Date: 11/26/25 7:14 am From: Joseph Neal <0000078cbd583d7c-dmarc-request...> Subject: Protecting birds and habitat in a hillside forest in Fayetteville
Many citizens and most birders feel pretty helpless with all the habitat destruction impacting so many plant and animal species, including birds, and including many human communities as well. It is happening all around us.
We dont often have a chance to put our money where our mouth is, but Fayetteville residents have that choice. Fayetteville is growing by leaps and bounds. As a result our School Board is trying to figure out how to best serve growing educational needs.
One proposal is to build a large new school in a hillside forest above College Avenue, the Citys main drag. Some of the forest would be preserved, but most would come down. Many residents see this as counter-productive to the Citys long term embracement of a green infrastructure plan. Counter-productive to Great Crested Flycatchers, Summer Tanagers, and many other native plant and animal species.
We will need the school, but it could be built in a less sensitive location. So Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society Board has gotten involved in encouraging the School Board to find a less environmentally sensitive site and to allow Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association to purchase the property for long term protection.
What follows here the NWAAS Board statement on this issue:
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The 27-acres of mature and maturing hardwood forest above College Avenue is by many accounts a poor location for construction of a school and associated facilities. It is unfortunate the Fayetteville School Board went ahead with planning for this location.
Fayettevilles population growth certainly dictates need for expanding schools, but it matters where and how the location will impact the long term environment of the city. Opportunity to protect a relatively large, contiguous forest midst our citys rapid growth will not come again.
The Board of Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society agrees with long time resident Kelly Mulhollan, who stated recently, Fayetteville is at a crossroads, with its heart and soul at stake. Dont you think whatever future city we become will look back on this moment and feel fortunate to have preserved one large, uninterrupted forest in the middle of town?
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society considers it important to protect communities of forest birds that have suffered such widespread declines. If their habitat is protected, native species like Summer Tanagers, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Yellow-billed Cuckoos will benefit our future students.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association has offered to take the financial lead in allowing the School Board to pass up this plan and move on to something more sustainable for our City. Lets protect this unique green space and the natural resources that make our City so attractive.
