Benton, AR – Contributed – The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) will host a special event to connect landowners and leaseholders with a variety of resources and education to make the most of their property from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28 at the Benton Event Center in Saline County. 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Craig Harper, a professor of wildlife management and extension wildlife specialist at the University of Tennessee’s School of Natural Resources.

Harper, who received his doctorate in forest resources from Clemson University, maintains an active research program to complement his extension programming, combining the best and most current science with real-world applications to benefit wildlife and the habitat on which they depend. 

“We’re honored to have Dr. Harper join us in our effort to increase wildlife habitat on private land in Arkansas,” said Jason Hooks, AGFC private lands biologist and event organizer. “He’s one of the most notable names in the Southeast when it comes to upland hardwood forest management and capitalizing on the habitat value of early successional plant communities. Anyone who sits in his talks walks away with valuable knowledge they can apply to the land they manage.

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The day will open with a session of vendor displays, so landowners can make connections with experts in various fields of land management techniques, followed by an opening session where attendees will be able to sit down and enjoy a catered fried catfish lunch while listening to Harper’s keynote. 

“We also will be recognizing the 2026 Natural State Landowner Conservation Award winners at lunch,” Hooks said. “These awards recognize the landowners who have taken private land wildlife habitat management to the next level through programs offered by the AGFC and other organizations. Not only are they a great way to celebrate their accomplishments, but also to inspire other landowners with some of the amazing work possible to benefit our state’s wildlife and fisheries.”

Following lunch, participants will be able to choose from a variety of topics during breakout sessions to learn more about wetland habitat management, quail management, turkey management and a host of fishery-related topics from farm pond management to conserving streamside land and preventing erosion and sediment pollution on their property. 

“The topics reflect the areas where private landowners can create the most benefit for Arkansas’s wildlife and natural resources,” Hooks said. “By attending these sessions, landowners are arming themselves with the knowledge needed to bolster their work, and they will be able to make contact with people who specialize in many areas of private land conservation.” 

In addition to the educational sessions, the AGFC’s team of private land biologists will be conducting outdoor demonstrations throughout the day on many wildlife management techniques. Vendors of outdoor equipment also will be available to showcase some of the gear and machinery used in land management and habitat conservation. 

“It’s a full day of programming, so I’d encourage everyone attending to bring some note-taking materials to help bring that knowledge home and hit the ground running on their own property,” Hooks said. “And the networking opportunities with professional biologists and land managers are invaluable as you work to create your own slice of heaven on Earth.” 

Registration for the event is $25 per person or $40 per couple and includes a catered fish fry. Visit AGFC’s website for more information.

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