Presson-Oglesby Preserve is named for the late Hazel Presson, an educator and author from Fort Smith whose series of generous donations enabled the Conservancy to acquire the site for permanent protection.
What TNC Has Done/Is Doing
The site is managed for the tallgrass prairie habitat and animals that live there. Management activities include regular prescribed burns and removal of non-native species like Japanese honeysuckle.
