FORT SMITH - Construction on the third of four nature centers to be built in Arkansas began last week with a groundbreaking ceremony featuring the state’s first lady.

The approximately $5 million Janet Huckabee Arkansas River Valley Nature Center, scheduled to open in May 2006, will be on a site that was part of Fort Chaffee. Exhibits will play a large part in the nature center, which will include a handicapped-accessible trail around Wells Lake, according to Kelly Mulvihill, the center’s director.

“Like the other nature centers, it will include a gift shop, classroom, multipurpose room (for community use) and offices,” Mulvihill said. “Unlike the other centers, ours will have a catering kitchen adjacent to the multipurpose room.

“Another unique feature will be what we call a wildlife workshop in the lower level, which is an ideal place for group activities such as building bird boxes and various painting projects. This space could be used for future exhibit expansion as well.”

The center will feature a life-sized oak tree exhibit with game and nongame animals. A 1,200-gallon aquarium will contain species relevant to the Arkansas River. The deck overlooking Wells Lake will be used for educational programs or for patrons to sit and take in the view. The trail around the lake will include wayside exhibit signs that will highlight the environment and history of the lake and property. The gift shop will offer nature-related items.

The nature center staff will include three highly qualified professionals who will develop educational programs that follow Arkansas Department of Education guidelines. “The staff will plan activities for families and children after school and on weekends not only to entertain, but to sneak in a little education at the same time," Mulvihill said.

The Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center in Pine Bluff and the Forrest L. Wood Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro are open. The Witt Stephens Jr. Central Arkansas Nature Center is in the planning stages.