So last weekend I was part of a group of people that worked on the trails at the Keystone Ancient Forest in Sand Springs, Oklahoma. The organization that I volunteer with, the Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition, sponsored the trail day and a big part of the community responded, especially a ton of students from the University of Tulsa. We split everyone up into three groups to do lopping of branches intruding on the trail, replacing trail flagging so people don’t get lost, and blowing leaves off the trail.
After getting organized we headed out to work. The weather was perfect. I led a lopping crew on one of the trails.
The students didn’t lollygog around, they got right to it.
We probably did a mile or so of trail lopping until we headed back. We wanted to get everyone back by 11:30 or so. You don’t want to wear out your volunteers.
The Keystone Ancient Forest is a preserve with ancient trees. Some of the cedars are 500 years old and there are 300 year old post oak trees on the property. It has an ancient and peaceful feeling to it.
The Tulsa Urban Wilderness Coalition got its start as an activist organization joining with other groups in a successful effort to fend off an outlet mall from being built on Turkey Mountain. Since then, the organization has pivoted to being an advocate for wild spaces in the Tulsa area and participates in and sponsors environmental education activities. We also do six or so trail cleanup days per year at various public wild areas in and around Tulsa.
It was a day well spent. The park staff seemed very happy with the work that was accomplished.
I’m linking with Skywatch Friday.
Your work with this group is very rewarding. Enjoyed your photos.
It is inspiring to see this kind of worthwhile work done by your community. America at its finest!
What a rewarding way to spend your weekend!
Great work – and what a lovely way to spend the day! #Skywatch
What a great volunteer opportunity!
…it takes a community to get the job doone!
Great to see young people volunteering.
That’s great, nice initiative. Beautiful photos.
Greetings.
It’s a beautiful park and it looks like a beautiful day to get the work done!
Well done guys!
It is great you and the other volunteers are maintaining the trails.
Take care, have a great day and a happy weekend.
It takes a village, and I appreciate the shoutout you gave to volunteers everywhere. Where would we be without dedicated volunteers?
Wow, some of the trees are 500 years old. I thought it was nice that there were younger volunteers. I am so proud of you for being a volunteer. Loved your photos.
Congratulations on a wonderful project!
Wonderful of you and your fellow volunteers.
What a worthwhile organization. Ancient trees sounds intriguing.
A day well spent indeed! It’s fantastic that you all are preserving the Keystone Ancient Forest.
Great photos and fun time with the volunteers ~ thanks,
Happy Weekend to you “~ hugs,
an artist reflects
Wonderful autumn colours.
It’s so nice to have a good crew of volunteers maintaining the trails. We have a Trail Club in our community and they are very devoted and do great work!