BNRP 2022 Annual Member Meeting

In honor of Buffalo National River’s 50th Anniversary

Tuesday, September 13

5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Ponca Creek Lodge

4976 AR-43,

Ponca, AR 72670

Warm greetings to all our members of Buffalo National River Partners!   

It's been a long time since we all have gotten to see each other!   So this fall, BNRP has a treat for you by hosting an in-person annual membership meeting at a very special place that will 'fill up your senses!"   The 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo National River has certainly been action-packed....and we couldn't have done it all without the help from our awesome volunteers!!! You’ll hear all about it!

This year's Annual Membership Meeting will be held at Buffalo Outdoor Center’s beautiful Ponca Creek Lodge (formerly known as Cedar Crest) at Ponca on Tuesday, September 13, beginning at 5:30 pm.  This magical outdoor event will be held under the soft string lights of the back lodge deck which connects to a bridge that spans Ponca Creek and takes you to a fire pit on the side of the mountain.   You are welcomed to view the unique and artistic features and design of this one-of-a-kind lodge, as well. Play horseshoes, corn hole, or just sit and listen to the creek.

In addition to all the soothing sounds of the creek and nature surrounding you, we will treat you to light appetizers and beverages as well as pulled pork meal with all the fixins’. The meeting will be an informative dinner meeting.  Here’s a tentative schedule:

5:30 p.m.   appetizers and drinks, new member sign-up

6:00 p.m.   Dinner begins

6:15 p.m.   Meeting begins and is held during dinner (after most people have had a chance to get their food and be seated)

Welcome – Terrie Martindale, BNRP Board President

Speaker: Cassie Branstetter, Branch Chief of Interpretation, Buffalo National River

Recognition of “Above and Beyond” volunteers

BNRP reports

Member voting on BNRP officers

Meeting adjourns but members enjoy may more time at the lodge until 8:00 p.m.

Also, we’ll offer a few perks to our members that include:

·         Tours of Boxley Mill lead by Ranger Kevin Middleton

Timed tours will be as follows: 4:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

To sign up for a tour, email Cassie Branstetter, and indicate your first and second preferences for time slot  cassie_branstetter@nps.gov

·         Tour of the beautiful Ponca Creek Lodge begin at 4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. (no need to register for this)

·         BRING A FRIEND! This membership meeting is also a new member drive. There is an awesome prize of a free night at Bill and Annette Pettit’s beautiful and artsy cabin on the shores of the White River in Cotter for the member who brings the most people who sign up as a new member the evening of the meeting. Additionally, all new members who sign-up at the event will be entered into a drawing for a special prize as well.

Note that this meeting is open to current BNRP members with dues up to date. If you are on our newsletter list and not a current member, become a member today and join us for this annual meeting.  Please RSVP if you plan to attend our annual member meeting. Send us an email or a note through our website by September 2. If you are bringing someone with you who will become a member, include them in your RSVP.

We are excited about this gathering of people who care about Buffalo National River as we continue to celebrate the 50th Anniversary.  We sincerely hope to see you there!