Buffalo River Currents
CONWAY, Ark. (May 26, 2016) – A dozen Hendrix College students recently spent a week examining the Buffalo National River on an interdisciplinary Odyssey experience that included oral history collection, creative reflection, hiking, and floating, along with more traditional academic work.
The students, who received Odyssey credit in the Special Projects category, were accompanied by Hendrix faculty, including politics professor Dr. Jay Barth, history professor Dr. Jonathan Hancock, and creative writing professor and Hendrix-Murphy Foundation Director Hope Coulter.
The “Buffalo River Currents” experience was underwritten by the Bill and Connie Bowen Odyssey Professorship, which Dr. Barth currently holds.
“This project examined the original battle that lead to the christening of the Buffalo as the first National River in 1972 through visits with key individuals involved in that long policy battle,” said Barth. “We then turned our focus to the current battle over the C&H hog farm near Mount Judea. We visited with one of the farm owners and with opponents to the project,” said Barth. “Students also carried out four oral interviews with locals to gain insight into the reactions to the farm and how it is impacting their responses to the River.”
"Getting to explore the debate around the C & H hog farm in Mount Judea was fascinating, both because we were able to really engage with both side's point of view and because we were able to get a sense of the unique sense of community in Newton County that is framing this debate," said Goodwin.
Hendrix biology professor Dr. George Harper discussed the natural history of the Buffalo region with students. Among the many activities were a panel discussion with University of Arkansas film professor and documentary filmmaker Larry Foley, geologist Dr. Walt Manger, ornithologist Dr. Kim Smith, and Ouachita Baptist University chemist Dr. Joe Nix; a program on oral history methods at the David and Barbara Pryor Center; a hike at Lost Valley led by former State Geologist for Arkansas John David McFarland; a meeting with Ellen Compton, daughter of environmentalist Neil Compton, University of Arkansas Special Collectionscurator Janet Parsch, and Ozark Society member and Hendrix alumnus Tom Perry ’72; a meeting with Buffalo Outdoor Center proprietor, environmental advocate, and Hendrix alumnus Mike Mills ’74; a birding hike with nature/travel writer and Hendrix alumnus Mel White ’72.
“In a week’s time, we learned about the geologic formations that make northern Arkansas unique, we identified a plethora of birds that are endemic to the region, and we investigated the political atmosphere in Newton county and the surrounding areas that have lent themselves to the formation of such a heated crisis like the one brought about by the C&H hog farms,” said Peterson. “I was fascinated by the intricate relationship between humans and the environment in the Buffalo River watershed and this trip provided me the ultimate microscopic look at the issue.”
“Talking to environmentalists, area residents, the hog farmers, and other experts in fields associated with the issues at hand, gave me a better understanding of just how multifaceted this issue is,” said Peterson. “The interdisciplinary nature of the trip allowed us to look at the history of the region and the fights for the buffalo in the past, work on public relation and technology skills as we interviewed area residents about their experiences with the issue, and also immersing ourselves in the literature relevant to our areas of study.”
“The Buffalo River Currents trip showed me the value of using an interdisciplinary lens when examining local or regional issues. I learned so much about writing, history, politics all while experiencing Arkansas history and nature,” said Zaidi. “It was an eye-opening trip because we had the opportunity to talk to people who are deeply connected to the Buffalo River region and Arkansas. Most of all, I’m so grateful to have fostered new relationships with peers and professors all while floating the Buffalo, birding, and hiking!”
About Hendrix College
Hendrix College is a private liberal arts college in Conway, Arkansas. Founded in 1876 and affiliated with the United Methodist Church since 1884, Hendrix is featured in Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think about Colleges and is nationally recognized in numerous college guides, lists, and rankings for academic quality, community, innovation, and value. For more information, visit www.hendrix.edu.