Off Garland Avenue in Fayetteville, tucked between the interstate and Sam’s Club is a 121- acre oasis with a 2-mile walking trail called Wilson Springs. 

“It’s the first time this park will be open to the public. The Northwest Arkansas Land Trust has worked tirelessly to preserve this area and make it beautiful.” said volunteer Annee Littell.

Wilson Springs is a  unique tall-grass prairie and the Landtrust reintroduced many native plants and rid the land of invasive and non-native species. The restoration began in 2012, according to the Landtrust website, and after 7 years they celebrated the opening to the public with art, music and nature.

On entry at opening day, there were volunteers with a sign-in sheet and free reusable water bottles with water to keep visitors cool and hydrated. Immediately down the trail, hikers were greeted with a beautiful view of a field of yellow flowers, and the gentle sounds of Craig Colorusso’s Sun Boxes. Each speaker box was constructed of a light colored wood and was solar powered, working independently of the others. Every speaker played a different note of a guitar, and came together to form the B-flat chord. The melody transformed as it continued and inspired relaxation as well as exploration. 

Walking further into Wilson Springs the yellow flowers began to create the trail around you and were as high as three feet in places. Venturing further down the trail, a different kind of music started playing, it was chaotic but upbeat. This music was more percussion and chimes, and gave listeners thoughts of the bustle of everyday life. Thought Form Collective was composed of six different members each with a music set up and all playing at the same time. As viewers walked through the performance they had the opportunity to engage with the music by playing chimes set up at various locations on the trail. 

About a half mile into the trail a few tents and tables were set up each with different activities and information about the land. One table was attracting a few kids had bug catchers set up that contained examples of the different insects, like the Monarch butterfly, that could be found in Wilson Springs. Another tent was decorated in Earth toned watercolor paintings by Madison Woods. She uses local rock and organic material to craft her own paints which she then utilizes for her art. In her tent children and adults alike were encouraged to pick a color and create their own paints as well which Woods then packaged for taking home. Other activities included Sunprints with Craig Colorusso and clay sculpting with Christina Blackwood. 

Discussing Wilson Spring’s location, local resident Holly Morris said it was perfect. 

“Sam’s is right there, but you walk down the trail and have this serene little bubble of nature,” she said. “Between the enchanting array of flowers and the easy views of the meadows, Wilson Springs is an amazing spot to get away from town without actually leaving Fayetteville.”