Ecological Design Group

We're thrilled to announce that studioDRIFT has secured $650,000 in Arkansas Department of Transportation grants for two transformative Delta projects: Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail: $330K to expand this 249-mile trail, boosting quality of life and local economies in Lee and Phillips Counties - among the state's poorest and most economically challenged counties. Cache River Water Trail: $320K to enhance access to this natural wonder. Renowned for its unique ecosystem and cultural significance, the Cache River Water Trail is one of the few remaining relatively unaltered river systems in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley. These grants bring our total funding to more than $1.8 million for the Arkansas Delta, demonstrating our commitment to revitalizing the region. Thank you to ARDOT for recognizing the potential of these projects and to everyone who has supported our journey. Stay tuned for updates, and as always, we invite you to join us in this vital work of building a brighter future for our communities!

Our very own Martin Smith joined Paul Guess with the Des Arc Chamber of Commerce on Good Morning Arkansas to discuss revitalizing Des Arc and what the future holds for this incredible city along the White River.    We are ecstatic about this partnership and the opportunity to activate the existing assets of this area, ultimately making Des Arc the gateway to outdoor recreation for the Arkansas Delta. Visit our website to find the full interview! #arkansas #delta #outdoorrecreation

Our Birdeye Gravel Festival was this past weekend!! This festival raises money for and promotes the Crowley's Ridge Gravel Trail project. The event allows people to immerse themselves in Arkansas' Delta region's rich cultural tapestry and scenic beauty. “I think the culture of this place and the interactions you have with the individuals that grew up and live here, it’s something that brings folks back.” - Martin Smith Read more about the weekend in the attached article!

Did you know in cities who boast a similar quality of life in regard to access to greenway, trails and cycling infrastructure as Bentonville like Roaring fork valley and Aspen Colorado, that one of the biggest reasons many residents have to commute 30-minutes to an hour for work is because of lack of density within existing infill development? If you know me, you’ve heard me mention (and maybe monologue about) "infill development" probably more than once (or twice). It can be a buzzword in the real estate/development world, so I wanted to break it down: •Simply put, infill development involves building new structures on existing urban or suburban land. It's a great way to revitalize existing neighborhoods, reduce sprawl, and promote walkability. •So rather than going out and creating new infrastructure, as an infill developer, we tap into and often upgrade EXISTING infrastructure. •The result over time, is it’s more cost effective and saves time because you’re positioning people closer to their needs and wants. My hope for NWA is that we can figure it out now and find a way to grow in the core before we start sprawling out east and west—avoiding pushing the workforce further away from the core.  One of our current projects at Newell Development , Coler Crossing (pictured here), is being developed on previously underutilized land. By positioning this mixed-use development on the N. Walton Corridor, we’re activating that corner connecting downtown to Coler Bike Preserve—just 1 mile away! What are your thoughts on infill development? Have you seen any positive benefits for our community?  ___ Of course, none of this progress on our current project—and many past projects—Coler Crossing would be possible without the work of our amazing partners BUF Studio, Ecological Design Group, First National Bank of NWA, and Ross Construction Group, LLC.

Each year the Arkansas Recreation & Parks Association recognizes outstanding individuals and programs throughout the state. Winners are carefully selected by the ARPA committee and announced at their annual conference.    In August, our team submitted David Wright, City of Bentonville Parks and Recreation Director, for Professional of the Year and the Osage Park Maintenance Team for Maintenance Team of the Year. We are thrilled to announce both have been recognized in their respective categories! 🎉   Congratulations to David and the Osage team! Their commitment to their communities and enriching the lives and land around them is unparalleled. It is always an honor getting to work with them and we look forward to their continued success in their communities. To learn more about the ARPA and these awards visit the link in the comments!

These two wonderful ladies celebrated 1-year with Ecological Design Group last week! 🤩 Susan Taylors and Leslie Tabor have added so much light and life to our team over the past year. We are incredibly thankful for all of their hard work and the dedication that they have shown to growing EDG's mission and vision. Thank you both for the last year and again for all your hard work! Cheers to the last year and hopefully many more to come! 🥂

NRM is having a Native Plant Sale at the end of this month!! 😱 If you'd like to pre-order through their website, follow the link in the comments and then swing by Roger's office on the 20th or 21st to pick up online orders (more information on pick-up to come). You can also swing by the day of the sale, but shopping is only available while supplies last, so if you want some native plants for your garden, get them while you can! 🌱 #nativeplants #plantsale #buylocal

Addie Gardner has been with EDG for one year!! 🎉 Addie has been a crucial addition to the EDG team. She joined us last August as the new Director of Marketing and, in that time, has transformed the marketing team. Whether pulling together proposals, writing articles, or organizing events, she is a woman of many talents and pursues everything she does with unparalleled enthusiasm. Addie, thank you for being a part of our team and bringing so much joy to our lives over the past year. Cheers to 1 year as part of the EDG family and to many more! 🥂

The Windgate Center for 3D Arts is located at an important junction point on the ASU campus. By bridging the Pack Place student housing complex to the greater ASU campus, this building provides a pleasant pedestrian experience by bringing students and visitors around and through the building with a variety of ADA-accessible trails, sidewalks, and outdoor amenity spaces. The bioretention basin on the north side of the building serves to not only treat the pollutants from the building’s runoff but also manage the stormwater such that the project has a net-zero impact on the surrounding stormwater facilities. #ASU #3dart #landscapearchitecture #civilengineering

Specialized Real Estate Group utilizes Ozark native plants in its landscaping that minimizes the need for irritation to help conserve water. Native plant communities are vital to wildlife, regional identity, water quality, and the health of the entire ecosystem, including human health!