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Langille-Hoppe Family Volunteers at the Recycle for Nature program at Oka' Yanahli Preserve along the Blue River near Ada, Oklahoma. © Bill Marr/TNC

Stories in Oklahoma

Connecting Families With Nature

How can nature help families raise their children?

Over the last two years, more than 150 volunteers helped clean up the Blue River via volunteer work days sponsored by PepsiCo’s Recycle for Nature program at the Oka’ Yanahli Preserve. These events provided opportunities for people to connect with nature while helping improve an important watershed for communities in southern Oklahoma.

The stated agenda of the day may have been to help clean up and rehabilitate an old ranch, but I suspect the real work was to rehabilitate our souls and forge a personal connection with the land.

Josh Langille-Hoppe

The Langille-Hoppe family of Shawnee, OK were among the many who made several long, early-morning drives to give back to nature. However, there was more in store for this family than they had planned for. While they intended to connect with others who shared common values, they wound up discovering the magical power of nature and harnessing it to help raise their children.

Volunteering for Nature Josh and Marguerite's volunteer experience with TNC has opened their children’s eyes to a whole new world.

More In Oklahoma

The Blue River at Oka' Yanahli Preserve

Oka' Yanahli Preserve

The Oka' Yanahli Preserve protects two miles of the Blue River, one of only two free-flowing rivers in Oklahoma.

The J.T. Nickel Preserve comprises 17,000 acres of exceptional beauty and environmental value.

Support Our Work

When you donate today you will help ensure a thriving natural environment for future generations of Oklahoma.

along the Blue River.

Volunteer For Nature!

We have a variety of ongoing needs for volunteers in Oklahoma - join the cadre of dedicated people who are making a difference.