The River Commons

Mission

Establish a dynamic space to experience living ecology, cultural heritage, outdoor recreation, and restoration in ways that generate a deep understanding of our interdependency on natural systems and with each other.

Vision

Create a place where all people can connect to the environment, cultural diversity, outdoor recreation, and each other through the site’s riverine landscape and training center resulting in resilient community leadership that promotes environmental protection, cultural vibrancy, and inclusivity.

Stronger Community

Sustainable Future

Healthy Habitats

Community

The River Commons will benefit the community by increasing access to environmental education, conservation training, and collaborative spaces that promote sustainable stewardship of the region’s ecosystems.

Future Features of The River Commons

Education Center

The Education Center will provide space for community meetings, workshops, and retreats while connecting visitors to ecology, history, and culture. Walking trails will offer opportunities to explore wetlands, prairies, and floodplains, enjoy birdwatching, and identify native plants.

Bird Blind Tower

The Bird Blind Tower will feature multiple viewing levels, each designed to provide unique vantage points for observing bird species within the overstory, mid-story, and understory as they forage and move throughout their habitats while offering an immersive wildlife viewing experience.

Archeological Interpretive Station

The Archeological Interpretive Station will include interpretive exhibits highlighting Native American riparian lifeways, as well as the historic Euro-American and African American cultural landscapes that helped shape Fayetteville’s history and agricultural heritage.

Green House

The Green House will feature a butterfly and native plant greenhouse dedicated to propagating native species for stream and wetland restoration projects.

Boat Launch

The Boat Launch will provide public access to the West Fork White River, creating opportunities for paddling, environmental education, and stewardship activities while promoting river conservation.