Ruf’s Fund provides grants for nonprofits to conduct various conservation and education projects within the War Eagle River watershed.
In 2022 Ruf’s Fund awarded funds to the Beaver Watershed Alliance for a riparian enhancement project along Big Clifty Creek.
Through partnerships with the Bass Pro Outdoor Fund, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Stream Team, Reservoir Fisheries Habitat Partnership, the Alliance, UA Extension Service, Cargill Cares, Ruf’s Fund and the landowners, Sue and Mike Phillips, significant funding was raised to complete a streambank restoration and riparian enhancement along Clifty Creek, a tributary to War Eagle Creek.
This project accomplished its objectives to install a stream bank restoration to reduce sediment flow into Beaver Lake, enhance riparian buffers along the waterway, improve fisheries in Beaver Lake, and provide education and outreach to producers and landowners in the Beaver Lake watershed.
The Alliance is proud to report that 300 linear feet of eroded streambank has been restored, which included the planting of 300 native trees, shrubs, and grasses in a riparian buffer area designed to protect water quality and provide essential wildlife habitat.
Ozark Natural Science Center Receives 2024 Ruf’s Fund Grant for Summer Camp Program
Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC) announced the receipt of a generous grant from Ruf's Fund to support its upcoming summer camps focused on environmental education and conservation within the War Eagle watershed.
ONSC's Teacher Naturalists deliver engaging lessons and activities that align with national and state science learning standards, and provide students with a comprehensive education in biology, ecology, geology and social studies. During ONSC's immersive four-day, three-night summer camps, students delve into more than 40 hours of science curriculum through a series of hikes and classes.
