Nature

Oklahoma’s state parks showcase the best natural beauty Oklahoma has to offer and also hold incredibly unique animals. Here are three to look for:

Collared Lizards: Known as mountain boomers, these beautiful lizards are Oklahoma’s state reptile and have been found at Alabaster Caverns and Gloss Mountain.

Bald Eagles: Oklahoma is a favorite winter spot for bald eagles looking for a warmer climate. They’ve been known to congregate at Keystone State Park and Great Salt Plains State Park.

Jellyfish: A tiny freshwater species of jellyfish has been found in Lake Murray, though they lack the stinging power of saltwater jellyfish.

– Page Jones, Jones PR

The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife does something unique every Tuesday on it’s Facebook account during the fall and winter — it’s called “Trail Cam Tuesday.” People from across the state submit photos from their trail cams offering a way for the Department to showcase our great deer herd and natural resources.

Sometimes, though, unique or unusual footage and photographs appear.

“You will really get to see wild Oklahoma and what’s out there,” said Nels Rodefeld, information and education chief for the Department. “Some Oklahomans don’t even know we have bears here, but you will if you check out Trail Cam Tuesday.”

– Nels Rodefeld, Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation

There’s a new opportunity for Oklahoma’s most iconic mammal to be reintroduced to the Arbuckle Plains! Because of its important role in maintaining native prairies, The Nature Conservancy launched efforts to create a new home for a herd of bison at the recently expanded Oka’ Yanahli Preserve in southern Oklahoma.

During this time of celebrating these “pioneers of the prairie” as our newly designated national mammal, this announcement is especially exciting! This effort is part of a long-term grasslands restoration process involving collaboration from Oklahomans statewide.

Learn more about returning bison home to 3,100 acres of Oklahoma prairie.

– Katie Hawk, The Oklahoma Nature Conservancy

Been outside lately? If so, then you know there’s no shortage of ticks this year. Here are some tips from biologists who work among these pesky bloodsuckers daily.

1. Don’t just spray the outside – also spray the inside of your clothes with repellent. 2. Make inside-out bracelets with duct tape to remove ticks on the go. 3. Duct tape your pant legs closed to keep bugs from climbing up your legs. 4. De-tick clothes by throwing them into a hot dryer for 15 minutes before washing.

Get more outdoor safety tips including a bonus “secret” tip for chiggers.

– Katie Hawk, The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma

Sometimes you need to retreat to somewhere secluded and enjoy the fresh air and starry night skies. Here are some of the state’s best camping destinations.

Beavers Bend and Hochatown State Park, Broken Bow – Rent a canoe or kayak and enjoy a half-mile float trip down the Mountain Fork River.

Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Sulphur – Relax along the Lake of the Arbuckles, which is great for fishing.

Greenleaf State Park, Braggs – Play the 18-hole miniature golf course.

Lake Murray State Park, Ardmore – With 13,000 acres and an on-site ATV area, guests will be entertained all day.

– Jake Pasdach, Jones PR

Have you ever noticed how Bradford pears often suffer broken limbs from Oklahoma storms? Though they lend beauty to our yards, Bradford pears are easily damaged due to weak wood resulting from their naturally excessive growth rates, costing landowners time and money in maintenance.

These softwood trees are not native to Oklahoma, but rather China and Vietnam. They are an invasive species that harms Oklahoma’s native plants and trees that support our native wildlife.

Avoid harming Oklahoma’s native plants and wildlife, as well as additional landscaping maintenance costs, by planting native trees such as the official state tree, the redbud.

– Katie Hawk, The Nature Conservancy