Join the Beaver Watershed Alliance (Alliance) to celebrate Lakes Appreciation Month! On Thursday, July 25^th, beginning at 6 pm, special guest speakers will share some of the fascinating history of the Beaver Lake watershed including its lakes, rivers, and early settlers who utilized these natural resources. The free event will be held at the Elkins Community Center (162 Doolin Drive, Elkins, AR) and snacks and refreshments will be provided.

Local historian, Susan Young, will share a story on “Kith, Kin, and Claims on Chicken Bristle Mountain.” Susan is a lifelong resident of Fayetteville and a fifth-generation Ozarker. She worked as the outreach coordinator for the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History in Springdale for 27 years. Susan’s presentation will follow the life story of a woman who came to the present-day Elkins area before the Civil War, outlived two husbands, and raised her many children in the area. The White River of the Elkins area drew many settlers (from the first humans to today) to the area, including the woman in the topic of the presentation. Everyone has a story to tell- come learn about how local rivers in the area impacted the lives of early settlers!

Alan Bland, retired Beaver Lake Army Corps of Engineers Ranger, worked on the lake for decades. Bland will present more present-day histories of how Beaver Lake came to be, the intricacies of building the lake (or reservoir as this presentation will teach you!), and the benefits it continues to provide us every day.

In addition, a display of the History of Beaver Lake, commissioned by Beaver Water District, will be available for viewing throughout the month of July at the Elkins Community Center.

This event is free to attend and all ages are welcome. Lakes Appreciation Month is an annual campaign in July, with partners across Arkansas working together to raise awareness of the value and importance of our local lakes and reminds us all where we would be without them.