We wanted to share an important update regarding the Trail Work Day previously scheduled for March 29.
Due to circumstances beyond our control, this date is no longer viable and the event has been canceled. We understand this may be disappointing, and we appreciate your flexibility as we work through these changes.
Our team is actively coordinating a new date, and we will share those details as soon as they are confirmed.
Lake Bixhoma remains a priority project for the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition. The planned improvements and trail work are still very much moving forward—we’re simply shifting the timeline to ensure the best possible outcome.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to building and maintaining Tulsa’s urban wilderness spaces. We look forward to getting back out on the trail with you soon.
The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, invited trail bosses across North East Oklahoma to participate in a sustainable trail design and construction training at the Pearl Jackson Preserve.
We were excited to bring in Mike Crockett of Anthrocene Contracting, based in Silverton, Colorado. Mike has more than 14 years of experience in sustainable trail construction and regularly contracts with the United States Forest Service. Throughout his career, he has trained thousands of volunteers, land managers, and conservation staff in best practices for designing and building durable, sustainable trails.
Mike Crockett of
Anthrocene Contracting
Mike and TUWC board member Stephanie first met many years ago while working in the Conservation Department together at Philmont Scout Ranch in northeast New Mexico. Their shared experience in the field and long-standing connection made it possible to bring this training opportunity to Tulsa.
In conversations with Mike, we discussed a flexible training format that could support trail planning efforts at the preserve. One idea was to offer a smaller session focused specifically on trail design for the forested corridor that had been identified as a potential location for a future trail.
We designed a trail with Mike’s expertise and then began building it using the techniques we had learned. The goal was to create a trail that is sustainable and able to withstand long-term use.
The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition covered the cost of bringing Mike to Tulsa and also provided lunch for participants during the training. While there was no required fee to attend, we sincerely appreciated any partners who were willing to help offset a portion of the training costs. We felt strongly that investing in this opportunity to build local trail knowledge and capacity was too important to pass up.
Space was limited to ensure the training remained hands-on and effective. For that reason, we asked that the invitation remain limited to the individuals it was addressed to, and we kindly requested that all participants RSVP in advance. It was a day to train the trainers and trail bosses of the Oklahoma trail community.
We were excited to bring together so many outstanding organizations for this training — the City of Tulsa, City of Sand Springs, Keystone Ancient Forest, Tulsa Botanic Gardens, Claremore Trails, Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition, The Nature Conservancy, Muscogee Nation, and Tulsa County Parks.
Join the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition for a focused trail workday at Ray Harral Nature Park in Broken Arrow as we take on invasive species removal, with special attention on lespedeza. This workday is a critical step in protecting native plant communities and maintaining the health of this well-loved public green space.
Lespedeza is an aggressive invasive plant that crowds out native species, reduces habitat quality for wildlife, and alters soil health. Removing it by hand is labor-intensive but highly effective — and it’s work that directly improves the long-term resilience of the park. Every volunteer hour makes a measurable difference.
This workday is well-suited for both returning volunteers and first-timers who want to learn more about invasive species management and hands-on stewardship. TUWC will provide guidance on identification, removal techniques, and why this work matters beyond a single trail corridor.
What to Expect
Hands-on invasive species removal
Education on lespedeza and its impact on native ecosystems
Collaboration with fellow volunteers who care about local trails and wild spaces
9AM – Noon
What to Bring / Wear
Water
Long pants
Long-sleeve shirt
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots
Gloves (if you have them)
Loppers (if you have them)
Manual / pocket chainsaw (if you have one)
Ray Harral Nature Park is an important natural asset for Broken Arrow, offering trails, wildlife habitat, and everyday access to nature. Workdays like this help ensure the park remains healthy and accessible for years to come.
Show up, dig in, and help us care for the places we all share.
Join The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma and the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition for a meaningful morning of hands-on conservation at the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve. This special volunteer workday offers exclusive early access to the preserve before it opens to the public — a rare opportunity to experience and care for one of Oklahoma’s unique Crosstimbers landscapes.
Volunteers will assist with trail building and the cleanup of existing firebreaks, helping prepare the preserve for future public access while supporting long-term land stewardship goals. Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or new to conservation workdays, your time and effort will directly contribute to the health and accessibility of this protected space.
Important Registration Requirement
This event requires advance registration through The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma. Because the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve is not yet open to the public, directions and access details will only be provided to registered volunteers via email. Walk-ups cannot be accommodated.
The exact meeting location and a mandatory release form will be sent by email after registration is completed. Please monitor your inbox as the event approaches.
This is a unique opportunity to support conservation work in a preserve few have seen. Register in advance, come ready to work, and help prepare this landscape for its future as a public wild space.
As the year comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate what this community made possible. The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition exists because people show up — with gloves on, tools in hand, and a shared belief that access to quality wild spaces matters. This year proved, again and again, what happens when stewardship and community meet.
After more than a decade of work, we’re proud of where our roots began and how deeply they’ve grown. What started as a small group of committed advocates has become a network of volunteers, partners, and land managers working together to care for Tulsa’s public wild spaces. We’re excited to see where our branches lead us — and soon, we’ll be announcing exactly where those branches are heading next.
Throughout the year, TUWC coordinated workdays across multiple trail systems, supported land managers in maintaining and improving access, and continued to advocate for responsible, sustainable trail use. From trail maintenance and erosion control to ecosystem education and behind-the-scenes planning, every effort contributed to healthier landscapes and better outdoor experiences for everyone.
Just as importantly, our community continued to grow. Volunteers returned month after month. First-timers became regulars. Conversations sparked learning, debate, and deeper understanding of how we balance access with stewardship. We remained committed to studying evolving industry trends and adapting how we communicate so education, transparency, and local relevance stay central to our mission.
This year also laid critical groundwork for what’s ahead. New partnerships, expanded coordination with land managers, and early planning for future trail systems mean our impact will continue to grow. The work doesn’t stop when a season ends — it compounds.
As we move into the new year, we’re grateful for every volunteer, member, partner, and supporter who trusted us with their time and energy. If you’ve been meaning to get involved, the coming year is your moment.
Thank you for being part of this work — on the trail, behind the scenes, and in the conversations that shape how we care for Tulsa’s wild spaces.
