Name: Naturally Arkansas
Start: 2026-05-09T09:00
End: 2026-05-09T12:00:00-05:00
Location: Main Library

Nature photos of monarch butterfly, bees, bird, and flowers with words

Naturally Arkansas

4th Annual Bringing Nature to Your Yard

2026-05-09 09:00:00 2026-05-09 12:00:00 America/Chicago Naturally Arkansas Want to plant native plants, but don't know where to start? Main Library - 5th Floor

Saturday, May 09
9:00am - 12:00pm

Add to Calendar 2026-05-09 09:00:00 2026-05-09 12:00:00 America/Chicago Naturally Arkansas Want to plant native plants, but don't know where to start? Main Library - 5th Floor

Main Library

5th Floor

Want to plant native plants, but don't know where to start?

Learn how to garden for wildlife--Buy native plants and talk to their sellers--Learn about Arkansas environmental groups and agencies--Teach your kids about nature with fun activities!

The Extraordinary Caterpillar will screen at noon in the Fred K. Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom. More info at https://events.cals.org/event/16292938.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

9a ~ Native Plant Sale starts (Outside CALS Main Library)

10a ~ Naturally Arkansas classes, education vendors, and other activities begin (CALS Main Library Campus)

10:30am ~ Butterfly Storytime, Martin's Children Center (CALS Main Library 1st floor)

10:30am till noon ~ Propagating Native Plants, Tom Frothingham, Native Plant Grower & Retired Nursery Owner (Room 507A Teaching Kitchen)

11am ~ Craft Activity, Martin's Children Center & Pot a milkweed seedling (CALS Main Library 1st floor)

SPEAKER SCHEDULE

10a-10:45a
- Tool Library (Room 501 Mehta Room)
- Creating a Bird-Friendly Yard, Kevin Krajcir, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (Room 502 Berry Room)
- Do's & Don'ts of Pollinator Gardening, Debbie Milam, Arkansas Master Naturalist & Native Gardener (Room 503 Coulter Room)
- Herbalism & Native Plants, Rose Nuffer, The Whole Lot Nursery (Room 504 Adult Programming Room)
- Choosing Plants: Looking to Native Remnant Communities, Theo Witsell, Southeast Grasslands Institute (Darragh Center Room 529A)
- Researching Native Plants & the Homegrown National Park, Lynn Foster, Arkansas Master Naturalist & Native Gardener (Room 532 Pryor Room)

11:00a – 11:45a
- Tool Library (Room 501 Mehta Room)
- Creating a Bird-Friendly Yard, Kevin Krajcir, Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission (Room 502 Berry Room)
- Do's & Don'ts of Pollinator Gardening, Debbie Milam, Arkansas Master Naturalist & Native Gardener (Room 503 Coulter Room)
- Planting for Native Bees & Butterflies, Leslie Cooper, Quail Forever & Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership (Room 504 Adult Programming Room)
- Choosing Plants: Looking to Native Remnant Communities, Theo Witsell, Southeast Grasslands Institute (Darragh Center Room 529A)
- Researching Native Plants & the Homegrown National Park, Lynn Foster, Arkansas Master Naturalist & Native Gardener (Room 532 Pryor Room)

This event is co-sponsored by the Central Arkansas Library System, Arkansas Monarch Conservation Partnership, and Central Arkansas Master Naturalists

AGE GROUP: | All ages |

EVENT TYPE: | Science & Nature | Fun & Play |

TAGS: | NaturallyArkansas |

Main Library

Hours

About the branch

Upcoming Events

Mastering Mailchimp

Wed, May 06, 9:30am - 11:30am

504 | Adult Programming Room

Want to send an email newsletter, or marketing emails for your business or organization? Let's dig into Mailchimp, an online marketing service you can use to make that easier.

Storytime

Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

Join us for stories, songs, rhymes, and movement. Storytime is a great way to bond with your child. Storytime helps develop your child's brain, ability to focus, concentration, social skills and communication skills.

Monthly Tour of the Main Library

Wed, May 06, 10:30am - 11:45am

Welcome to your new Main Library! On the first Wednesday of each month, join library staff on a tour of the newly renovated Main Library.

Walter Pryor: This Leaves Me Okay - Legacies & Lunch May 2026

Wed, May 06, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

Walter Pryor will be joined in conversation by Martie North to discuss his reflective memoir This Leaves Me Okay, exploring the Arkansas Black rural experience.

Dip Into Culture

Wed, May 06, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

507 | Teaching Kitchen

Learn how to prepare fresh guacamole while exploring the cultural history behind one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes.

Positive/negative Art

Wed, May 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Learn about both the positive and negative spaces when creating art!

DIY Candles

Wed, May 06, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

What's better than winding down with a nice candle? Join us for this DIY Candle making program; all materials provided! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Video Podcasting - From Idea to Setup

Thu, May 07, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

506 | Production Studio

Thinking about starting a podcast? This beginner-friendly session covers the basics of podcast planning, including format, workflow, and the essential equipment used for recording. Learn what you need before you press the record button.

Creating Presentations with AI

Thu, May 07, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Find out how you can use Manus AI to save time while creating polished, effective presentations. This AI tool can be used to create slide decks and videos to communicate in professional and educational settings.

Foil Paintings

Thu, May 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Today we will explore how to use paint, water and foil to create a colorful masterpiece.

Graffiti Art

Thu, May 07, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Teens can learn to master the style of graffiti art on paper with just pencils! Discover the archetypes of graffiti lettering and spend time creating your own tag. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Storytime

Fri, May 08, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

Straw Painted Flowers

Fri, May 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Using cut and flared straws, we'll make painted bouquets to share with a mother (or mother figure) or to keep for yourself to admire.

Crafting Memories: Felt Photo Holder

Fri, May 08, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Let's make some crafts to hold all our summer memories! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Naturally Arkansas - 4th Annual Bringing Nature to Your Yard

Sat, May 09, 9:00am - 12:00pm

5th Floor

Want to plant native plants, but don't know where to start?

Naturally Arkansas

Sat, May 09, 10:30am - 12:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Teach your kids about nature with fun activities. We will also have a scavenger hunt with prizes all day! While supplies last.

The Extraordinary Caterpillar

Sat, May 09, 12:00pm - 1:00pm

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

The Extraordinary Caterpillar follows the scientists and community activists with this peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest superheroes.

Mother's Day DIY

Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Teens can choose their fabric and learn to create a pin cushion gift for Mother's Day. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Rescheduled

Mother's Day Tea Party: 90's Edition

Sat, May 09, 2:00pm - 6:00pm

New date Saturday, May 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

To celebrate and honor mothers and mother figures with an elegant, relaxing, and memorable tea party experience that fosters connection, appreciation, and joy.

Mother's Day Tea Party: 90's Edition

Sat, May 09, 3:00pm - 5:00pm

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

To celebrate and honor mothers and mother figures with an elegant, relaxing, and memorable tea party experience that fosters connection, appreciation, and joy.

Edible Color Wheel

Mon, May 11, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Using Greek yogurt and natural food coloring, we will practice mixing primary colors to create a full spectrum on a graham crackers.

Drop-in Tech Help

Tue, May 12, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.

Clothespin Dragonflies

Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

The dragonflies are out to play! Recreate a pretty one you've seen, or get creative and make one unique to you.

Artistic Accessories: DIY Jean Chains

Tue, May 12, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Add some customization to you style with these fun DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Canva Basics

Wed, May 13, 9:30am - 11:30am

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Learn to use Canva to easily create great-looking promotional materials for your event, small business, or organization. It's free and web-based, and you can use it with all your social media platforms.

Storytime

Wed, May 13, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

DIY Foam Stamps

Wed, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Learn how to make easy, DIY stamps

DIY Stress Balls

Wed, May 13, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Final exams are approaching! Let's relax by making quick and easy stress balls to prepare for the end of the school year. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Beaded Lip Balm Charms

Thu, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Teens are invited to come in and make a charm that turns their new lip balm into a decorative keychain. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Paper Succulents and Mushrooms

Thu, May 14, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Let's make 3D paper succulents and/or mushrooms.

Cricut 101 - In the Makerspace!

Fri, May 15, 10:00am - 12:00pm

235 | Makerspace

Learn the basics of a Cricut cutting machine in this program. We will go over Cricut Design Space, parts of the machine, vocabulary, and things we can make!

This event is full

Storytime

Fri, May 15, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

3rd Friday Job Search Help

Fri, May 15, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

012 | Arvest Computer Classroom

Every 3rd Friday of the month come learn what library resources can help you on your job search!

Poke Bowl Bar

Fri, May 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Let's celebrate AAPI Heritage Month with this easy, tasty dish! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Beaded Garden Stakes

Fri, May 15, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Using beads and cabinet knobs, we'll create colorful garden stakes to add a bit of whimsy to any garden or plant!

Mid-May Podcast Showcase

Sat, May 16, 10:00am - 12:00pm

506 | Production Studio

Come see what happens when everyday people pick up a camera, dial in their lighting, and decide they have something worth saying. This showcase features work from local podcast creators who built their shows from the ground up.

Jar It Up: Mason Jar Salad Prep

Sat, May 16, 11:00am - 3:00pm

507 | Teaching Kitchen

Learn how to create healthy, convenient meals using mason jar salads. Patrons will learn how to layer ingredients properly to keep meals fresh and ready to go.

Digital Bob Ross Paint-Along

Sat, May 16, 2:00pm - 3:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Try your hand at digital art by painting along with Bob Ross! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Drop-in Production Help

Mon, May 18, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

506 | Production Studio

Get one-on-one help with cameras, video, lighting, editing, or general production questions. Bring your projects and/or your equipment, and ask anything. No registration required!

Window Portraits

Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Using paint markers, we will take turns tracing each other’s faces on the windows in the Martin Children’s Center!

Hand-Drawn Pins

Mon, May 18, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Teens can use shrink plastic to create hand-drawn flair pins. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Drop-in Tech Help

Tue, May 19, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.

Finals Destress Fest

Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

It's almost the end of the school year! Let's take a breather from finals with some relaxing activities! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Tissue Paper Sunsets

Tue, May 19, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

We'll layer ripped tissue paper over cardboard to create a stunning sunset scene.

Production Studio Orientation

Wed, May 20, 10:00am - 3:00pm

506 | Production Studio

Learn to operate cameras, lights, audio, and grip gear in the CALS Production Studio. This hands-on training covers basic setup, shooting, and file handling, as well as rules for working in the space, so you can create and practice independently.

Storytime

Wed, May 20, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

Sweet & Crunchy: Apple Nachos Demo

Wed, May 20, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

507 | Teaching Kitchen

Looking for a fun and healthy snack idea? Join us for Apple Nachos, a quick and creative program where participants will learn how to turn simple apple slices into a delicious snack.

Rock Star Tech Tips

Wed, May 20, 12:00pm - 1:30pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Be a technology rock star. This class teaches you tips, tricks, and shortcuts that tech professionals take for granted.

Fairy Mirrors

Wed, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

We will be bringing the forest elements inside to decorate small face mirrors.

Sushi Showdown

Wed, May 20, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

What types of delicious sushi can you make? Find out during our Sushi Showdown program, where you’ll test your creativity and taste buds and have a chance to win prizes! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Vibe Coding

Thu, May 21, 3:00pm - 4:30pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Explore vibe coding, the AI trend that's helping anyone create functional apps, regardless of their level of traditional coding skills. We'll get into Lovable, an AI tool specifically designed for vibe coding.

Creative Play with Luna - In the Makerspace!

Thu, May 21, 4:00pm - 6:00pm

235 | Makerspace

Join local artist Luna Bramlett in the makerspace! She will be teaching adults how to play again through the process of art making. Come have fun and make art with no rules!

Kandi Bracelets

Thu, May 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Learn to weave Kandi cuffs and bracelets, and take one home with you! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

DIY Tarot Cards

Thu, May 21, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Put your creativity to the test as we design our own Tarot/playing cards.

Storytime

Fri, May 22, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

PC Breakdown

Fri, May 22, 1:00pm - 2:30pm

501 | Drs. Jay and Paulette Mehta Meeting Room

Ever wanted to know what's inside a computer? In this program, we'll take them apart together and talk about what makes them tick.

Summer Bucket List

Fri, May 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

We'll use a customizable, paper "bucket" to fill with bucket list items. You can use bucket list items that are premade or create your own! Throughout the summer, pull out a bucket list item and complete it to make your own fun filled summer.

Crafting Memories: Mini Origami Photo Album

Fri, May 22, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Let's make some crafts to hold all our summer memories! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Coffee & Crafts - In the Makerspace!

Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 12:00pm

235 | Makerspace

Sip on coffee, socialize, and take advantage of the craft supplies in the Makerspace! This will be a light version of Makerspace open hours.

Make ChatGPT Your Assistant

Sat, May 23, 10:00am - 11:30am

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Learn how to use ChatGPT to draft emails and documents faster, summarize reports and research, generate ideas and outlines, and automate everyday writing tasks.

Walk U Thru It Line Dancing

Sat, May 23, 11:30am - 1:30pm

529 | Fred Darragh Center for Intellectual Freedom

It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.

Cancelled

Walk U Thru It Line Dancing

Sat, May 23, 1:30pm - 2:30pm

It's time to line dance again at the library! Come scoot and boogie your way on down to the library for this fun line dancing class provided by Walk U Thru It Line Dancing.

Drop-in Tech Help

Tue, May 26, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Drop by and ask your burning technology questions, or get help with a specific problem from an expert. Feel free to bring your mobile device or laptop.

Painted Rock Cacti

Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Make a cactus plant that will never die! We'll paint rocks to look like cacti, that can forever be apart of your spring or summer decor.

Artistic Accessories: Mini CD Keychains

Tue, May 26, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Add some customization to you style with these fun DIY's! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Shooting Manual: Lowkey Photography

Wed, May 27, 10:00am - 12:00pm

506 | Production Studio

Shift out of auto and take control! In this hands-on class, you'll learn to master manual camera settings and use shadow and contrast to create dramatic, professional-quality, low-key images. Bring your camera--lighting equipment provided.

Storytime

Wed, May 27, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

That Retro Look - Pixel Art

Wed, May 27, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

013 | The Hatcher Agency Computer Classroom

Retro pixel art graphics are back! In this class, we'll show you how to make pixel art and animations using Piskel, a free, web-based tool.

3D Pen Jewelry

Wed, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Let's get creative with our STEM tools and make 3D pen jewelry! Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Yarn Butterflies

Wed, May 27, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Today we will be using popsicle sticks and yarn to make sweet little butterflies!

Draw Your Dream Garden - In the Makerspace!

Thu, May 28, 2:00pm - 4:00pm

235 | Makerspace

Map out your dream garden! Draw your vegetable garden, flower beds, or ideal patio layout. Whether you bring your ideas to life is up to you!

Young Entrepreneurs

Thu, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

230 | Teen Center Program Room

Take steps in creating a product and marketing a business. This class aims to encourage young entrepreneurial mindsets and inspire new ways to make money at a young age. Events in the Teen Center are for ages 13-18 only.

Paper Towel Roll Birds

Thu, May 28, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Tweet your way into the library and make little birds out of recycled paper towel rolls!

Storytime

Fri, May 29, 10:30am - 11:15am

131 | Martin Children's Center

Fairy Garden-in-a-Jar

Fri, May 29, 4:00pm - 5:00pm

131 | Martin Children's Center

Create a hangout spot for the fairies this summer! Using materials from nature, we'll make a cozy little garden in jars.

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