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.

Event Schedule

• Arrival: 8:45–9:00 AM
• Wrap-up: 1:00 PM

What to Bring / Wear

• Water bottle
• Hat
• Long pants
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Sturdy shoes or boots
• Weather Appropriate Attire

Tools and on-site instruction will be provided.

Additional Details

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.

For questions or additional information, contact Bridget Wunsch at
volunteeroklahoma@tnc.org

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.

9AM – Noon

Meet in front of the Visitor Center

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
• Closed Toe Shoes
• Water

• 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

Hi everyone,

Due to the significant rainfall Tulsa received over the past 36 hours, we’re postponing our Chandler Park trail work day. The trails are too saturated for safe or sustainable work, and we want to honor Leave No Trace principles by avoiding any unnecessary damage.

We’ll announce a new date soon once conditions improve!

Thank you for your flexibility and for caring about Tulsa’s trails and green spaces. We couldn’t do this without you!

See you on the next work day,

The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition Team

Meet at the West Parking Lot in front of the Community Center

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
• Closed Toe Shoes
• Water

• Lopper/Pruner (with your name on them)
• Hand saw (non-power like a bow saw or folding saw) and small Axe/Hatchet

Project list:

After we work enjoy pancakes cooked up by the TUWC Board 🥞.

Join us for Monarch Media Monday 2025 at Gathering Place!

This event will help close out the Monarchs on the Mountain celebration. 

This year we will be joined by Oklahoma Department of Transportation, staff biologists, Vonceil Harmon and Kaitlyn Taylor for a discussion on all the incredible work their team has made transforming our state highway right-of-ways with pollinator friendly landscapes. This discussion will revolve around the history of the program, and the impact investing in these spaces has made!

This event is free to join. There will be a pollinator social hour beforehand with snacks and a cash bar starting at 6 PM and the discussion will start at 7pm. 

Located at the Williams Lodge at Gathering Place. 
2650 South John Williams Way Tulsa, OK 74114