ROGERS, AR - At 2 p.m., Sunday, September 21, 2025, Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area brings Dr. J.D. Wilson from the University of Arkansas to speak about our Arkansas turtles, and who doesn’t like these shelled critters found all over our state?

The diversity of Arkansas turtles varies greatly, from the tiny Stinkpot to the massive Alligator Snappers. All turtles have their special structure, function, and behavior. Dr. Wilson will discuss what makes a turtle a turtle and why it is important to protect these reptiles.

Then comes the fun part. Dr. Wilson will present live turtles: box turtles, mud turtles, soft shell turtles, and map turtles. Turtles are one of the few reptiles someone could get close to and observe without fear or danger to themself or the turtle.

This program is part of the Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series. For more information, call the park at 479-789-5000.