You may have noticed that the TUWC continues to strive to make wilderness more accessible to users from all walks of life. 

As we enter June this will become even more evident as we join with Tulsa in celebrating pride month! 

Why are we doing this? As the global pandemic unfolded we saw suicide rates climb among youth in the LGTBQIA+ community. 

NPR: Nearly half of LGBTQ youth seriously considered suicide, survey finds

Many studies suggest that spending time in nature can reduce thoughts of self harm. 

Cornell: Spending time in nature reduces stress, research finds

Harvard: Sour mood getting you down? Get back to nature

Yet spending time in the wilderness is largely viewed as a cisgender activity. We would like to break this stereotype. 

With all the new trails going in around Tulsa there has never been a better time to explore wild surroundings and take in some fresh air. 

Things to do before you go. Look up leave No Trace ethics. Knowing these 7 principles will help you to have a successful visit to your local escape. 

Of these here are the very most important:

If anyone would like to have a more seasoned guide for a first visit on the trails please contact the TUWC board to make arrangements. 

Thank you to all our volunteers! No matter if you could only dedicate a few hours or the whole day your participation was valued!

Mo Chi Crew including Progressive Trail Design and TUWC Volunteers

Afternoon Crew

Morning Crew

Announcements

Working on Berms near Pepsi Lake

Seeding Berms Near Pepsi Lake

Sincerely, Thank you.

Make plans to spend March 27th at Turkey Mountain with the TUWC, River Parks Authority and Progressive Trail Design. 

Weather permitting we plan to work on trail building under the supervision of the pros from Progressive Trail Design!

Additionally, we will be working on the following:

• removing invasive species
• trail compacting
• litter removal
• erosion mitigation

Two shifts to better accommodate schedules!

Our morning shift will get started at 9AM and go to Noon and break for lunch.

The afternoon shift will start at 1PM and pack it in at 4PM.

ALL AGES ARE WELCOME!!!

We can sign for volunteer hours for students!!!

How should I plan?

• attire: wear sturdy shoes and clothes you can work in.

• bring a reusable water container

• wear layers you can shed as the day warms

• bring sunscreen and bug spray

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 anyone volunteer to provide everything on this list, pick one or two things

• Gloves

• Loppers/Pruners (with your name on them)

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

• Hoe’s (both traditional & rogue) / Shovels (spade & square)

• Pulaski / Mattock

• Mcleod

• Rake (leaf and garden rake)

• Wheelbarrow

To join the discussion on the AM Shift visit the Facebook Event here or the PM Shift here.

Chances are, you are probably more familiar with work being done at Turkey Mountain than with those who have been actually doing the work.

Volunteers with the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition have for years advocated for Turkey Mountain (it’s sometimes been mistakenly called the “Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Coalition”) but are now seeking a broader scope.

READ MORE

Board member Laurie Biby wrote a collum for the Tulsa World