https://www.nps.gov/peri News releases from Pea Ridge National Military Park. en-us https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/peri-prescribed-burns.htm Thu, 19 Feb 2026 03:00:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations Friday through Sunday, February 20 to 22, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/peri-prescribed-burns.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-march-2025.htm Sat, 08 Mar 2025 11:12:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations Monday and Tuesday, March 10-11, 2025, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-march-2025.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-2025-battle-anniversary-event.htm Thu, 13 Feb 2025 08:02:00 EST The National Park Service invites the public to Pea Ridge National Military Park on Saturday, March 8, from 9:45 AM to 3:15 PM to attend programs commemorating the 163rd anniversary of the Battle of Pea Ridge. The Battle of Pea Ridge was fought on March 7-8, 1862, by over 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers. It was the largest battle fought west of the Mississippi River and was a major turning point, helping Union forces maintain physical and political control of the state of Missouri. Visitors are invited to experience programs presented by staff and volunteers as they share accounts of what happened during the battle. Attendees will hear the crash of musketry and the roar of cannon and see how these weapons were used. Volunteer living historians will be giving programs at Tour Stop Four, Leetown Battlefield, and Tour Stop Eight, Elkhorn Tavern, while others will be portraying a cannon detachment at the Visitor Center. The full program schedule is available on the park website and social media pages. All program times and locations are subject to change. There are no entrance fees to Pea Ridge National Military Park. Water, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-2025-battle-anniversary-event.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-fall-2024.htm Thu, 14 Nov 2024 06:11:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations between November 20, 2024 and December 31, 2024 subject to weather conditions meeting prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park, including roads and trails, may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-fall-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-visitor-center-2024-winter-hours.htm Tue, 22 Oct 2024 11:50:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will begin winter hours of operation on November 17, 2024. The visitor center will be open Thursdays through Mondays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 8, 2025. The visitor center will return to operation seven days per week on March 9, 2025. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-visitor-center-2024-winter-hours.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-to-host-artillery-demonstrations.htm Fri, 12 Jul 2024 09:20:00 EST The National Park Service invites the public to Pea Ridge National Military Park on Saturday, July 20, to attend Civil War artillery programs. Demonstrations will take place behind the park Visitor Center at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. Artillery cannons from Pea Ridge National Military Park and Fort Smith National Historic Site will be featured. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-to-host-artillery-demonstrations.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/cherokee-nation-remember-the-removal-bike-riders-to-visit-trail-of-tears-path-through-pea-ridge-national-military-park-2024.htm Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:40:00 EST On June 19, at approximately 11 a.m., Cherokee Nation’s twelve Remember the Removal Bike Riders will cycle into Pea Ridge National Military Park to honor their ancestors by visiting a portion of the route more than 10,000 Cherokee traveled in the late 1830s as they were forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands. Today known as the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, one of the best-preserved sections of the path lies along the Telegraph Road near Elkhorn Tavern. The riders will also visit Ruddick’s Field, where some removal contingents camped along the route. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/cherokee-nation-remember-the-removal-bike-riders-to-visit-trail-of-tears-path-through-pea-ridge-national-military-park-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/lower-mississippi-delta-initiative-cultural-heritage-preservation-grant-information.htm Wed, 17 Apr 2024 07:00:00 EST On April 15 2024, the National Park Service (NPS), in partnership with Jefferson National Parks Association (JNPA), will begin accepting applications for the Lower Mississippi Delta Initiative (LMDI) grants for cultural heritage and educational projects in the Delta region, spanning Southern Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. Applications are due by May 31, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/lower-mississippi-delta-initiative-cultural-heritage-preservation-grant-information.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/chronic-wasting-disease-detection-information.htm Wed, 17 Apr 2024 06:17:00 EST During recent white-tailed deer herd health sampling at Pea Ridge National Military Park, the National Park Service (NPS) received positive test results for Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). One male deer tested positive, which is the first CWD-positive detection within the Military Park. However, CWD has been present in Arkansas since 2016 and in Benton County since 2018.  In accordance with the park’s Deer Management Plan, the Military Park will begin deer reduction operations in the fall. Pea Ridge National Military Park and others in the region reduce deer populations to protect and restore native plants, promote healthy and diverse forests, and preserve historic landscapes, in addition to slowing wildlife disease transmission rates. There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans, pets, or livestock. However, it is recommended that tissues from CWD-infected animals not be eaten. The venison from the deer that tested positive for CWD was destroyed.    https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/chronic-wasting-disease-detection-information.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-prescribed-fire-february-24-and-25-2024.htm Thu, 22 Feb 2024 16:48:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations on Saturday and Sunday, February 24 and 25, 2024, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, the horse trail will be closed at dusk on Friday. Some other areas inside the park, including roads and hiking trails, may also be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-prescribed-fire-february-24-and-25-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2024.htm Tue, 06 Feb 2024 10:51:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations between February 11th and March 15th, 2024, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park, including roads and trails, may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2024.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-2024-visitor-center-winter-hours.htm Wed, 24 Jan 2024 04:18:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will begin winter hours of operation on February 1, 2024. The visitor center will be open Thursdays through Mondays, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through March 23, 2024. The visitor center will return to operation seven days per week on March 24, 2024. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-2024-visitor-center-winter-hours.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2023.htm Thu, 16 Mar 2023 11:29:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations starting the week of March 19th, subject to weather conditions meeting prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park, including roads and trails, may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2023.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-new-superintendent.htm Thu, 19 Jan 2023 08:57:00 EST OMAHA, Neb. — Today National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Shelley Todd as the new superintendent of Pea Ridge National Military Park in Arkansas. Todd currently leads the Science and Resource Management Division at Padre Island National Seashore in Corpus Christi, Texas. She will assume her new role at Pea Ridge in late February. “I am pleased to welcome Shelley as the new superintendent of Pea Ridge National Military Park,” said Frost. “Her fresh perspective and extensive experience managing complex integrated resource stewardship activities including landscape scale preservation, restoration, and resource monitoring will be an asset to the park and the community.” Todd has over 15 years of federal service and started her NPS career as a biological science technician at the Buffalo National River in Harrison, Arkansas in 2009. She would later go on to be a physical scientist at Hot Springs National Park before joining the staff on the Science and Resource Management Division at Padre Island National Seashore in 2018. Prior to working for the NPS, Todd served as an interpretive guide for the United States Forest Service at Blanchard Springs Caverns in Fifty-Six, Arkansas and as a hydrologic technician for the United States Geological Survey in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Other assignments include acting superintendent at President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home in Hope, Arkansas. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the American public and ensure the continued preservation of the site of one of the most pivotal western battles of the Civil War. I look forward to engaging with park partners and the public and working among the park’s rich variety of resources with its excellent staff,” Todd said. Todd will be relocating to the area later this year and is looking forward to getting back to Arkansas and being closer to her family, as well as getting involved in the local community. In her spare time, she enjoys backpacking, camping, and playing board games with family and friends. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-new-superintendent.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-2022.htm Fri, 11 Feb 2022 11:48:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations sometime during the next several weeks, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park and trails may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-2022.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/-take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side.htm Thu, 15 Jul 2021 08:52:00 EST Take a walk on the wild side with NPS Park Guide Ken Lockhart on Saturday mornings in July, August, and September at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Ken will conduct a Wildland Scene Investigation (W.S.I) course to include wildlife observation, beginning tracking, outdoor safety, and Leave No Trace wilderness ethics. Participation is limited to 25 so please call ahead at 479-451-8122 x 1227 to reserve a spot. Program will start at 10am at the Elkhorn Tavern (Tour Stop # 8), so participants should arrive 5-10 minutes before 10 am. Participants should bring insect repellent, lawn chair and plenty of drinking water. This program will last approximately 2- 2 ½ hours. Pea Ridge National Military Park preserves and commemorates the site of the March 1862 Civil War battle that helped Union forces gain control of Missouri. The park is located 10 miles north of Rogers just off US Highway 62. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/-take-a-walk-on-the-wild-side.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/peri-finalization-of-deer-management.htm Fri, 04 Jun 2021 05:17:00 EST Superintendent Kevin Eads has announced the completion of a comprehensive planning effort to analyze potential impacts of a Deer Management Plan (plan) and environmental Assessment (EA) at Pea Ridge National Military Park. Based on the analysis presented in the EA and public comments received during the EA review period, the NPS selected Alternative B and a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) was signed by Regional Director Bert Frost on May 27, 2021. The purpose of the plan is to address issues associated with the overpopulation of white-tailed deer at the park. The proposed action was selected after careful analysis of resources and visitor impacts, and consultation with affiliated tribes, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the Arkansas Department of Game and Fish, Arkansas State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), and review of public comments. Where there is an overabundance of deer there is an increase in deer-vehicle strikes, deer-related diseases, and deer browsing, which has a negative impact on native vegetation. The plan’s selected alternative seeks to improve the health of the deer herd, the habitat, and to increase human health and safety by reducing and maintaining the park’s deer population at 20-35 deer per square mile. The park will continue to work with partners to develop an implementation plan, with associated compliance, based on the Deer Management Plan. As a result, and due to current, and planned, projects, management of deer on the park is anticipated to begin in 2023. For more information, visit https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=94120. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/peri-finalization-of-deer-management.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2021.htm Mon, 08 Mar 2021 03:45:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations sometime during the next several weeks, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park and trails may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-spring-2021.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-construction-partial-trail-closures-and-detour.htm Wed, 03 Mar 2021 05:58:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park construction, partial trail closures, and detour Pea Ridge National Military Park Superintendent, Kevin Eads, announced today that Highway 62 Mitigation construction has begun at the park. The first phase of this project consists of prepping areas for, then constructing, parking lots and re-routing portions of the tour road near the Elkhorn Tavern and work on the park’s entrance road. Because of the on-going work near the Elkhorn Tavern, and for your safety, the North Loop of the horse trail will be closed until further notice. However, the short loop of the horse trail will remain open during this time frame. The area around the Elkhorn Tavern and monuments as well as the area north of the tavern remain off limits to horses. Soon work will begin on the park’s entrance road causing the entrance to the park to be re-routed for a time. The detour, which will be marked with signs, will route visitors to Old Liberty Road, which is located approximately 1 mile northeast of the current park entrance. Visitors will turn left, southeast, off Old Liberty Road onto the old highway 62 roadbed. The park entrance will be approximately ¾ of a mile from the intersection of Old Liberty Road and the old highway 62 roadbed. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-construction-partial-trail-closures-and-detour.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/public-comment-period-for-deer-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm Thu, 11 Feb 2021 03:04:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park Announces Public Comment Period for Deer Management Plan/Environmental Assessment  https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/public-comment-period-for-deer-management-plan-environmental-assessment.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-november-2020.htm Thu, 05 Nov 2020 07:30:00 EST Pea Ridge National Military Park will conduct prescribed fire operations sometime during the next several weeks, subject to weather conditions falling within the parameters of prescribed fire prescriptions. To assure visitor safety, some areas inside the park and trails may be closed while fire operations are taking place and for a short period after completion. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-announces-prescribed-burns-november-2020.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-to-begin-phased-access-for-interpretive-programming.htm Tue, 16 Jun 2020 05:25:00 EST Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Pea Ridge National Military Park is working to increase programs for the visiting public. The National Park Service (NPS) is working service-wide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. While the park tour road and hiking trails have been open during the entire COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/pea-ridge-national-military-park-to-begin-phased-access-for-interpretive-programming.htm https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/kevin-eads-selected-as-superintendent-of-pea-ridge-national-military-park.htm Thu, 12 Feb 2015 06:18:00 EST Kevin Eads, a 24-year veteran of the National Park Service, has been selected as the new superintendent of Pea Ridge National Military Park. Eads, currently the park’s chief of resource management, begins his new assignment on March 8th. He succeeds John Scott, who has retired. https://www.nps.gov/peri/learn/news/kevin-eads-selected-as-superintendent-of-pea-ridge-national-military-park.htm