2024 Oklahoma Impact Report
Explore the year's conservation successes with state director Mike Fuhr.
Friends,
I am deeply grateful for your continued support of The Nature Conservancy's work and our mission to preserve Oklahoma’s precious natural heritage. Because of your generosity, we have worked with private landowners to establish conservation easements on their land; established roads, housing and offices at preserves; and expanded our preserve’s boundaries. Your commitment ensures a healthy and thriving environment for generations to come.
About one year ago, Andie and Bob Jackson completed their donation of their family ranch in Creek County, establishing the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve. Since then, our stewardship team, Jeanine Lackey and Matt Hagy, have explored this place and are learning more every week. For example, researchers have confirmed trees over 340 years old. You can read more about their work below..
This new preserve is an inspirational reminder of Oklahomans’ longstanding legacy of donating land for conservation. In 1989, just a few years after TNC started working in Oklahoma, Buddy Smith made the very first land donation to the Oklahoma chapter. He left nearly 3,000 acres to TNC as a part of his estate plan, which would become the Pontotoc Ridge Preserve. His donation not only conserved critical habitat, but also opened the door to TNC’s work in southeastern Oklahoma. And little did he know that his donation would have an impact far beyond this preserve.
As a young man, John Nickel explored and fell in love with the hills and bluffs of the Ozarks along the Illinois River. As he grew, so did his appreciation of his slice of paradise. Looking for a way to meet his conservation vision, he looked to TNC’s success at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and drew inspiration from Buddy’s gift. Ultimately, John donated his 14,000-acre ranch, forming the J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve, now totaling more than 17,000 acres.
To date, 30,565 acres have been donated to TNC in Oklahoma. These contributions are more than just gifts of land—they are an investment in Oklahoma and the health of our planet. I am humbled that so many have entrusted their family land to our care, conserving critical habitat for wildlife, cleaning our air and water and providing exciting opportunities for conservation education and recreation. On behalf of the Oklahoma team, I am proud to share how your generosity has advanced our mission this past year. It is a privilege to partner with individuals like you who share our vision of a sustainable future for both people and nature.
Thank you again for your extraordinary support.
- Mike Fuhr, State Director
Oklahoma at a Glance
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129,733
Total acres that we have protected across our great state.
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85,553
Acres owned & managed by TNC.
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27,203
Acres of conservation easements and deed restrictions.
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37,612
Acres of Prescribed Fire in 2023.
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8
Ecoregions where we work.
What’s New at the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve
This year The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma celebrates the first anniversary of the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve.
"It's been a whirlwind," says Jeanine Lackey, preserve manager. “Since we took ownership last November, it has been exciting to document the wildflowers blooming in spring; explore the unique geology and waterfalls; and assist with biological surveys—learning about the butterflies, bees, birds, frogs, toads, turtles and snakes that call this place home. I’m proud to say that our team has made great progress, and there’s so much more in store.”
Conserving a property of this scale and importance is a momentous undertaking for the Oklahoma chapter. The preserve lies within the crosstimbers ecoregion, which contains the Keystone Woodlands, a priority conservation area. These woodlands contain old-growth forests with oak trees over 340 years old, which are important habitat for iconic wildlife like Northern bobwhite and rare plant species like the hairy mountain mint.
“Our top priority was hiring a great team to steward this land—to assess the preserve and develop a long-term conservation plan,” says Katie Gillies, Oklahoma director of conservation. “I have no doubt we found the right people for the job.” Lackey has worked in conservation for many years and started at TNC about six years ago at our Blue Boggy Preserves, a collection of preserves in south-central Oklahoma. She brings not only stewardship experience, but also the outreach aptitude to facilitate future public access.
Matt Hagy joined TNC as land steward in February, with over 10 years of fire experience. Since then, he has hiked over 167 miles of the preserve, mapping unique features, restoration sites, fences and other infrastructure. Lastly, Timmy Todd managed the ranching operations of the former Pearl Jackson Ranch for over 40 years and was hired to assist with the transition from working ranch to nature preserve. The new team quickly upgraded one mile of road. With better access, workers could reach the headquarters site to drill a water well and build an office and workshop.
“We couldn’t purchase the equipment we needed, like ATVs and a tractor, because we didn’t have a place to securely store them,” says Lackey. “Now we’re equipped to initiate our stewardship activities—increasing biodiversity and improving ecosystem resiliency. Plus, it’s nice to have running water and a cool place to escape the summer heat.”
The preserve lies within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose mission is to enhance the quality of life for the Muscogee people. And with the Conservancy’s mission to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends, the two entered into a partnership. They will collaborate to conserve the natural, cultural, historic and scenic resources at the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve.
“With their help, we can manage native and non-native wildlife populations with Tribal hunting, graze the land, conduct biological surveys and so much more,” says Lackey. “In fact, they’ve already implemented a wild turkey study to document breeding success.”
All these milestones are made possible through the vision and generosity of Bob and Andie Jackson, who donated their family ranch to TNC. In addition to conserving the land they loved, they had a vision to inspire people for nature through discovery. TNC’s planning embraces the interconnectedness of human and ecological needs—integrating conservation equity into all aspects of our work.
“The preserve is closer to any major city than other TNC preserves in Oklahoma,” says Lackey. “When a portion of the property is open to the public, we’re expecting it to be a popular place for families, school field trips, hikers and nature enthusiasts of all backgrounds, ages and abilities to explore and learn about TNC’s important conservation work.”
The public use concepts were developed with Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc., a consulting group specializing in the design of natural spaces for public enjoyment. Additionally, the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance Program team offered their expertise in consulting with neighbors, potential user groups, the Muskogee (Creek) Nation and conservation partners. Over the next year, the National Park Service will assist TNC with community engagement and implementation.
After listening to neighbors, stakeholders, consultants and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, TNC developed a conceptual plan to create a first-rate destination where all visitors feel welcome and included. When visitors arrive, they’ll first experience a state-of-the-art, eco-friendly visitor center that represents TNC’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Here, visitors will learn about the ecosystem, our stewardship practices and the power of biodiversity and resiliency.
From there, visitors will discover more nature experiences on an accessible boardwalk and trails of varying distance and difficulty. Features such as an outdoor classroom, wildlife observation areas and a sensory trail for people of all abilities are also being considered. A new stewardship building and grounds will showcase TNC’s science-based conservation and restoration programs like prescribed fire and invasivespecies management.
“This is a huge but important undertaking, not only for biodiversity conservation, but for public engagement through visitation, volunteerism, citizen science and exploration,” says Lackey. “Although the concepts for buildings and trails will take years to come to fruition, it will benefit people and nature for generations. I’m so very humbled that the Jacksons trusted TNC to make their vision a reality. Like the Jacksons, I’ve come to love this place. And I can’t wait for the public to explore these woods and come to appreciate them just as the Jacksons did.”
2024 Conservation Champions
A Conservation Champion is an individual or organization whose passion for nature translates to action. Champions commit their time, resources and energy to a cause larger than any one entity. This year, TNC in Oklahoma is proud to announce Kelly Bostian, Andie and Bob Jackson and Dr. Jim Puckette as our 2024 Conservation Champions.
J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve
The J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve is one of the best places to explore Oklahoma’s pristine Ozark ecosystem. It is a place where hikers can unplug, experience nature and see first-hand the value of biodiversity. Now, hikers can enjoy wider, more stable trails with educational displays featuring plants and animals found on the preserve.
“This is monumental in the history of the preserve,” says Jeremy Tubbs, preserve manager. “With the investment from the Oklahoma Recreational Trails Program, we were able to make physical, ecological and educational improvements. These new features help people learn about and appreciate the preserve, and we also improved its ecology with forestry mulching along the trail corridor.”
The new trail system is more accessible to people who use mobility aids. Not only were the previous trails improved, but chunky gravel areas were replaced with smaller, compacted, smooth gravel and a disabled parking spot was paved. Now in accordance with ADA guidelines, the preserve is accessible for more nature enthusiasts to enjoy.
Just as the trails were improved, so were the displays. These educate visitors about the mission of TNC, the ecology of the preserve, safety and the importance of biodiversity. On-trail displays highlight plant and animal species hikers may see and feature species that are culturally relevant to members of the Cherokee Nation. For example, Ozark chinquapin oaks produce a reliable crop of nutrient-dense nuts that both people and animals have enjoyed.
“Many thanks to the Oklahoma Recreational Trails Program for helping make this dream a reality,” says Tubbs. “Collaboration like this is a win for both people and nature. And I’m happy to see that more people are able to appreciate the preserve and all this ecosystem has to offer.”
Beyond Oklahoma's Borders
IN THE REGION
The Interior Highlands are made up of the Ozark Plateau and Ouachita Mountain ecoregions that span Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma and a slice of Illinois and Kansas. Most know this area for its rolling hills covered in pines and oaks. However, the Interior Highlands are home to a wide variety of endemic species found nowhere else in the world. The Ozarks are also known for an extensive maze of karst, connected subterranean waterways that form caves, streams and springs we see above ground.
TNC conservation teams have known the Interior Highlands are home to critical habitat for many species, like the endemic state-endangered Oklahoma cave crayfish. Now, armed with the Freshwater Resilient and Connected Network (FRCN) tool, they have data to identify and prioritize freshwater sites for conservation. The FRCN has mapped every stream system in the U.S. and rigorously analyzed their ability to sustain biodiversity and natural services in the face of climate change, unseasonable temperatures and erratic precipitation. As a result, 133 priority karst areas have been identified for conservation—22 of which are in Oklahoma.
“It’s no wonder that so many sites have been identified in the Interior Highlands,” says Emily Moyer, resilient waters program manager in Oklahoma. “This is one of the most biodiverse areas in the country. With this newly completed analysis, we now know exactly where to focus oureffort to maximize our impact. I’d like to extend my thanks to Mike Slay, who led TNC’s work in identifying some of the most vulnerable karst sites in the region.”
The J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve is a shining example of conservation of the Interior Highlands. At 17,144 acres, it is the largest privately owned conserved area in the Ozarks. Nestled along the Illinois River, the preserve is home to the type of karst, caves, streams and springs identified in the FRCN. To expand freshwater conservation in the region, TNC is seeking $8 million in federal funding to collaborate with landowners to improve priority karst habitats. Together, we can conserve this highly sensitive ecosystem and ensure people have reliable sources of clean drinking water.
PAST THE PLAINS
More than 400 million years old, the Appalachians span roughly 2,000 miles from Alabama to Canada and have shaped lives throughout the region for millennia. This region is home to a rich variety of plant and animal species—80,000 occurrences of rare species can be found along the mountain range—as well as diverse communities and cultures. The mountain range influenced where people traveled and settled, carved outnatural boundaries and determined how goods were traded and moved.
Today, the beautiful, bountiful lands and waterways of the Appalachians continue to intertwine and define the character of communities, while also contributing to the health and resilience of people and wildlife. At least 28 million people call the region home, and millions more rely on its natural abundance for health, livelihoods and recreation.
Yet growing threats from urban development, incompatible mining, agriculture, unsustainable forestry and fragmentation caused by dams and roads put the region’s public, economic and ecological health at risk. Just 20% of this globally important landscape is protected in the United States.
Climate change further exacerbates these issues. Rising temperatures and extreme weather events are altering and degrading habitats, causing plants and animals to shift their ranges northward and to higher elevations.
To act big, we must think big. By connecting local people and corporations to projects that advance their conservation vision, we can build enthusiasm and much-needed resources for swift action.
Williams Companies, a long-time supporter of Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, demonstrated how these connections make a lasting impact when its founder, Joseph H. Williams, galvanized nationwide support to purchase a ranch in the Flint Hills of Oklahoma. This purchase established the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, which expanded to 40,000 acres and was renamed the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in his honor. As his company grew, so did their support of TNC. Just this year, Williams generously contributed $1 million to support conservation throughout the Appalachians.
“On behalf of our entire team, I extend heartfelt gratitude to Williams for this generous donation in support of the Appalachians,” says Heather Furman, Appalachians director. “This significant contribution expands the scope and pace at which we can increase the community resilience for millions of people by proactively connecting and protecting lands, waterways and wildlife throughout the Appalachians.”
Big Wins in the Flint Hills
"When we launched the Flint Hills Initiative in 2021, we set the goal to conserve 165,000 acres of tallgrass prairie across Oklahoma and Kansas,” says Bob Hamilton, Oklahoma tallgrass initiative director. “From the outset, we knew we’d need the help of landowners to achieve this. I am overjoyed, proud and humbled to share news of our conservation progress in the Flint Hills of Oklahoma. This is largely due to Oklahomans who have stepped up to save this ecosystem. In 2024, over 8,500 acres have been conserved on private land with conservation easements.”
Conservation easements allow landowners to place certain use restrictions on their land for the benefit of nature, selling or donating the land use rights to a land trust like TNC. The land trust holds the easement and ensures the terms are upheld, regardless of who may own it in the future. These terms may vary, but generally prioritize conserving the land’s natural value—minimizing development and encouraging biodiversity.
In the Flint Hills, that means protecting habitat for species like the greater prairie chicken, the American golden plover and the monarch butterfly by maintaining the over 600 native plants that occur here. Further, the landowners of these Flint Hills conservation easements continue to graze cattle on their native tallgrass prairie ranchland—a win for people and nature.
One of the easements completed in 2024 was an agricultural land easement made possible through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ALE-ACEP) funded by the Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). When landowners and their ranch property meet certain criteria, TNC and NRCS work together to purchase the easement.
Most importantly, conservation easements keep working lands in working hands—bringing economic benefits to landowners, families and communities.
Over 8,500 acres of private land have been conserved this year in the Flint Hills with conservation easements. Learn more about conservation easements in Oklahoma here.
Preserving Nature’s Balance with Prescribed Fire
We’re proud to partner with government agencies, Tribal Nations and others for regular burns on our preserves and beyond.
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8,688
Acres Burned at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
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24,361
Partner Acres Burned Near Tallgrass Prairie Preserve
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300
Acres Burned at Oka’ Yanahli Preserve
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666
Acres Burned at Pontotoc Ridge Preserve
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1,100
Partner Acres Burned Near Four Canyon Preserve
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2,397
Acres Burned at J.T. Nickel Preserve
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