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Bona Dea

Introduction

Bona Dea is 186 acres of wetlands and low woods that provide an ideal habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The nearly six miles of trails that wind through the sanctuary provide a multitude of recreational opportunities including walking, jogging, nature photography, and nature study.

Administration

All facilities at Bona Dea are maintained by the Russellville Project Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. For more information, call (479) 968-5008.

History

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers purchased the Bona Dea area in the early 1960’s for the construction of Lake Dardanelle. The 6000-foot-long dike along the north boundary of Bona Dea was built to keep the lake water out of Russellville. The Corps also built a sump pump at the dike to pump Prairie Creek floodwaters over the dike and into the lake.

During the sixties, and most of the seventies, Bona Dea served only as a basin or sump area for Prairie Creek flood waters. In 1974, the Corps constructed a short, circular trail known as "Prairie Creek Trail" (now known as "Old Shorty Trail") at the east end of Bona Dea. This original trail was inducted into the National Recreation Trails System in March of 1978.

In 1980 and 1981, the Corps added an additional 5 miles of trails and designated the entire area of 186 acres as Bona Dea Trails and Sanctuary. The National Park Service inducted the entire area into the National Recreation Trails System in May, 1984.

Trails

Old Shorty - .5 miles

Rabbit Run – 1 Mile

Prairie Creek – 1.536 Miles

Walden Way – 2.676 Miles

Serendipity – 3.526 Miles

Trail/Sanctuary Rules

1. Pedestrian traffic only, no vehicles. Bicycles are permitted on the trail. Please use courtesy while on this multi-use trail.

2. All dogs must be kept on a leash less than 6 feet in length at all times.

3. Be considerate of others . . . curb your dog.

4. There are no trash receptacles along the trail, if you pack it in . . . pack it out.

5. Camping is prohibited.

6. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are prohibited within the boundaries of the sanctuary. (Enforced by Arkansas Game and Fish Commission)

7. The removal or destruction of any natural or manmade feature within the sanctuary is prohibited.

These rules and others listed in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, are enforced by Corps of Engineers Park Rangers. For copies of Title 36 or to report violations, contact the Lake Manager or a Park Ranger at the Russellville Project Office, 1598 Lock and Dam Road, Russellville, Arkansas 72802 , phone (479)968-5008.

Updated/Reviewed: 1 May 2009