LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (April 20, 2026) – The Little Rock Zoo has been awarded $306,671 by the Metroplan Board for Green Network projects through the Natural State Implementation Grant, part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) Program.
Funds will support erosion control, restore native plant populations, and address invasive species across Zoo grounds. The project will rebuild soil integrity and create landscapes that reflect the Zoo’s conservation mission. Guests will see improvements in areas including Great Apes, Big Cats, The Veldt + Rhino, and the Tunnel.
“In order to truly align with our mission, our Zoo must embody passion, guardianship, and dedication in every aspect,” said Melissa Schock, Zoo Horticulturist & Landscape Supervisor. “My goal is to transform the landscape from a backdrop into a living representation of the values we share.”
Expanding native plantings will support pollinators and wildlife while strengthening the environmental health of Zoo grounds.
“We are incredibly proud of the leadership Melissa is bringing to this work and what it represents for the future of the Little Rock Zoo,” said Zoo Director Susan Altrui. “This project demonstrates habitat stewardship—restoring native ecosystems, supporting pollinators, and modeling conservation practices our guests can carry into their own communities.”
If you would like to schedule a volunteer opportunity for your group to assist with landscaping or other needs around the Zoo, please e-mail kjackson@littlerock.gov to schedule a coordinated group volunteer day at the Zoo!
About the Zoo
The Little Rock Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With its more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit aza.org.
For more information on Little Rock Zoo, visit littlerockzoo.com or call 501-661-7200.
