Something to keep in mind about the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition, for those not familiar with us, is who we really are.

In light of what caused us to go public — the proposal to build an outlet mall on Turkey Mountain’s west side — it might be easy to look at us as a protest group. And while we are concerned about the proposed mall, we are more than a protest group. So let me explain.

What we are is an advocacy group. We care about Turkey Mountain, as well as other wild places in the Tulsa area, and we have decided to do things that go toward celebrating and preserving those places. Places where families go to spend time together, children visit during field trips, and home to a summer camp.

That’s why we did a clean-up day — the most successful one to date — in mid-January, and will do more in the future. It’s why we are working with other stakeholders in Turkey Mountain, to make sure there is a voice for them on the area’s future. It’s why we have a virtual library of links to articles that tell of Turkey Mountain’s history as well as what is going on there now.

We plan to be here for the long haul. At some point, the mall issue will pass, but that does not mean we are going to fade away when that happens. Instead, the coalition intends to be around for a long time to keep educating the public on the importance of urban wilderness, to facilitate efforts in its preservation, and to give like-minded people a voice in how the community cares for this precious asset.

So there it is. You’ll hear our voice on the subject of the proposed mall. But you’ll see us in action on so many other things related to the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness — now and in the future.

The Snake Run has long been a staple on Turkey Mountain and 2015 is no exception! This year TZ Trail Runs will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the TUWC! This Race is held on the Pink Trail atop Turkey mountain and the beauty of it is you can run as little as 4 miles or as many as you can fit in during the time limit!

Special for 2015 you can run the 8:30 Great Plains 10K and then come run a 3 hour Snake Run! Road and Trail Miles!! How awesome is that?

To learn more about the Snake Run visit www.tztrailruns.com

This race is designed to be a very fast and flat 10k! Looking for a PR? This may be the race for you!

We are excited to share the news! TUWC has been selected as the Charity Partner for the Great Plains 10K! TUWC will be recruiting volunteers to assist during this race and will receive a portion of the proceeds to help offset the TUWC expenses as we work to protect our Urban Wilderness Spaces.

For more information visit www.greatplains10k.com

Volunteers in droves: Turkey Mountain’s biggest cleanup day

At the end of the day, Turkey Mountain became a better place because of the efforts from trail users of all stripes: Runners, hikers, cyclists and equestrians. We saw retirees, young people, athletes and families, with kids in tow. In my crew, I had two little guys eagerly attacking the trash and hauling it out.

For them, it meant not just giving back, but learning more about Turkey Mountain, why this place is important and what’s at stake concerning its future.