Painted Bunting at Wilson Springs

Wilson Springs Nature Center Talking Points Arkansas' regional chapter of the National Audubon Society has expressed their interest in the development of a nature center at the Wilson Springs Business Park, located just south of the I-540 and Hwy 112 junction. Here are some reasons why it makes fiscal and environmental sense to support long-term lease negotiations between the City of Fayetteville and the Audubon Society:

* Natural Environmental Engineering Makes ¢ents - Because living wetlands act like a sponge, Fayetteville water & sewer ratepayers would receive the direct economic benefits of flood control without spending a dime - rather than paying for more engineering studies and concrete ditches.

* Diverse Economic Development is a Good Investment - Fayetteville taxpayers will receive the Audubon's multi-million dollar investment in an internationally recognized nature center and its professional staff. This kind of long-term lease has many standing examples as pro-active investments in the diversity of our community, including lease agreements with the Botanical Garden Society of the Ozarks and the Boys and Girls Club.

* Implementing Citizen Priorities Affordably - In the 2002 Citizens' Survey, 67% of Fayetteville residents supported stronger greenspace and trails conservation. A lease agreement between the Audubon Society and Fayetteville citizens can accomplish that without increased millage or revenue bonds while preserving the habitats of rare species like the Arkansas Darter, declining grassland birds and many prairie plants.

* Increased Tourism Revenue Pays for Greenspace - The typical Audubon nature center hosts approximately 30,000 visitors per year. When nature center visitors stay at area hotels, eat at our restaurants and shop Fayetteville businesses, a percentage of that tax revenue is dedicated to the Fayetteville Parks Department.

* Natural History Preservation - Restoring and preserving the Wilson Springs Wetlands and Tall Grass Prairie would celebrate Fayetteville's origins in Prairie Township.

* Community Learning Helps Us All - There are 76 Audubon Centers across 28 states whose environmental learning programs educate an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 students annually. The Wilson Springs Audubon Center can work with learners all ages while facilitating university-level student research, outdoor lab/field work and further grant funding.

* Equal Greenspace Distribution - Ward 4 would finally get a major park without costing taxpayers any money for construction and future maintenance.

* Increased Surrounding Property Values- The 70 acres currently for sale for commercial development on the southern upland end of the business park would be considerably more valuable with a national facility offering educational and community next door.