PRAIRIE GROVE -- The new park interpreter for Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park has been on the job less than two months and already has a list of new programs she plans to develop this year.
Laura Jennings, 28, came to Prairie Grove from Garland County Library in Hot Springs where she was in charge of children's programming. She's also worked as a seasonal interpreter with Lake Ouachita State Park and as a park interpreter with Hot Springs National Park.
Jennings graduated from Henderson State University in Arkadelphia with two degrees, English and history. A history buff, she said she always looks for ways to incorporate history into everything she does.
"I'm attracted to a simpler way of life," Jennings said, noting she describes herself as a young person with an "old soul."
People who lived on the frontier had to come up with simple ways to solve problems. Jennings said she likes that way of life, "being creative and more gracious and thankful for what we have...we don't have to have a lot of things to have a good life."
Jennings' first day on the job in Prairie Grove was Dec. 3, 2016, the re-enactment of the Battle of Prairie Grove. It was the first time she had seen a Civil War re-enactment and Jennings said she loved the experience.
"Living history is a powerful connection tool for the younger generations," Jennings said, noting, "The sounds, the smells. It was awesome."
Jennings said her plan is to have regular programming for the Prairie Grove park, with some on the weekends and some as seasonal programs. She's already planning programs for Spring Break, March 17-25, and hopes to have a busy week for visitors to the park.
Some of her ideas include a history hunt using a compass for a scavenger hunt in the park, Civil War food, tree identification, Ozark folk tails and a campfire program, nature journaling based on Civil War diaries, pioneer activities and "Confederate Camouflage," looking at how soldiers camouflaged themselves in battle.
Ongoing and seasonal programs could include lye soap and candle-making workshops, apple products, frontier cooking and Dutch oven workshops.
"I really enjoy developing programs," Jennings said, adding she keeps her phone and a notebook by her bed so she can jot down any ideas that come to mind.
Jennings was interviewing for the Prairie Grove interpretive position at the same time as a job with Arkansas Department of Heritage in Mountain Home. She said she drove around both areas to get a feel for the communities.
When she drove through Prairie Grove, something just clicked, she said.
In Hot Springs, she lived near the downtown area but she grew up in rural Crows Nest near Fountain Lake in Garland County.
"Growing up in the country, when I saw this, I thought this is such a good location," Jennings said.
Her hobbies include reading, hiking and browsing antiques. She also considers herself a "coffee connoisseur" and likes to learn new crafts.
Jennings said she did not think she would return to the state parks system but is glad to be back.
"I realize I have a lot to learn and I want to build up the programming here," Jennings said.
To contact Jennings, call the state park at 479-846-2990 or email her at [email protected].
General News on 01/18/2017