Earth Day is rapidly approaching, and TUWC will be out and about for many earth day events around Tulsa. Although TUWC has excellent trail work days (Sunday, March 9th, 9am at Keystone Ancient Forest – mark your calendars!), we also educate the public about leave no trace principals, trail etiquette, and supporting pollinators. You can spot us at environmental fairs year-round, but especially at earth day events. 

Already this year we’ve attended the 2025 Oklahoma Environmental Expo at the Oklahoma City Zoo, utilizing our Leave No Trace diorama to show our fellow outdoor recreators that staying on trail, not littering, and making sure to scoop up that doggy doo are all important tenants of maintaining the health of your urban wilderness. 

Did you know that dog waste is not only a hazard for the bottom of your hiking shoes or bike tires, but also a cause of pollution in waterways? Dog waste contains nitrogen and phosphorus, which can deplete oxygen that fish and other water-based life need to survive. Water runoff from dog waste can also encourage the growth of harmful algae and, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is considered a significant source of pathogens like fecal coliform, a disease-causing bacteria. 

Although things like orange peels, apple cores, and dog waste may be organic materials that can break down in certain environments, disposing of them in your local urban wilderness can cause wild animals to depend on humans as a source of food and pollute our waterways. Leaving no trace means to leave the trail as if you were never there – preserving that trail magic for those that recreate after you! 

Besides our March 9th trail work day, TUWC has some exciting education events upcoming. You can find our education table at:

• Earth Day at Chandler Park – Friday, April 11 
• Party for the Planet at the Tulsa Zoo – Saturday, April 19 
• The M.E.T.’s Environmental Expo – Wednesday, April 23 (Earth Day!) 

We hope that you’ll join us at one of these events. Until then – see you outside! 

Stephanie Acquario, TUWC Conservation and Education Co-chair

At the recent OKAEE- Oklahoma Association for Environmental Education Expo in Oklahoma City, TUWC captivated audiences with an innovative interactive diorama that brought trail management issues to life. The exhibit focused on the practice of trail braiding a method whose misapplication can lead to serious environmental impacts such as erosion, as well as confusion among trail users.

Engaging Education Through Interaction

TUWC’s interactive diorama allowed conference attendees to visualize how improper trail braiding might disrupt natural landscapes. By simulating the effects of erosion and highlighting how poorly marked trails can lead hikers astray, the exhibit provided a tangible understanding of the challenges faced by both nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Highlighting Leave No Trace Principles

In addition to addressing the potential pitfalls of trail braiding, the display emphasized core Leave No Trace principles. These guidelines are essential for minimizing human impact on the environment. TUWC’s presentation underscored that careful planning and responsible trail use are vital for preserving the beauty and safety of our natural areas.

A Sponsored Initiative

TUWC’s participation in this event was made possible through the generous sponsorship of Tom Crieder, the former Program Manager Oklahoma State Parks Department. His support has been instrumental in enabling TUWC to showcase innovative educational tools that benefit both the environment and the outdoor community.

A Conference Highlight

The diorama sparked lively discussions among outdoor recreation professionals, environmental advocates, and community members. Attendees left with a deeper appreciation for sustainable trail practices and a renewed commitment to protecting natural landscapes while ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences on the trail.

TUWC’s creative approach at the OKAEE Conference not only educated but also inspired actions demonstrating how innovative outreach, supported by key community figures like Tom Crieder – former Program Manager Oklahoma State Parks Department, can make a meaningful difference in environmental stewardship and trail safety.

The TUWC is also a representative of the Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma and Okies for Monarchs.

Come He-ck or High Water: TUWC Is Committed to Keystone Ancient Forest!

After one too many attempts to host trail work days at Keystone Ancient Forest that have been thwarted by dreadful weather conditions, the TUWC board of directors is taking a bold stand. We are planning a work day at KAF, but if conditions force our hand, our fallback will be an education day on the patio. One thing is clear—we will not bail on this site!

A Bold Commitment

Determined not to let weather dictate our mission, TUWC is set on making our presence felt at Keystone Ancient Forest. Whether it’s a hands-on work day or an engaging education day, we are committed to protecting and enhancing this beloved natural space.

Pivot!!!

Our primary goal remains the same: to come together as a community to care for our trails. And if Mother Nature isn’t on our side for physical work, we’re ready to pivot to an educational event that will still bring our community together to learn and share best practices in trail stewardship.

Looking Ahead

Stay tuned for more details as we finalize plans. Rain or shine, TUWC is here to stay—and we’re making sure Keystone Ancient Forest gets the attention and care it deserves. Join us as we redefine what it means to work together for our environment!

10AM – Noon

Meet at the Keystone Ancient Forest Visitor Center

160 Ancient Forest Dr. Sand Springs, OK 74063

What to bring / wear:

Tools (optional)

***** Should you bring personal tools please clearly label them so you can make it home with what you brought.

*******note – we do not expect any one volunteer to provide everything on this list, pick one or two things

• • Gloves

• • Lopper/Pruner (with your name on them)

• • Hand saw (non-power like a bow saw or folding saw) and small Axe/Hatchet

Project list:

9AM – Noon

Meet at the Keystone Ancient Forest Visitor Center

160 Ancient Forest Dr. Sand Springs, OK 74063

What to bring / wear:

Tools (optional)

***** Should you bring personal tools please clearly label them so you can make it home with what you brought.

*******note – we do not expect any one volunteer to provide everything on this list, pick one or two things

• • Gloves

• • Lopper/Pruner (with your name on them)

• • Hand saw (non-power like a bow saw or folding saw) and small Axe/Hatchet

Project list:

Join Us for a Day of Celebration and Community Support at Turkey Mountain!

📣 Calling all Ford Bronco enthusiasts and outdoor lovers! 📣

Bill Knight Ford is excited to announce an incredible opportunity to give back to one of Tulsa’s most beloved outdoor spaces: Turkey Mountain. Thanks to a generous $10,000 grant from the Bronco Wild Fund, we are coming together to support the trails and continue maintaining this local treasure for generations to come.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, December 14th

Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Turkey Mountain – Upper and Lower Lots

This is not just an event; it’s a celebration of the Bronco community and a chance to make a real impact on the trails that so many of us love. Whether you’re a Bronco owner, a Tulsa local, or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, this day is for you!

What’s Happening:

•Check Presentation Ceremony

The event kicks off with a special check presentation, where we’ll officially receive the $10,000 grant from the Bronco Wild Fund. This grant will directly support the maintenance and improvement of Turkey Mountain’s trails.

Trail Work

The TUWC will be rolling up our sleeves and working together on a few important trail projects. The workday will take place at the upper lot from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Volunteers will focus on several key projects, including:

•Uparmoring and improving drainage on two sections of the Naharkey Trail (we’ll make sure these areas stand up to the elements).

•Reworking the switchback at Spider, connecting UHF and Stay Gold trails.

•A small crew will tackle water drainage issues on the new pedestrian all-up section.

If you’re not into heavy lifting, no worries! Extra hands will be able to help with a trash/lopping hikeabout around the area, making sure the space stays clean and beautiful.

•Ford Bronco Car Show

The Ford Bronco community will be out in full force, showcasing an impressive lineup of 30-40 Ford Broncos. It’s a fantastic opportunity to see these rugged vehicles up close and connect with fellow Bronco fans.

•Raffle, Giveaways, and Lunch

We’ll be raffling off exciting prizes, plus there will be plenty of giveaways to take home! After a morning of hard work, we’ll all head down to the lower lot for a delicious BBQ lunch from Hasty Bake, giving you a chance to relax and enjoy some great food with friends.

Why You Should Attend:

This event is a great way to support the maintenance fund for Turkey Mountain, which plays a key role in maintaining this beautiful area for outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. It’s also an opportunity to connect with other Bronco owners and local community members, all while giving back in a meaningful way.

So whether you’re an avid trail-goer, a proud Bronco owner, or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, we encourage you to join us for this fun and impactful day. Let’s come together, make a difference, and celebrate our community at Turkey Mountain!

Event Timeline:

•8:15 – 8:30 AM: Volunteers meet at the Upper Lot

•9:00 – 11:30 AM: Trail Work Day (Upper Lot)

•11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Ford Bronco Car Show, Raffle, and Giveaways

•12:00 PM: BBQ Lunch at the Lower Lot

Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

Let’s support Turkey Mountain together and make it an even better place for all to enjoy. See you there!