Fayetteville-based Specialized Real Estate Group announced it has placed 39 acres of land on Markham Hill under permanent conservation easement managed by the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.

These 39 acres, along with 13 acres of parkland – 10 acres previously dedicated and adopted by the city and an additional 3 acres earmarked for future donations – contribute to more than 50 acres of protected green space in Fayetteville west of the U of A campus Arkansas at. This strategic conservation is consistent with SREG's commitment to preserve 50 percent of the 119 hectare Markham Hill development as green space.

“Protecting our natural resources is critical as Northwest Arkansas grows. Protecting this 39 hectare area is the first step towards fulfilling our promise to preserve half of Markham Hill as green space. Our vision goes beyond conservation to include creating integrated communities that respect and enhance the natural environment,” said Jeremy Hudson, CEO of Specialized Real Estate Group, in a press release.

A hotel and restaurant under construction on Markham Hill in Fayetteville. (Fayetteville Flyer)

A conservation easement is a permanent agreement that protects the land from future development and preserves its natural state for future generations. The effort is part of a broader initiative that includes the recently announced opening of Stonebreaker, a unique urban retreat featuring a 78-room hotel, restaurant, members' club and events venue, all part of the ongoing development at Markham Hill.

“We are pleased to partner with SREG on this project,” said Grady Spann, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Land Trust. “As our region continues to grow, the Land Trust will continue to work with developers like SREG and various stakeholders to permanently protect areas of high conservation value in our cities and towns.”

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