Collaborative, community service-based education is at the core of EAST’s mission, and students in northwest Arkansas have embodied this by contributing over 500 service hours to restore and reopen a cherished recreational area.

Lake Wedington, a 102-acre lake managed by the U.S. Forest Service, is located just west of Fayetteville, Arkansas. In 2019, it was closed to the public due to a staffing shortage. Over time, reforestation and a lack of maintenance have kept the recreational area inaccessible, leaving a void for outdoor enthusiasts in the region.

Determined to address the problem, a group of EAST students stepped in to help accelerate the reopening process. Among those leading the charge is Olivia Wood, a student at West Fork High School.

“It was originally a project from Farmington High School, but when we found out about it, we kind of took it over, which they were okay with,” Olivia said. “Once they hired some employees to start working on the area again, we got in contact with them and volunteered our services.”

David Brickley, a Recreation Program Manager at the U.S. Forest Service, praised Olivia and the students for their exceptional efforts in organizing the operation and coordinating with the team at Lake Wedington.

“It was a lot for Olivia to stay in contact with us and find a date to get nailed down to come out here,” Brickley said. “Kudos to all the students that have been involved because it’s been a great help. Clearing a lot of the brush is something that would’ve taken our two employees a week to do, and it took them a few hours.”

Fifty EAST students from West Fork High School, Farmington High School, and Prairie Grove High School joined forces to clear debris from roads and trails following a 2024 tornado that struck the area. They also worked to restore facilities like the concession stand and bathhouses.

One U.S. Forest Service employee who collaborated with the students highlighted their enthusiasm and dedication to the project.

“They all seemed eager and like they were having a good time,” said Steven Walton, a Recreation Technician with the U.S. Forest Service. “They didn’t have that look like they dreaded having to be here. From my experiences, the younger generation is excited to get out and get involved.”

Although there is still more work to be done, Olivia and her peers have already received words of gratitude from the community.

“I had no idea so many people grew up going to Lake Wedington,” Olivia said. “I’ve had teachers talk to me about spending time there, and now that the project is getting more visibility, like in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, hopefully even more people are looking forward to visiting the place they grew up in.”