The bad news? White River NWR is currently flooded and almost totally inaccessible to humans without boats. The good news? White River NWR is currently flooded and is almost totally inaccessible to humans. How refreshing to discover that we have at least one portion of a major river that has not been channelized, dammed or corralled by levees for the benefit of human recreation. And, of course, letting rivers flood is essential to protecting what little remains of bottomland forests along the Mississippi Valley and elsewhere on our planet.
Established in 1935 to protect wintering habitat for waterfowl as well as this remaining tract of swamp forest, White River NWR hosts up to 350,000 ducks and geese each winter and is home to a wide range of wildlife, including American alligators, black bears, bald eagles and, possibly, ivory-billed woodpeckers. Though my observations were limited to fringe areas today, graveled roads and five trails provide access to the heart of the refuge when conditions permit. For those who have not visited in the past, I suggest a stop at the refuge Visitor Center, in St. Charles, Arkansas, to obtain maps and to find out what areas might be open to the public; some sections are closed from November through February to protect wintering waterfowl from human disturbance.
Nearly 90 miles long and up to 10 miles wide, White River NWR harbors a vibrant ecosystem; in addition to the vast bottomland, hardwood forest are numerous lakes, ponds, sloughs, bayous and marshlands. Wading birds, especially common and varied during the warmer months, are present throughout the year, as are barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, belted kingfishers and red-headed woodpeckers. In spring, prothonotary warblers, scarlet tanagers, yellow-breasted chats, yellow-billed cuckoos and a host of other summer songbirds add color to the deep, dark woods.
