December 1 - 4, 2025
DeGray Lake Resort State Park

This year marks the 49th annual convening of the Southeastern State Parks Program Seminar (SSPPS), a conference for state park professionals dedicated to the promotion and advancement of educational opportunities that our state parks have to offer.

Each year, 14 southeastern states' park staff gather to discuss new ideas and trends while discovering beautiful park settings. The conference is open only to employees of State Park systems within the Southeastern United States and invited guests. Arkansas State Parks has the privilege of hosting in-person for the first time since 2009 and we are excited to welcome you all to Arkansas, The Natural State.

SSPS Know-Before-You-Go

UPDATED 11-26-25

This update has the following topics in this order:

• Registration payment
• Agenda
• Suggested packing
• Arrival/check in instructions
• Monday Outdoor Welcome Gathering
• Tuesday Outdoor Rec Adventures @ DeGray Lake
• Wednesday Study Trip to Crater of Diamonds and Historic Washington State Parks
• Banquet
• Auction
• Evening Networking Guidelines
• Easy, preconference community building assignment
• Social media

Registration Payment

We are aware multiple folks have encountered an error message when trying to use the credit card payment link. Our partner association is looking into it, and we will update you when we can, with expected delay due to the holiday. Please still come if you are registered! We will get payment sorted out one way or another.

Agenda

Registrants should have received an email on 11-25-25 with a detailed agenda including trip info, meal details, and more. A hard copy final schedule will be provided on site at check in. 

Suggested Packing

We know many are repeat SSPPS-ers, but if this is your first time to attend or to travel to Arkansas in December, here are some packing suggestions:

• Dress
  • This is a casual conference for park professionals. Most wear khakis, jeans, slacks, park t-shirts, button up shirts, sweaters, etc. If you've been to SSPPS before you may like to bring past years' shirts. 
  • See "Banquet Details" for more on our Thursday evening event.
  • See "Crater of Diamonds" details below for more on dress and tools for that trip. 
  • We aim to have you outdoors a lot! Bring active clothing, jackets, hats/gloves, walking shoes for park activities and study trips.
  • Layers - it could be chilly or it could be warm here in December. Plus, you know how variable meeting rooms can be.
  • Some rain is looking likely - we will hold outdoor activities unless it is too hazardous. Bring a raincoat and shoes that can get wet!
• Swag: On arrival you will receive a cloth tote bag, t-shirt, Nalgene water bottle, and a bit of other swag from sponsors. Leave a little packing space.
• Auction items: Please bring an auction donation item if you are able (more detail below). And leave a little room to purchase and bring some home perhaps, as your budget/interest allow. We can assist you with shipping home as needed.

Arrival & Check-in

• Check in for SSPPS at DeGray Lake Resort State Park Lodge: Event registration is open 2 - 9 p.m. Monday in the Lobby.
• Dinner is on your own Monday: Please note the Lodge's Shoreline Restaurant offers a full menu and bar - closing at 8 p.m. If you will arrive near or after that time you will want to acquire food before arriving. The nearest other restaurants are at the I-30 exit 78 (Caddo Valley) 8 miles away (mostly fast food).
• Late arrivals can check into the event in the lobby starting at 7 a.m. Monday. Lodge guest check in is staffed 24/7.
• Our Monday opening gathering is informal/come-and-go (more detail below). Official formal opening remarks are at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning in the Lodge Convention Center.

Outdoor Weclome Gathering @ DeGray's YURT Village, 4-8 p.m. come-and-go

• After a long day of travel, enjoy a relaxed atmosphere outdoors around a campfire by the lake, with fellowship and several interpretive demonstrations in our three YURTs.
• Bundle up as needed - this is an outdoor location.
• This location is in the park's Camp Area C - it is a walkable 1.4-miles (one way) on park roads from the lodge if you need to stretch your legs (bring a light if you plan to walk back).
• We will also offer constant shuttles between the lodge and yurts. You may drive there but note it will be dark after 5 and parking/turnaround space is limited. 
• Restrooms are at the Camp Area C bathhouse, which is .2 mile walk from the yurts. We can shuttle as needed.
• Complementary light snacks and a choice of adult and regular beverages will be on hand thanks to generous sponsors. 

Tuesday Outdoor Recreation Adventures @ DeGray Lake Resort State Park

• Weather permitting, we will have opportunities for guided recreation adventures in the host park from 3-5 p.m.
• Detailed descriptions, packing suggestions, and Sign up slots are avilable online (link in your Know Before You Go email received 11-25-25) if you want to confirm a slot for something in particular that may affect your packing decisions. 
• If you don't sign up in advance: We will transition these rosters to hand-written sheets at the registration table on site. 
• Bismarck, AR is where to search for checking weather. 
• Options:
  • Eagle Watch Cruise
  • Kayaking
  • Boat and Hike @ Iron Mountain
  • Birding Hike on Island Trail
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Disc Golf

Wednesday study trip to Crater of Diamonds and Historic Washington State Parks

This will be a full-day trip - be prepared to be away from 8 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Lunch and dinner are provided on the trip. Drive times: From DeGray Lake to Crater is about 1.25 hour, between Crater and Historic Washington is 45 mins, and from HWSP back to DeGray is 1.25 hour. 

• Crater of Diamonds
  • December can be a great time to visit Crater of Diamonds. Weather will play an important role in how you pack, so make sure to check the forecast before you leave (Murfreesboro, AR).
  • The ground in the search area tends to stay wet through winter, so plan to wear boots or shoes that can handle mud and moisture. Winter days can start out very cold in the morning and heat up in the afternoon, so plan to dress in layers that can get muddy and dirty.
  • Guests may bring their own mining equipment or check out tools from the park. Equipment cannot be motorized or battery powered. If bringing your own, we suggest buckets, shovels, hand trowels, and screens. If you plan to take any rocks or sifted gravel home, we recommend bringing at least one bucket for those take-home items (no dirt may be removed from the search area; rocks and sifted gravel only). The park also provides free small paper bags for guests to take home any rocks or minerals they find.
  • There is a cleanup area at the search area entrance to wash off muddy equipment or shoes before you leave.
• Historic Washington
  • Groups will divide and rotate around the park to experience several historic homes and facilities with interpretive offerings. Expect to walk multiple town blocks between stations. To assist, we plan to offer shuttle with horse-drawn surrey or vans as weather calls for.
  • Dinner will be in the park’s Williams Tavern before returning to DeGray Lake.

Banquet

• Our conference focus is Interpretive Opportunities in outdoor recreation, featuring a fun word play with the IO moth (Automeris io) in our logo.
• Thursday night, enjoy fellowship with creative park professionals on the theme of A Lepidoptera Dream. Come a little dressed up, in costume, or a combination of both - taking inspiration from the butterflies and moths of our woodland forests in the southeastern state parks.
• Do with that what you will, as your interest and luggage space allow. We will have some themed make-and-take photo op/costume offerings available on site!

Auction

SSPPS traditionally has a silent and live auction to help raise funds for future events, to keep costs down on registration. It is not required to bring donations or to buy anything, but you may like to participate.

• Items will be received at event check in.
• Need donation ideas? This is “park people” bringing/buying “park people stuff” at reasonable price points. A few items may competitively escalate to higher prices but most are such that everyone can participate if they choose. Things we’ve seen do well: Jams, honeys, craft beverages, artwork, knives, fishing poles, hoody sweatshirts, nature t-shirts, coffee mugs, artwork, bat houses, soaps, field guides, kids’ nature and history toys, living history costume components, new or gently-used outdoor gear etc.
• Need donation ideas? This is “park people” bringing/buying “park people stuff” at reasonable price points. A few items may competitively escalate to higher prices but most are such that everyone can participate if they choose. Things we’ve seen do well: Jams, honeys, craft beverages, artwork, knives, fishing poles, hoody sweatshirts, nature t-shirts, coffee mugs, artwork, bat houses, soaps, field guides, kids’ nature and history toys, living history costume components, new or gently-used outdoor gear etc.
• We are aiming to be able to accept cash, check, Paypal/Venmo, and credit cards.
• All donated items and purchases are donations to the Southeastern State Parks Program Seminar.

Evening Networking

• We will open the Lodge Convention Center in the evenings and encourage gathering to visit, play music, share hobbies and crafts, games, etc. This is at the opposite end of the building from guest sleeping rooms and we can make crowd noise here within reason.
• All are welcome and encouraged to network in the evenings – it’s a friendly and fun gathering. This is a cherished tradition of SSPPS and where many lifelong friendships have been established and new park program ideas shared.
• See your Know Before You Go email for further details.

Easy optional pre-conference assignment

Fun community building project! We will set up a real-life hard copy “social media” area called the P(ARK)interest Project to help everyone get to know each other.

If you can, bring a printed copy of ONE favorite photo from your work.

• An example draft is attached to your 11-25-25 Know Before You Go email with suggested format.
• Include your name and your park name & state at the top.
• Don’t overthink this; we aren’t tightly managing format. Landscape/portrait orientation is your choice.
• Caption it with why this photo is significant for you.
• Photos examples might be you in uniform, a favorite memory in your resource, of a project, etc. As long as it is about your job.
• If you cannot get this printed before traveling but can do it while traveling, you can email it to Kelly Farrell or Kayla Gomance - we will have the ability print here. Or, you can hand write something to share.

Social Media: There is an SSPPS Facebook page that will be updated often through the next couple of weeks. If you want to follow that: Search @SSPPS.

 

SPONSORS wishing to inquire about participation are encouraged to contact Kelly Farrell at kelly.farrell@arkansas.gov.

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Please complete the three-step registration process:

1. REGISTER by November 14: Let us know you are coming using this registration form. One representative can register others.
2. MAKE PAYMENT: Following confirmation of your registration, you will receive an invoice and instructions for payment. (This may take a few days.)
3. BOOK LODGING: Call or visit the park's website to reserve lodging. See details below. 

Conference Overview

Registration

$265 per person
Includes 9 meals (3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner), welcome reception, all speakers and sessions, a full day park study trip to Historic Washington and Crater of Diamonds State Parks, half day park study trip to attendees’ choice (see details below), and commemorative t-shirt.

Lodging

Available in our state park lodge at government rate for standard king or queen rooms (suites not included). Call the park at 501-865-5850 or visit the website to book online (be sure to select the “lodge rooms” option as the “lodging” button is for yurts). Our group ID code is: 847690.

Campsites with water/electric hookups and heated bathhouses are also available at regular park rates. Area C campsites are 1.3 miles from the lodge and the route is walkable/bikeable. Call or visit the website for those reservations as well.

Travel

• Driving access is easy via I-40 and I-30, with the host park just a few miles off I-30 Exit 78 (Caddo Valley)
• Flying is recommended through Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, which has service by six major airlines and is about 70 miles from the host park. Arkansas State Parks can provide shuttles as needed.

Agenda

(subject to some modifications pending weather and scheduling needs)

Monday Dec 1

• Travel Day
• Registration Open
• Welcome reception

Tuesday Dec 2 (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided)

• Opening address with Parks, Heritage, and Tourism Secretary Shea Lewis
• State showcases featuring trends and best practices from participating states
• Concurrent sessions highlighting outdoor recreation in State Parks
• Explore the Resource @ DeGray Lake Resort State Park: Behind-the-scenes operations and resource-focused recreation experiences include eagle watching lake tours, kayaking, hiking, disc golf, golf, indoor interpretive skill demonstrations.
• State Leaders Meeting
• Keynote Speaker: Ky Harkey, The Visitor Experience
• Evening Networking

Wednesday Dec 3 (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided)

• Full group State Park Study Trip
  Explore the opportunities and challenges of park operations at these two unique sites:
  • Crater of Diamonds State Park: The only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, Crater of Diamonds is a one-of-a-kind experience that brings people from all over the world to Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Visitors to the park search a 37-acre field--the eroded surface of a volcanic crater--for a variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones – and any rock or mineral you find is yours to keep. More than 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas state park in 1972. During today’s trip we will discuss park operations, explore the visitor experience, and get hands on in the dirt if you choose! 
  • Historic Washington State Park:offers insight into a 19th-century community and a glimpse at the people and events of the Territorial, Antebellum, Civil War, and Reconstruction eras in Arkansas’ history. The park includes historic, public, and private buildings as well as many of Washington’s period landscape features - streets bordered with catalpa, magnolia, and other ornamental trees which have shaded the community for 150 years.  The historic structures and grounds give a fascinating view of Washington and a taste of the peace and beauty of southwest Arkansas. This week the park will be in preparation for their 39th Annual Christmas & Candlelight event and we hope to get a sneak peek of several historic homes in decoration finery. 
• Evening Networking

Thursday Dec 4 (breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided)

• State showcases (continued)
• Special Topic State Park Study Trips (elect one)
  • Outdoor Recreation Adventure @ Pinnacle Mountain State Park: Just west of Arkansas’ capital city, this day-use park is a hub for outdoor recreation. From the mountain to the Maumelle rivers to the Arkansas Arboretum, a diverse landscape of adventures await you here. Tour the park’s architecturally stunning new visitor center and hands on interactive exhibits (including an Audio Description tour for guests who are blind or low vision). Optionally, enjoy a guided hike on some of the park’s 33 miles of scenic hiking and mountain biking trails. This park is one of four sites for Arkansas State Parks Monument Trails, which have been recognized as Best Mountain Biking in the US by Outside Magazine. 
  • Civilian Conservation Corps @ Lake Catherine State Park: Rugged Ouachita Mountain views meet Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy at this peaceful park. Let “Parkitecture” structures immerse you in a rich past. Then wind your way through the Ouachita mountains on a guided hike to a seasonal waterfall or walk a paved ADA nature trail.
  • Connect Past & Present @ Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park and Plantation Agriculture Museum: At Plum Bayou, experience a National Historic Landmark and Arkansas’ largest and most complex mound site. Doubling as an archeology research station for the University of Arkansas, Survey staff on site conduct ongoing research providing resources for development of the park’s programs. Experience a guided tour of these ceremonial grounds to discover how scientists are still piecing together the mysteries of this place. A few miles up the road at Plantation Agriculture Museum, we will explore Arkansas’ farming history from the time of statehood (1836) through World War II. This unique site’s series of buildings invite interactive experiences that connect you to the foods we eat and products we use, including a 1916 cotton gin, a seed warehouse on the National Register of Historic Places, a Historic Tractor Exhibit, and the main museum originally built as a general store in 1912.
  • Public & Private Partnerships (pending availability): Hot Springs National Park - details TBD if this is able to be offered. Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand architecture of historic bathhouses is equally matched by the natural curiosities that have been drawing people here for hundreds of years. Ancient thermal springs, Ouachita mountain views, incredible geology, forested hikes, and abundant creeks – all in the middle of town – make Hot Springs National Park a unique and beautiful destination.
• Banquet and Auction

Friday Dec 5

• Adjourned - Travel Day