Flapjacks, Fresh Air, and Fatherly Fun — All for a Good Cause

This Father’s Day, treat Dad to something special — a morning of pancakes, nature, and giving back to the trails we love! The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition (TUWC) invites you to our Father’s Day Pancake Brunch on Sunday, June 15 at Turkey Mountain.

🗓 Date: Sunday, June 15

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – until we run out

📍 Location: Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area lower lot pavilion

💵 Cost: By donation – give what you can!

What’s Cooking:

Join us on the for hot, fluffy pancakes straight off the griddle! Whether you’re planning a hike or just coming out for brunch, your meal supports a mission that keeps Tulsa’s wild spaces thriving.

Even More to Enjoy:

This year’s event will also feature a silent auction with a variety of items generously donated by local supporting businesses. From outdoor gear to local experiences and unique gifts, it’s the perfect opportunity to bid on something special while supporting the trails you love.

Why It Matters:

All proceeds benefit the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition, directly supporting trail maintenance and educational programs that preserve and protect Various Trail Systems in the Tulsa Area for generations to come.

Bring the whole family — and your best dad jokes! This is a come-and-go event starting at 9:00 AM and going until the pancakes (and syrup) run out.

⸻

Want to Do More?

Interested in volunteering, donating auction items, or sponsoring the event? Contact us at sponsorship@tuwc.org.

Stay in the Loop:

Follow TUWC on social media for updates and sneak peeks at auction items. Don’t forget to tag your brunch moments with #BrunchForTheWild.

Make this Father’s Day one to remember — with great food, great people, and a great cause.

We’ll see you on the trails! 🥞🌲🎁

In Partnership with Tulsa Botanic Garden we are gearing up for our next work day!

Meet At Tulsa Botanic Garden

3900 Tulsa Botanic Dr, Tulsa, OK 74127

What to bring / wear:

• Sturdy Shoes
• Sun Screen
• Bug Spray
• Water for drinking

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

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

Project list:

If you have any questions please contact Peter or J.T.

In Partnership with Tulsa’s Bike Club we are gearing up for our next work day!

Meet at Remington Education Center

2524 W 53rd St,

Tulsa, OK

What to bring / wear:

• Sturdy Shoes
• Water for drinking

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

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

Project list:

If you have any questions please contact Peter

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 & April 13 work day, TUWC has some exciting education events upcoming. You can find our education table at:

• Earth Day at Chandler Park – Friday, April 11 
• Native Plant Sale Philbrook – Saturday, April 12
• Party for the Planet at the Tulsa Zoo – Saturday, April 19 
• PSO Employee Earth Day Event – Tuesday April 22
• The M.E.T.’s Environmental Expo – Wednesday, April 23 (Earth Day!) 
• Earth Day Event Ray Harlan Nature Park – Saturday April 26

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.