Man in a baseball cap looks over a community gathering in a historic Delta structure in DeValls Bluff Arkansas.

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.

Please join us in this effort!

Meet the Team

  • Founding couple of studioDRIFT on a mountain trail with a valley and lake in the background.

    Martin & Kara Smith

    FOUNDERS, BIRDEYE

  • Founding couple of studioDRIFT, one wearing a bike helmet at a Delta Grind in Helena Arkansas

    Tanner & Paulina Weeks

    FOUNDERS

  • Professional headshot of a studioDRIFT team member smiling in front of a brick wall background.

    Kim Webb

    PARAGOULD

  • Man in camouflage kneels with a wild turkey in the Arkansas Delta highlighting studioDRIFT's focus on Delta community traditions.

    John Taylor

    CLARENDON

  • Couple smiling in front of a cascading waterfall during a hike.

    Ammen Jordan

    DIRECTOR

Graphic of studioDRIFT's four pillars: connect rural communities to the outdoor recreation economy, activate culturally and ecologically rich places through adventure, enable health and environmental financial benefits, and preserve authentic Delta.

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.

Close-up of a freshwater mussel in a clear Arkansas Delta river with trees lining the banks.

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.

Pathways to Conservation

From Trail Users to Stewards, our work is fundamentally a personal growth, economic development, and conservation strategy built on human connection. We believe that stewardship is born out of personal experience with the land.

  1. Awareness: Events and community outreach introduce residents to the trails and natural assets. (Example: A child receiving a bicycle and discovering a local park.)

  2. Activation: Reducing Barriers. We actively reduce barriers to access (e.g., event scholarships, free equipment access, merit bike program) and provide encouragement to ensure all neighbors can engage.

  3. Stewardship: Education and Ownership. Active engagement is supported by education on sustainable practices which fosters personal responsibility and a desire to protect natural resource. (Example: Volunteers trained at Mississippi River State Park.)

  4. Conservation: Stewardship becomes a sustained, generational commitment to the preservation of the Delta’s unique ecology. Outdoor recreation is not the end goal; it is the driving force for creating a local population dedicated to protecting the natural heritage that improves their quality of life.

@theskirmishjonesboro is an incredible example of exactly why we’re building the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. When people come to the Delta to ride, they don’t just stay on the trail. They stop in towns, eat downtown, spend money
@theskirmishjonesboro is an incredible example of exactly why we’re building the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. When people come to the Delta to ride, they don’t just stay on the trail. They stop in towns, eat downtown, spend money locally, and see parts of Eastern Arkansas they may have otherwise never experienced. That’s the vision behind this work. The Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail is creating a connected outdoor recreation corridor across the Delta and making it easier for events, riders, and communities to grow together. This goes way beyond tourism and bike festivals. This infrastructure is also about community health. Safe places to walk, run, and ride matter, especially in regions that have faced generations of health and economic challenges. We are incredibly grateful to see CRGT being utilized this weekend to grow this movement in the Delta. The Skirmish is happening Saturday, May 30 in Jonesboro If you want to learn more or register, head to their page or the link is in our bio. And if you want to support the work behind projects like CRGT, consider making a donation to help us keep building across Eastern Arkansas! #crgt #crowleysridgegraveltrail #arkansasdelta
What an incredible weekend. 💛🚴 We had 172 participants attend Mile Zero this year (32% increase over last year), 50 bikes distributed local public school students, and a collective of thousands of miles ridden and run along the Crowley’s Rid
What an incredible weekend. 💛🚴 We had 172 participants attend Mile Zero this year (32% increase over last year), 50 bikes distributed local public school students, and a collective of thousands of miles ridden and run along the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. This was a record attendance for one of our events and we cannot even begin to explain how incredible it feels to see so many people enjoying this place. That’s what this weekend is about. Getting folks out here and building community that lasts even after the last bike has rolled out of town. We’re grateful to everyone who made the trip and endlessly thankful for the people and partners who helped make Mile Zero happen: The entire community of Helena–West Helena @ecologicaldg @ozarkfoundation @therideconway @thrivehelena Mississippi River State Park We’ll be back at it soon and until then stay tunned for all of the incredible things that are happening in the Delta! #MileZero #ArkansasDelta #CrowleysRidge
TOMORROW!! 🍻 People are starting to roll into Helena. We are hitting the road, checking out the local art, and a few of us are hitting up the Juke Joint Festival tonight! Bikes on racks. Bags are packed. If you’re coming in tomorrow, travel safe. If you’re nearby, come spend some time with us tonight and see what’s happening. We’ll be here. #arkansasdelta #crowleysridge #gravel #milezero
If you’re coming to Mile Zero, here’s a quick look at the weekend! 🗓 Friday, April 10th — Shakeout & Socialize Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St 3–5 PM: Social ride + running tour (free) Evening: Art, music, and time downtown
If you’re coming to Mile Zero, here’s a quick look at the weekend! 🗓 Friday, April 10th — Shakeout & Socialize Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St 3–5 PM: Social ride + running tour (free) Evening: Art, music, and time downtown 🗓 Saturday, April 11th — Main Event Kelley Courtyard, 415 Cherry St 🏃 Running + Riding The Low Road Marathon Start - 9am Cycling Start - 10am Half Marathon & 5K - 10:10am 🎉 Afterparty + Festival Community Bike Celebration - 11:30 Lunch and Music 2-5pm 🎟 Extras Raffle at 3 PM Delta Dirt Distillery party (12–8 PM) Sunset kayak tour (6–7:30 PM, preregister) For Sunday's events see our other pinned posts! There’s a lot going on, but you don’t have to do it all. Pick a few things, take your time, and spend the weekend in the Arkansas Delta with us. See you soon! #MileZero #ArkansasDelta #HelenaArkansas
TWO MORE DAYS! By this time tomorrow our early bird crew will be rolling into town. Some of our Ultra riders, our long time attendees, and our new friends, will be joining us tomorrow for the Friday night events. 📍 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Social Spin (10 - 25 miles, mixed route) - Free 📍 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Running Tour of Helena (2-3 miles, murals & Civil War history) - Free 🌅 Evening: Art show and music at 430 Cherry St 🚨 Bonus: Head over to the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MS Who will we see tomorrow? #arkansasdelta #crowleysridge #milezero #crgt
Mississippi River State Park and Delta Heritage Trail State Park have been key partners at the state level for Mile Zero, and if you've got a little extra time this weekend they have several opportunities to spend a little extra time outside! 🗓 Fri
Mississippi River State Park and Delta Heritage Trail State Park have been key partners at the state level for Mile Zero, and if you've got a little extra time this weekend they have several opportunities to spend a little extra time outside! 🗓 Friday, April 10 10–11 AM: Woodland Wander 🌿 A short hike through Bear Creek looking for wildlife and plant life. 5–6 PM: Campfire Stories, Songs & S’mores 🔥 Stories, trivia, and s’mores return for a cozy evening under the stars. Don’t forget a blanket or chair! 🗓 Saturday, April 11 11-12 PM: Delta Heritage Trail and Community Open House 🏠 Located at the visitor’s center in West Helena! Guided rides will be offered at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., and 1 p.m.; bikes and helmets are provided. 6–7:30 PM: Sunset Kayak Tour 🛶 A quiet paddle at Hornor Neck Lake as the day winds down. $18 adults, $12 children aged 6-17. Limited space; preregister (870) 295-4040. 🗓 Sunday, April 12 12–5 PM: Pedal and Paddle Tour 🚴🛶 Bike the Delta Heritage Trail, then head out on the water at Old Town Lake. Preregistration is required; to register or for more information contact the park at (870) 572-2352. 9–10 AM: Birding Basics 🦉 Join a park interpreter in a 1-mile hike to discover the joy of birding on Storm Creek Trail. 3–4 PM: Watercolor by the Water’s Edge 🎨 A relaxed lakeside painting session at Bear Creek. Supplies are limited or bring your own. Capture the beauty of the water’s edge with color and creativity All of these are part of what makes this place special. If you’re coming to Helena, take some time and see a little more of the Delta while you’re here. If you have questions, let us know! We can't wait to see you out there this weekend. 🚴 #MileZero #ArkansasDelta #HelenaArkansas #ExploreTheDelta
Spring is starting to show up in the Delta! 🌱 Trees are leafing out. Wildflowers are coming in. The whole place feels like it’s waking back up. We’ve got a few guided outings during Mile Zero if you want to get out and see it up close.
Spring is starting to show up in the Delta! 🌱 Trees are leafing out. Wildflowers are coming in. The whole place feels like it’s waking back up. We’ve got a few guided outings during Mile Zero if you want to get out and see it up close. Join @habitatharryms and spend some time on the trail. 🌿 Hidden Wildflowers: Blooms that only show up for a few weeks a year 🐦 Spring Wildlife: Catching the early nesters and migratory birds returning to the Ridge 🌳The "Green Up": Watching the canopy fill back in as the forest wakes up It’s a good time to be outside. Come walk with us.
3 more days until Mile Zero! Crowley’s Ridge runs right through the Delta, and the roads out here don’t look like much until you’re on them. Tree cover, long stretches of gravel, and a few of your new favorite memories. That’s what people are coming for. REGISTER and come ride it with us! #arkansasdelta #crowleysridge #crgt #milezero
4 more days until Mile Zero! Mile Zero isn’t just for riders. It’s a few days of people gathering, spending time downtown, and showing folks what this part of the Delta has to offer. So whether you’re planning to ride or simply want to enjoy the company of the Delta community, this weekend is for you. Come out and be part of it! REGISTER NOW! #arkansasdelta #crowleysridge #gravel #milezero
Let the countdown begin! We are 5 days out from Mile Zero. Our Ultra participants are already on their bikes and people will be coming into Helena from all over the region to spend a weekend in the Arkansas Delta in just a matter of days. We’re looking forward to seeing you out here! It’s not too late to REGISTER and come be part of it. #arkansasdelta #crowleysridge #crgt #milezero
@theskirmishjonesboro is an incredible example of exactly why we’re building the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail. When people come to the Delta to ride, they don’t just stay on the trail. They stop in towns, eat downtown, spend money What an incredible weekend. 💛🚴 We had 172 participants attend Mile Zero this year (32% increase over last year), 50 bikes distributed local public school students, and a collective of thousands of miles ridden and run along the Crowley’s Rid
TOMORROW!! 🍻 People are starting to roll into Helena. We are hitting the road, checking out the local art, and a few of us are hitting up the Juke Joint Festival tonight! Bikes on racks. Bags are packed. If you’re coming in tomorrow, tra
If you’re coming to Mile Zero, here’s a quick look at the weekend! 🗓 Friday, April 10th — Shakeout & Socialize Delta Dirt, 430 Cherry St 3–5 PM: Social ride + running tour (free) Evening: Art, music, and time downtown
TWO MORE DAYS! By this time tomorrow our early bird crew will be rolling into town. Some of our Ultra riders, our long time attendees, and our new friends, will be joining us tomorrow for the Friday night events. 📍 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Socia
Mississippi River State Park and Delta Heritage Trail State Park have been key partners at the state level for Mile Zero, and if you've got a little extra time this weekend they have several opportunities to spend a little extra time outside! 🗓 Fri Spring is starting to show up in the Delta! 🌱 Trees are leafing out. Wildflowers are coming in. The whole place feels like it’s waking back up. We’ve got a few guided outings during Mile Zero if you want to get out and see it up close.
3 more days until Mile Zero! Crowley’s Ridge runs right through the Delta, and the roads out here don’t look like much until you’re on them. Tree cover, long stretches of gravel, and a few of your new favorite memories. That&r
4 more days until Mile Zero! Mile Zero isn’t just for riders. It’s a few days of people gathering, spending time downtown, and showing folks what this part of the Delta has to offer. So whether you’re planning to ride or simply
Let the countdown begin! We are 5 days out from Mile Zero. Our Ultra participants are already on their bikes and people will be coming into Helena from all over the region to spend a weekend in the Arkansas Delta in just a matter of days. We&rs