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The Learning Fields In the News
Greenhouse Project Awarded Scholarship and Matching Gift
We are excited to share that the Greenhouse Project at The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing has been selected by County 76 Master Gardeners to receive a 2026 Janet B. Carson County Sanctioned Project Scholarship in the amount of $1,000. Thanks to the generous support of Leo and Barbara Anhalt, who matched this award, the total contribution is $2,000.
These funds will be used to replace the irrigation system, fans, hoses, and timers; purchase soil, seeds, and other supplies; install an arbor to create a welcoming entrance into the greenhouse; and develop the greenhouse as a learning environment.
Jennifer Kistler, Learning Fields board member, displays the Janet B. Carson County Sanctioned Project Scholarship award notice with Mary Minor, Learning Fields board president, Barbara Anhalt, Leo Anhalt, greenhouse co-chairs Jennifer Council and
Carrie King, Tricia Sloan, River Valley Master Gardeners president, Zeb Gattis, Sebastian County Extension Agent, and Dianne Heinrichs, Learning Fields board member, from left to right.
We look forward to involving volunteers—especially students from our community—in planting and caring for the greenhouse and to transforming this space into a living classroom for hands-on learning. Workshops are also planned for both new and experienced gardeners, making the greenhouse a hub for learning and connection.We are deeply grateful to County 76 Master Gardeners and Leo and Barbara Anhalt for their generosity and commitment to The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing. Its growing opportunities for education and community engagement are made possible through their support.
Volunteers gather to celebrate the Greenhouse Project’s scholarship award and gift. From left to right, Becky Ward, Cathy Jones, Dianne Heinrichs, Mary Minor, Jennifer Kistler, Jennifer Council, Carrie King, Zeb Gattis, Gail Wald, Denise Weakley, Bev McClendon, Susan Horton, and Vanita Keeter.
We are thankful to receive a 2025 Giving Tree Grant
for our Rose Garden.
Funding from the Western Arkansas Community Foundation Giving Tree Grant will be used to advance the goals of The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing by expanding the Rose Garden in both numbers and varieties of plants. This will enhance The Learning Fields ability to provide a space for sharing knowledge of roses and fostering a love for gardening and joy in the art of cultivation.
Through hands-on gardening and classroom education, The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing strives to improve understanding and provide information on garden types, plant species, and cultivars that grow succssfully in the River Valley. Comprised of 25 gardens, the goal of this public garden is to provide a natural environment for visitors to learn and engage in hands-on experiences in its 7.5-acre interactive campus.
Master Gardener Janet Reed (L) presents award to Mary Minor, President of the Board of Directors.
The Learning Fields is honored to be selected as the River Valley Master Gardeners’ 2025 Sanctioned Project of the Year.
A sanctioned project is one that is an approved community garden or educational initiative that aligns with the County Extension Service’s mission and goes through a formal proposal process. It carries the Master Gardener/University Extension endorsement and offers a public benefit such as beautification or education, while showcasing the program.
We are grateful to the River Valley Master Gardeners for recognizing our efforts to continue making The Learning Fields an important part of our community. A special thank you is extended to our Garden Chairs, Co-Chairs, and other volunteers, most of whom are Master Gardeners, for their time, energy, and efforts on behalf of The Learning Fields.
If you would like to volunteer at The Learning Fields or become a Master Gardener, or even if you just want more information in general, email learningofthefields@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you!
The Learning Fields shared Fall gardening tips in the September 2025 issue of Do South magazine.
The Fig Trial Orchard was featured in an article by
Benton County Master Gardener Lynn Atkins.
The Learning Fields was featured as part of an article in the September 2024 issue of Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Official Kids Magazine.
The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing is one of the projects of the Master Gardeners program. The Learning Fields site includes a butterfly habitat, features several demonstration gardens, hosts a number of planting trials to see what will and will not grow in our area, and serves as the site for a number of educational and demonstration classes for the public each year. Many of those programs are targeted specifically at children, teaching them to grow food and that the food we eat doesn’t just come from a grocery store. One of the gardens in the Learning Fields is a Children’s Garden that includes benches, a playhouse, a fairy garden, a gazebo and lots of color. Programs for children allow participants to put new plants in the ground, as well as plant seeds in a cup of soil to take home. That’s important in the modern world where fewer children are exposed to green spaces, and also can be used to teach children about where food comes from. The Learning Fields at Chaffee Crossing, 7300 Gardener Ave. in Fort Smith, is open from daylight to dusk each day and admission is free to the public. Many of the special events held there are free to attend. Those who visit can take self-guided tours of the various gardens and can ask questions of the Master Gardeners who are often there working to maintain the grounds.
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