Itās burn season in Oklahoma! At TNC, we routinely conduct controlled burns, also known as prescribed fire, to restore health and biodiversity to the places we protect. Prescribed fire is a vital tool in our conservation toolbox, and weāre proud to partner with a range of organizations and Tribal Nations for regular burns on our preserves and beyond. Learn more at the link in our bio.
šø : Jay Pruett
Great news from Tallgrass Prairie Preserve! š¦¬š¾ Today, weāre celebrating the arrival of the first bison calf of the year. Hoping to catch a glimpse of this adorable new herd member? Visit nature.org/tallgrass to plan your visit. As a friendly reminder, bison are wild animals and should always be observed from the safety of your vehicle. See you prairie soon!
šø : Angel Birmingham
Together, we find a way. š Thanks and gratitude to our Partners in Conservation at @williamsenergy , who joined us at Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve for an #EarthMonth volunteer day! This hardworking crew of conservationists cleared invasive species and picked up trash, all while taking in the natural beauty of Oklahomaās newest nature preserve. We extend our appreciation to the folks who helped make it possible ā Susan Simpson, Mark Gebbia and Barbara Hasbini ā and look forward to collaborating with the Williams team on additional volunteer projects in the future.
šø : Susan Simpson / Bridget Wunsch
Help us welcome Lance Nells to our Oklahoma team! š
Lance joins TNC as a Preserve Equipment Operator & Maintenance Mechanic, bringing hands-on experience in equipment operations, habitat management, and prescribed fire. A lifelong Oklahoman who loves the outdoors, Lance is no stranger to our preserves and weāre glad heās officially part of the team.
Lance enjoys spending time outdoors with his family, fishing, and the occasional round of golf. Weāre excited to have his skills and knowledge on our team. Welcome, Lance!
Mornings at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie are truly something special. š¦¬š¾
Visit the Preserve and catch a glimpse of the herd with their calves out on the prairie! Take the 15-mile bison driving loop or spend some time on the trails while enjoying fresh air, open skies, and the beauty that surrounds you.
Plan your visit today: LINK IN BIO
š„: Harvey Payne
Today, weāre proud to celebrate Bob as a Pillar of the Prairie, honored with the Oklahoma Award from the Oklahoma Chapter of The Wildlife Society - its most distinguished honor, recognizing outstanding contributions to the profession of wildlife management in Oklahoma.
From reintroducing bison to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve to advancing scienceābased land stewardship, Bob Hamilton has spent decades shaping conservation in Oklahoma. His vision, passion, and deep respect for the land - and the people who steward it - have had an impact far beyond our state.
Congratulations, Bob! Thank you for protecting and restoring the wildlife and landscape that make Oklahoma so special.
Make this an Earth Day for all.
However you choose to celebrateābig or smallāyouāre part of a global community working toward a better future for people and nature.
This Earth Day is for all the generations that got us here, and for all the generations to come.
š Explore ways to get involved, find inspiration, and take action at the link in our bio.
On April 4, we partnered with Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition (@tulsauwc ) for a trail design and build training at the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve. Led by Mike Crockett of @anthrocene_contracting , it was a wonderful opportunity for TNC staff, TUWC members, and local trail managers and parks to build their knowledge, deepen understanding of best practices, and create a sustainable trail at the preserve. š
Click the link in our bio to learn more!
We're excited to announce an opening for a Conservation Practitioner II based at our stunning Pontotoc Ridge Preserve in Stonewall, OK, just 30 short minutes south of Ada.
This full-time role (40 hrs/week) runs through December 4, 2026, with the potential to become a permanent position. Housing is provided, though pets are not permitted.
As a Conservation Practitioner II, youāll play a vital role in preserve operations, maintenance, and management across 8,015 acres in south-central Oklahoma, including:
ā Preserve operations & maintenance
ā Managing invasive species
ā Safe operation & upkeep of equipment
ā Flora and fauna monitoring
ā Participating in prescribed burns
ā GIS-based data collection
If youāre passionate about conservation, land management, and protecting Oklahomaās beautiful landscape, weād love to hear from you!
š Apply here: https://nature.ly/4dF9kGd
Weāre thrilled to welcome Kara Berst as a new trustee on The Nature Conservancy in Oklahomaās Board of Trustees.
A proud citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, Kara has spent her career supporting community well-being and stewardship across the state. As Deputy Secretary of Outreach and Services for the Chickasaw Nation Department of Commerce, she oversees teams and initiatives spanning natural resources, land sustainability, environmental health and safety, and more.
An active leader in her community, Kara also serves as a member of the NRCS Central Region Tribal Advisory Council, the Oklahoma Academy, and is a fellow with 1050 Forward. In addition to joining our board, Kara is a graduate of The Nature Conservancy Oklahoma Leadership Academy. Her experience and perspective will strengthen our work across the state.
Weāre honored to have her on our board. Welcome, Kara!
Meet the first baby bison of 2026! š¦¬š
This tiny calf was recently spotted at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. The first calf of the season is always a meaningful milestoneāreminding us of the resilience of the herd and the power of conservation in action.
Thanks to Angel Birmingham for capturing this special sighting. Welcome to the world, little one!
Did you know Oklahoma is in the Mississippi River basin?
Freshwater connects us all across diverse landscapes. Every farm field, prairie, forest, city and floodplain in the basin shapes the health of the Mississippi River.
By restoring our freshwater systems, like the Blue River, The Nature Conservancy is protecting people and nature across the entire basin.
This World Water Day, check out the link in our bio to see how weāre all connected across the Mississippi River basin.
šø: Mike Fuhr
