FAYETTEVILLE — The cherished bird blind at Lake Fayetteville, a project crafted largely by volunteers and funded entirely through donations, has been reduced to ashes. The Paige and Mary Bess Mulhollan waterfowl observation blind, located along the southern shore of the lake, was completely destroyed by fire on Monday evening, as reported on Tuesday.
This beloved structure, built in 2016 after two years of fundraising efforts by local birding enthusiasts, was situated about half a mile from the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks parking lot and another parking area south near Crossover Road. It featured a wooden gable roof and small windows, designed for bird watchers to enjoy unobstructed views of the lake’s avian visitors.
The news of the fire came as a shock to Kelly Mulhollan, the son of Paige and Mary Bess Mulhollan, who were the namesakes of the blind. Paige Mulhollan passed away in 2012, and Mary Bess Mulhollan followed in 2019. Both were active members of the Audubon Society and the botanical garden. Kelly learned of the incident through an email from the city’s Parks Department, and he was initially overcome with disbelief.
The blind had become a symbol of community spirit, maintained with minimal effort due to the care provided by its visitors. Kelly Mulhollan described it as a “gift to the community,” noting the pride and affection people had for the structure. The fire was reported to the local fire department around 10:30 p.m. on Monday. Firefighters arrived shortly afterward, using a trail response vehicle to put out the flames since fire trucks could not access the site. Fortunately, damage to the surrounding vegetation and trees was minimal, but the cause of the fire remains unknown. There were no signs of foul play or witnesses to the incident.
David Chapman, a retired professor from the University of Arkansas and a Colorado resident, initially proposed the idea of the bird blind. Chapman, along with a group known as “The Blind Committee,” spearheaded the fundraising and construction efforts with city approval. This team included Kelly Mulhollan, Chapman, Joe Neal, architect Michael Cockram, Bob Caulk from the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Foundation, and Bill Beall, the Audubon Society’s treasurer. Kelly Mulhollan recalls the significant volunteer effort that went into building the blind, including a group of university sorority members who carried heavy lumber over a challenging trail, even in freezing conditions.
Currently, it is uncertain whether the bird blind will be rebuilt. However, there is discussion within the Audubon Society about possibly constructing a new deck on the existing foundation. This structure was more than just a facility; it was a focal point for the local birding community, a place where people gathered to connect with nature and each other. Its loss is deeply felt by many, but the spirit of the community that built it remains strong.