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The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Oklahoma
Pontotoc Ridge Preserve
Pontotoc Ridge Preserve is the Oklahoma Chapter's premier crosstimbers property. This 2,900-acre landscape rests in south-central Oklahoma and holds bottomland forests, oak savannas (essential for migratory birds like painted buntings), mixed-grass and tallgrass prairies, springs and cool running streams. This untilled landscape has proven to be a regional hot spot of butterfly diversity, boasting over 90 species documented at the preserve to date. Whether it's cactus, bluestem or mountain boomers, Pontotoc Ridge Preserve is an excellent example of Oklahoma's ruggedly beautiful lands. The original property that formed the preserve was a gift from the Buddy Smith family.
Biodiversity Threats in the area include the spread of eastern redcedars. Much of the surrounding area is succumbing to this invasive species. Completing the acquisition of several critical parcels of land inside the preserve boundary will help secure the natural integrity of this immensely diverse landscape. One way to measure the success of efforts to restore biodiversity is to track species. Learn about the species found at Oklahoma's preserves.
What the Conservancy is doing now currently centers around prescribed burning. Fire was a naturally occurring event in this ecosystem, yet landowners and communities have shied away from conducting prescribed burns due to the lack of training and equipment and burdensome prescribed burning laws in our state. In the spring of 2003, the Conservancy conducted the first-ever prescribed burn workshop at the preserve for area landowners with help from fire ecology experts from Oklahoma State University. Bringing people and equipment together to put this powerful land management tool back to use will play a key role in managing this fire-dependent landscape.
Photos
Oklahoma White-Tail Deer
Click on icon to enlarge image.
Discussion
Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.
Add Your Comments
Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
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When you donate today, you will help us protect over 120 square miles of Oklahoma's most endearing landscapes.
