Free Stargazing Event Comes to Yellville Nature Center

The 'Love Among the Stars' program at Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center offers a unique Valentine's Day activity.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The public is invited to a free astronomy program called 'Love Among the Stars' on Monday at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville, Arkansas. The event is co-sponsored by the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists (NCAMN) and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, with NCAMN members Jeff Hoeper and Ken Forman co-hosting the program.

Why it matters

The nature center offers an ideal location for stargazing, as it was created to preserve 421 acres of natural habitat and provides educational outdoor experiences for the public. The program showcases an unconventional way for people to enjoy the outdoors during the winter months.

The details

The 'Love Among the Stars' program begins at 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public. The nature center, which is typically closed to the public during regular daytime hours in the winter, is beginning to offer evening and Saturday programs. Facility manager Heather Pitman says the center provides an excellent setting for viewing the night sky.

  • The 'Love Among the Stars' program takes place on Monday, February 17, 2026.
  • The nature center is typically closed to the public during regular daytime hours in the winter, but is now offering evening and Saturday programs.

The players

North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists (NCAMN)

A group that is co-sponsoring the 'Love Among the Stars' program at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center.

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

An organization that is co-sponsoring the 'Love Among the Stars' program at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center.

Jeff Hoeper

A member of the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists who will co-host the 'Love Among the Stars' program.

Ken Forman

A member of the North Central Arkansas Master Naturalists who will co-host the 'Love Among the Stars' program.

Heather Pitman

The facility manager at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center.

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What they’re saying

“The nature center offers an ideal location for viewing the night sky.”

— Heather Pitman, Facility Manager, Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center

“Even though it might not seem conventional, the program showcases another way to enjoy the outdoors.”

— Heather Pitman, Facility Manager, Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center

What’s next

The 'Love Among the Stars' program is a one-time event taking place on Monday, February 17, 2026 at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center in Yellville, Arkansas.

The takeaway

This stargazing event at the Fred Berry Crooked Creek Nature Center provides a unique opportunity for the public to enjoy the outdoors and learn about astronomy during the winter months, highlighting the center's role in preserving natural habitats and offering educational experiences.