North Arkansas College in Harrison, the Buffalo National River and University of Central Arkansas are partnering to make a former ranger house at Steel Creek Campground, located three miles east of Ponca off State Highway 74, into a Research Learning Center. The Steel Creek facility will provide opportunities for study in areas of biology, environmental science, history,geography, art and outdoor recreation.
Officials from the three groups recently signed a five year agreement to fulfill the educational mission of the three entities which is to educate, foster conservation and preservation of natural resources. In the agreement, Northark students earning an associate of science degree in liberal arts and sciences will be admitted to the bachelor of science in environmental science program with full junior classification at UCA. Admission is subject to completing UCA general admission requirements and having at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. Additionally, college credit courses at the freshman and sophomore level will be offered by Northark and junior, senior and graduate level credit courses will be offered by UCA. Either institution may offer continuing education, community education or non-credit classes.
UCA has recognized a commitment to environmental issues, establishing the first interdisciplinary environmental science bachelor of science degree in Arkansas in 1198. UCA students have participated in courseowrk and outreach at the Buffalo National River. Over the past 20 years, UCA has collaborated with the National Park Service on projects that contribute data for park management and support for public outreach.
Northark plans to expand offerings to include art, photography and community education courses such as canoeing and hiking.
Buffalo National River partnered with Northark during the summer of 2016 to offer a free microbiology workshop to high school and college students and instructors. A National Environmental Education Foundation grant will provide the workshop again in the summer of 2016.
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