St. Francis Sunken Lands Natural Area is located in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, Poinsett County, on the east side of the St. Francis River within an area of bottomland forest known as the St. Francis Sunken Lands. It includes a portion of the largest known population of the federally endangered shrub pondberry (Lindera melissifolia) in Arkansas. The natural area occurs on Valley Train deposits (glacial outwash sediments from the Late Wisconsin glaciation). The area is characterized by varied microtopography consisting of a series of shallow, north-south trending channels which are separated by low, sandy ridges of relative uplands (1-3 feet high). The area is seasonally inundated by flood waters in winter and spring but the varied microtopography provides a hydrologic gradient along which a rich diversity of plant species is sorted. The natural area lies adjacent to St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area.
Hunting is prohibited on this natural area.
Directions
From Jonesboro travel east on Highway 18 for approximately 15 miles to Highway 135. Turn south on Highway 135 and travel approximately 9 miles to County Road 876. Turn right (west) on County Road 876 and travel into the St. Francis Sunken Lands Wildlife Management Area. Travel to the first gate. From this point the Natural Area is approximately 2.3 miles to the south. Access is dependent on road conditions. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (Delta Field Office) for information on road conditions.
Contact St. Francis Sunken Lands Natural Area
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