About studioDRIFT
For over 40 years, Martin Smith has been working to revitalize the Arkansas Delta, a place of great beauty.
Through his work as a landscape architect, he believes in the potential of this region to become a thriving destination for adventurous travelers and locals alike.
studioDRIFT is the culmination of Martin's vision for the Delta, and all of rural Arkansas, as a fun, authentic, and inviting place to live and visit.
Joining Martin in this effort is Ammen Jordan. An Arkansas native also, Ammen has extensive experience in the outdoor recreation industry, active transportation infrastructure, natural surface trail systems, and capital access for entrepreneurs.
The studio's projects focus on protecting and enhancing historic structures and landscapes, establishing bike and water trail systems, supporting arts and music, nourishing local food systems, and more.
With an emphasis on connectivity, placemaking, and the outdoors, studioDRIFT is helping fellow Arkansans strengthen their community and landscape through bike and water trails, ecological and adventure tourism, cultural arts and music, and sustainable food systems.
Integral to this effort is the Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council - an informal but passionate group supporting each other to advance efforts that support the local community and strengthen the regional economy.
Meet the Team
-
Martin & Kara Smith
FOUNDERS, BIRDEYE
-
Tanner & Paulina Weeks
FOUNDERS
-
Kim Webb
PARAGOULD
-
John Taylor
CLARENDON
-
Ammen Jordan
DIRECTOR
Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council
The Delta Outdoor Economy Advisory Council is designed to enhance local community well-being and strengthen the regional economy by harnessing the power of outdoor recreation and conservation. Its core logic is that by fostering collaboration and providing mutual support among diverse stakeholders, the Council can move from ad-hoc, individual efforts to a unified, strategic approach. This collaboration will lead to the identification and pursuit of shared goals, such as securing funding for new infrastructure, promoting regional assets, and advocating for supportive policies. By pooling resources and knowledge, the Council will generate a cumulative impact that far exceeds the sum of its individual parts, leading to tangible outcomes like job creation, tourism growth, and improved quality of life for Delta residents, ultimately closing the perceived gap in growth relative to other parts of the state.
Adam Long - Executive Director, A-State Heritage Sites
Andy Shatley – Executive Director, Rehab Services at St Bernards Healthcare; Chairperson, City of Jonesboro Connectivity Committee
Brian Hurley – University of Arkansas
Davy Carter – Regional President of Centennial Bank
Drew Smith – Director, 75Strong
Eric Burch – Burch and Co. Real Estate, Jonesboro
Greg Webb – Captain, Paragould Fire Department
Joseph Whitfield – Director, Delta Magic & Phillips County Chamber of Commerce
Scott Simon – Don and Millie Nelms Foundation
Tim Scott - Arkansas State Parks
William Staley – Executive Director & Creative Director, Thrive Inc, Helena
Our Mission
The mission of studioDRIFT is to help strengthen communities by developing rural infrastructure for tomorrow. Not only are we working on increasing connectivity, but we are also working to preserve historical treasures so that they may serve as hubs for adventure tourism and outdoor recreation in the Natural State.
Our Vision
How will we achieve such a mission? By strategically linking communities utilizing existing infrastructure to create an Arkansas Delta Trail Network. There have already been major investments to connect communities across the Arkansas Delta with bike trails including the Big River Trail and the Delta Heritage Trail. We are working to incorporate existing infrastructure, such as gravel back roads and public lands, to connect these different efforts with minimal expense.
