Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > Sept. 10 episode of ‘Exploring Arkansas’ celebrates Buffalo National River’s 40th Anniversary

Sept. 10 episode of ‘Exploring Arkansas’ celebrates Buffalo National River’s 40th Anniversary

Posted 11 Sep 2012

“Exploring Arkansas,” with host Chuck Dovish, will feature three segments highlighting the natural wonders and activities available at the Buffalo National River in a special episode Monday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m. on the Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN). 

“Especially during this 40th anniversary year we want every stakeholder, as well as future generations of park visitors, to appreciate the many various opportunities that Buffalo National River affords for education and recreation,” Buffalo National River Superintendent Kevin Cheri said. “We want our many publics, local and out of state, to know and experience why Buffalo National River is the pride of Arkansas and worthy of being crowned as America’s first national river.” 

Segments include: a float trip along the river’s middle portion; exploration of the unique rock formation found in areas known as the Narrows, or “Nars,” and Skull Bluff; and a trek along Goat Trail near the 500-foot Big Bluff. This episode will repeat Sunday, Sept. 16, at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 27, at 8:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 8, at 6:30 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 14, at 5 p.m.

Buffalo National River was established by an act of Congress and signed by President Nixon on March 1, 1972, to conserve the area’s unique scenic and scientific features, and to preserve a free-flowing stream for future generations. In addition to the 135-mile river, surrounding parklands include more than 95,000 acres in addition to three separate designated wilderness areas encompassing a total of 36,000 acres. 

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Buffalo National River’s dedication as America’s first National River, the Buffalo River National Park Service also encourages visitors to be good stewards and conserve this national treasure during their visits. 

“It is important that all … Americans renew their interest and involvement in conservation and stewardship if they expect Buffalo National River to remain available for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations,” Cheri said. 

A wide variety of activities are available year-round at the Buffalo National River and include float trips, elk watching, birding, photography, hiking, horseback riding and camping, among others. Additional information is available at nps.gov/buff. 

“Exploring Arkansas” is a one-of-a-kind program that showcases what Arkansas is all about and focuses on the extreme adventures available in the Natural State. Each episode includes high adventure and outdoor recreation, featuring some of the most breathtaking and spectacular sights in Arkansas.

Chuck Dovish has been on the road in the Natural State for more than 30 years. He began “Exploring Arkansas” for AETN in 2005. 

“Exploring Arkansas” airs each Monday at 6:30 p.m. and each Sunday at 5 p.m. Episodes and additional information are available at aetn.org/exploringarkansas.