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.

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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

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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)

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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.

Contact Peter at the TUWC with any questions or concerns.

Contact Miranda at Ray Harral with Questions.

the TUWC will have waivers on site to complete.

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.

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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.

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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.

9AM – Noon

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:

Join the celebration of Eastern Oklahoma’s vital role in the incredible Monarch butterfly migration! Featuring education activities for all ages, tasty food trucks, guest presentation by
David Redhage, native plant sales, and more! 

This event is free to the public!