Arthur Henderson has donated his 150-acre Benton County farm to the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation (AGFF), marking the largest gift in the organization’s history. The property will serve as a cornerstone for conservation and public engagement in Northwest Arkansas while Henderson retains the right to live on and maintain his farm through a life estate agreement.
In a region where real estate is snapped up rapidly for development, Henderson’s commitment to keeping his land dedicated to nature offers a rare opportunity for long-term conservation. The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation, established in 1982 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, works alongside the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission to support wildlife management, habitat preservation, and public education.
Deke Whitbeck, AGFF president, described Henderson’s decision as “extraordinary,” emphasizing its importance for the area’s natural heritage. “This property will anchor conservation initiatives and provide valuable opportunities for residents to engage with and learn about Arkansas’s wildlife and ecosystems,” Whitbeck said.
The life estate arrangement means Henderson will continue farming and living on the land for the rest of his life, ensuring his daily connection to the property while also securing its future conservation. Once Henderson no longer inhabits the farm, the AGFF will assume full stewardship to protect and manage the land for public benefit.
This generous donation responds to the ongoing development pressures in Benton County, where housing, commercial projects, and infrastructure continue to expand as Northwest Arkansas grows. The farm’s preservation offers green space and habitat in a rapidly changing landscape, a resource that benefits families, hikers, and anyone who values outdoor experiences.
Families looking for fresh-air outings will appreciate that the farm’s eventual public access plans include educational programming and nature trails tailored for all ages and abilities. By placing the property in conservation trust, Henderson’s legacy invites the community to foster deeper connections with Arkansas’s native flora and fauna while safeguarding important environmental values.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation frequently facilitates property gifts like this to expand conservation efforts in partnership with landowners, funding, and governmental agencies. The new Benton County farm addition complements local outdoor assets and trail networks, supporting Northwest Arkansas’s growing reputation as an outdoor-friendly region.
Those interested in conservation and outdoor education can watch for future programming announcements as the AGFF works to integrate the Henderson Farm into its portfolio of protected lands. Meanwhile, this gift stands as a powerful example of private landowners stepping up to balance development and nature in Benton County.
For families eager to get outside this weekend, consider visiting nearby public trails or parks to enjoy NWA’s natural surroundings in honor of Henderson’s commitment to conservation. Whether kids are learning about native plants or spotting wildlife, these green spaces provide hands-on opportunities to connect with the land and its ongoing stewardship.
Northwest Arkansas continues to expand its outdoor amenities with projects like the recent e-mountain bike trails at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Rogers, and now, with farmland like Henderson’s preserved for wildlife and education, the region’s outdoor future looks more secure for generations to come.
Source: NWA Democrat Gazette
