Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Chuck Dovish, a television icon for a generation of Arkansas travelers, will debut his "Exploring Arkansas" weekly series May 3 on the Arkansas Educational Television Network. From whitewater canoeing and parasailing to cave exploring and mountain biking, the new adventure show promises to showcase The Natural State's many outdoor wonders.

"High adventure is the theme, interwoven with why Arkansas is called The Natural State," Dovish said. "Action shows will include hang-gliding, hot-air ballooning, rock climbing, rappelling, sailplane soaring, kayaking, scuba diving and the list goes on. And, occasionally, we'll add some fishing for a breather."

The first five programs, airing Mondays at 6:30 p.m., will include an expedition down the Buffalo National River, living the cowboy life on a working ranch, a Civil War re-enactment, hiking the Goat Trail high above the Buffalo River, eagle watching at the Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge, seeking Spanish treasure in a northwest Arkansas cave, searching for freshwater pearls on White River, plus other outdoor excitement.

"Throughout my nearly 30 years of telling Arkansas stories, my main objective has always been to get the good word out about the many unique places in our wonderful state," Dovish said. "With 'Exploring Arkansas' on AETN, that objective will be accomplished, not only by the show being broadcast all over the state, but also to PBS stations in surrounding states as well."

AETN Executive Director Allen Weatherly said, "We are pleased to have Chuck Dovish join our schedule with his wonderful series about our state. It is a natural fit and continues our tradition of finding beautiful and interesting stories about Arkansas."

For more information about the show, call AETN at (501) 682-2386 or visit www.exploringarkansas.com or www.aetn.org.