Fact Sheets

  • NATIVE is funded by a United States Department of Agriculture 2501 Program- Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers Competitive Grants Program.
  • NATIVE Project is a part of the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s StrikeForce Team which includes other USDA 2501 Grantees in Arkansas and Mississippi; Seven Harvest in Forrest City, University of Arkanas at Pine Bluff, East Arkansas Enterprise Corporation in Forrest City, AR, Arkansas Land and Farm Development Corporation in Brinkley, AR, Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS and Mississippi Association of Cooperatives in Jackson, MS.
  • NATIVE is a collaboration between United States Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Alcorn State University and National Audubon Society.
  • Native Warm Season Grasses (NWSG) have a deep root system that allows them to survive drought conditions.  This root system allows them to absorb many micronutrients that make the grass very nutrient-rich that creates a better fodder for livestock.
  • The root system also allows for minimal fertilizing after establishment unlike annual plants and grasses.
  • The native warm season grasses that are being grown in the NATIVE Project are a local genotype variety that has survived in this area for thousands of years; it is very well adapted to this climate and soil.
  • National Audubon Society was created in 1905 and is one of the oldest conservation organizations in the world.
  • National Audubon Society uses a combination of science, education and policy expertise to combine efforts ranging from protection and restoration of local habitats to the implementation of policies that safeguard birds, other wildlife and the resources that sustain us all- in the US and across the Americas.
  • National Audubon Society’s mission statement is: ‘To conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity.’
  • Audubon Arkansas was established in 2000 as the 25th state office of the National Audubon society.  Since then, Audubon Arkansas has evolved into a staff of eleven and an approximate annual budget of $1 million.
  • Audubon Arkansas’s vision is: ‘We envision a state where the love and respect for nature is a cultural legacy.  Communities are engaged in responsible stewardship, protecting and conserving our native environment for future generations.  Audubon Arkansas will inspire and lead environmental education, resource management, habitat restoration, bird conservation and enlightened advocacy.’
  • Audubon Arkansas is engaged in the restoration and protection of watersheds and other habitats important to birds and other wildlife; citizen involvement in science and habitat protection; environmental education of young people; public outreach and education related to targeted policy initiatives, including global warming and water issues.