Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition Annual Membership Meeting

Date: December 5, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Virtual

Join us for the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition’s Annual Membership Meeting! This is your chance to hear about our accomplishments from the past year, upcoming projects, and plans for the future. We’ll be sharing updates on ongoing conservation efforts, trail improvements, and how you can get more involved in preserving Tulsa’s wild spaces.

Whether you’re a long-time member or new to the Coalition, this is a great opportunity to connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts, ask questions, and learn how we’re working to protect our urban wilderness.

RSVP to receive the meeting link and be part of the discussion.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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:

Again in 2024, we are hosting a Mobile Migration activity, symbolizing the Tri-Nation migration of Monarchs from their northern breeding grounds up along the Canadian/US border south through the US East of the Rockies to their over-wintering grounds in the Oyamel fir forests of Central Mexico, a nearly 3000-mile journey!  We have chosen 6 gardens ranging from Oxley Nature Center as our northernmost point, down to the Audubon Society’s Flycatcher Trail in Jenks.  In between are some nifty locations many of you may be unaware of.  Signage at each location will tell you some interesting things about the various unique aspects of how the migration coincides with stages of a Monarch’s life cycle and the generational progression of their journey!  Enjoy and have fun!

Past Mobile Migration Habitats

1. Oxley Nature Center – Tucked away in a corner of Mohawk Park, is the hidden jewel of the Tulsa Parks
   Department. Opened in 1980, the wildlife preserve consists of 800 acres of mixed biomes with over 9 miles of
   trails. Your quest here is to check out the Monarch Way Station next to the entrance to the Nature Center, and
   the small garden across the parking lot in Fawn Grove. The more adventurous amongst you may opt for a short
   hike out into the prairie and around the pond.
2. Master Gardeners OSU Extension Garden – The Master Gardeners work their magic with various native plants
   labeled as nectar sources in planted beds and some cool water features.
3. Teaching Garden – The Butterfly Garden section outside the main garden is a Monarch Magnet with two big
   Vitex bushes and other nectar plants. The adjacent Garden Center beds and upper Rose Garden beds have a
   variety of nectar sources, and roosting Monarchs may be found in the line of Cedar trees between Linnaeus and
   the Rose Garden.
4. Crow Creek Meadow– A tiny, easy-to-overlook locale near Brookside, CCM currently has lots of Senna,
   (Partridge Pea) the host plant for Cloudless Sulphurs in buttery yellow bloom, in addition to Cowpen Daisy and
   Spanish Gold. Swing by throughout the year to see what is in season!
5. Krauses’ Family Garden – This property, tucked firmly in Mid-Town at 3727 S. Xanthus, is home to over a dozen
   species of host and nectar plants, planned to offer home and sustenance throughout the growing season.
6. Flycatcher Trail– Founded by the Tulsa Audubon Society and in conjunction with Jenks Public Schools, this
   gorgeous outdoor classroom and demonstration garden hosts a plethora of native plant species and the many
   pollinators drawn to these hosts and nectar sources.

**Join the #MobileMigration2024 Challenge!**

Participate in our exciting mobile migration event by visiting each of the seven migration stops. At each location, snap a selfie with the migration poster in the frame and share it on our Facebook page using the hashtag **#mobilemigration2024**. Be sure to leave a comment on your post to let us know which stop you’re at!

**Win a Fantastic Prize!**

On Sunday evening, we’ll randomly select winners to receive four passes to visit the Tulsa Zoo. Winners will be announced on our Facebook page, so make sure to check back and see if you’ve won!

Happy migrating!

Join us for a “Walk in the Forest”

Hosted by:

Oklahoma Division of the Ouachita Society of American Foresters

Oklahoma Forestry Services

Tulsa Parks

OSU Dept. of Natural Resource Ecology & Management

When: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., on Saturday, October 12 th
Where: Oxley Nature Center at 6700 Mohawk Blvd, Tulsa, OK 74115
Cost: Free!

What is “Walk in the Forest” all about? Professional foresters and natural
resource specialists will have several interesting and informative stations set up along a
short trail through the woods at Oxley Nature Center. There will be educational and
hands-on activities focused on topics like forest ecosystems, soil and water health, life
cycles of trees, careers in forestry and conservation, and so much more! Walk in the
Forest is part of a national campaign coordinated by the Society of American Foresters
and the American Forest Foundation. This is a family-friendly, fun for all ages event,
and we would love to see you!

The “Walk in the Forest” will take about an hour if you stop at each station and get
involved in each activity, but you can walk at your own pace and spend any amount of
time that you desire. There are options to walk additional trails for those eager and
willing.

Educational brochures and other cool giveaways will also be available while supplies
last.

Partnering Organizations: Tulsa County Parks, Tulsa Urban Wilderness
Coalition, Tulsa Health Department, Blue Thumb

Questions? Need more information? Contact:
Bryan Murray, Oklahoma Division Chairman, Society of American Foresters

405-744-6805; bryan.murray@okstate.edu

To learn more about the Society of American Foresters go to www.safnet.org.
Bring family! Bring friends! See you at the forest!

Monarchs on the Mountain: A Celebration at Chandler Park

For the second year, Monarchs on the Mountain returns to Tulsa County Parks Chandler Park, offering a beautiful setting for one of nature’s most spectacular migrations. Every fall, as monarch butterflies journey thousands of miles across North America, Chandler Park becomes a hub of excitement and learning, where the community comes together to celebrate these incredible pollinators and learn about the conservation efforts that can help ensure their survival.

Why Monarchs Matter

Monarch butterflies are not only visually stunning but also vital contributors to pollination and biodiversity. Each year, they embark on an epic migration from Canada to Mexico, a journey that faces increasing threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Monarchs on the Mountain highlights the importance of protecting these butterflies and their migration routes, encouraging local involvement in conservation efforts.

As one of nature’s most iconic migrators, monarch butterflies serve as ambassadors for broader ecological health. By protecting their habitats—rich with native plants like milkweed and nectar sources—communities support not only monarchs but a wide range of other pollinators and wildlife.

What’s Happening at Monarchs on the Mountain?

Held at the scenic Chandler Park, this year’s Monarchs on the Mountain promises an immersive and educational experience for all ages. Some of the exciting activities you can look forward to include:

– Monarch Biology Workshops:

Experts will guide participants through the fascinating lifecycle of monarch butterflies, discussing their biology, migration, and the environmental challenges they face.

– Butterfly Tagging Demonstrations: Tagging monarchs is a vital part of research and conservation efforts. Join our team to learn about this process and witness the tagging of butterflies, which helps track their migratory paths.

– Native Pollinator Gardens: Explore the pollinator-friendly gardens at Chandler Park, where you can learn about the native plants that attract monarchs and how to create your own butterfly haven.

– Family Activities: From butterfly-themed crafts to face painting and nature hikes, there’s something for the whole family to enjoy.

– Conservation Talks: Local environmental advocates will share their knowledge and strategies for protecting monarch habitats in urban areas, encouraging everyone to take small, impactful actions.

How You Can Help

Monarchs on the Mountain isn’t just a one-day event; it’s a movement focused on ongoing monarch and pollinator conservation. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting to learn about monarchs, there are several ways you can contribute:

– Plant Native Milkweed: Monarchs rely on milkweed to lay their eggs, and it’s essential for their survival. Planting native species of milkweed in your garden helps support the monarch population.

– Reduce Pesticide Use: Pesticides are harmful to monarchs and other pollinators. Opt for natural pest control methods to create a safer environment for these creatures.

– Spread Awareness: Use your voice! Share information about the monarch’s plight with friends, family, and on social media to help raise awareness and inspire action.

Growing Our Movement

This year, our goal is to continue building the Monarchs on the Mountain community. We’re working to grow our social media presence and reach 1,000 followers before the event. By spreading the word and encouraging others to join, we can create a ripple effect of awareness and support for monarch conservation.

The monarch migration is a reminder of the delicate balance of nature and our role in preserving it. Join us at Chandler Park for Monarchs on the Mountain and become part of a growing movement dedicated to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the sight of these beautiful butterflies soaring through the sky.

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Be sure to follow Monarchs on the Mountain on social media for event updates, pollinator garden tips, and ways to get involved in monarch conservation. We can’t wait to see you at Chandler Park for another inspiring year!

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Visit the Event Site For Full Details

Here you can learn about

Mobile Migration 2024

Monarch Media Monday

Planting Events

Vendors on Site

Speakers

Maps & Parking

Event Site