Wetlands- A Vital Ecosystem

In celebration of World Wetlands Day we would like to highlight the reserve area at RSU.

You may value the reserve as a scenic, quite getaway where one can enjoy nature.  Did you know that the wetlands play a vital part in the survival of several species?  The wetlands at the reserve are home to many birds, including cranes.  These cranes rely on the wetlands for survival and use this area as home, a place to live, breed, eat, & nest.

Here are some pictures of a beautiful crane meandering through the wetlands found at the reserve.

Photo by Brett Nixon


In Oklahoma there is one migratory species of crane that is sadly on the Endangered Species list, the Whooping Crane.  Loss of habitat is one contributing factor to loss of numbers.  As the whooping crane migrates he relies on wetland areas, including those found in Oklahoma, to stop rest and refuel along his long journey.

Perhaps this spring we will be lucky enough to have the privilege of hosting one of these cranes in the reserve wetlands as he migrates back north.

If you are interested in learning more about the whooping crane you may visit the following links:

Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
All About Birds.org
Endangered Species Coalition

More information about World Wetland Day and the importance of wetlands may be found at the links below.

National Wildlife Federation
EPA

2015 Winter Bird Feeder Survey

Oklahoma is home and host to many birds, either year round inhabitants or migratory birds that make Oklahoma their winter destination. The beauty and songs provided by these birds is something everyone has the opportunity to observe and appreciate this winter.  The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is holding the annual 2015 Winter Bird Feeder Survey this week, January 8 - January 11.  You are invited to venture out to a bird feeder located at the reserve, or just enjoy nature from your own window.  This is an opportunity for residents of all ages and expertise to be scientist.  The event is more fun than work and an activity the whole family can enjoy.  Simply count the number and note the species of birds perched at your bird-feeder.  The information you provide during your bird count will help the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation measure the abundance and diversity of winter birds in Oklahoma.   You do not have to be a bird expert to participate.

So pull out those binoculars and bird field guides and enjoy watching winter's beauties!
 

Those completing a bird feeder survey at the reserve are encouraged to share their counts with us.

For more information on the 2015 Winter Bird Feeder Survey, please visit the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's website found here.

The direct link to the 2015 Winter Bird Feeder Survey form may be found here.

A list of a few winter birds found in Oklahoma may be found here.

Another helpful bird identification site may be found here.

Open for the Holidays

We would like to remind you that the reserve will be open to the public over the holidays.  You can be sure to find picturesque scenery that perfectly displays the colors of Christmas as this season's festive colors of green and red are evident throughout the reserve with evergreens, ferns, vines, berries, and birds.  This is a great time to take advantage of nature and go for a winter walk to take in the fresh air and scenery. Though you may not encounter reindeer, white-tailed deer may be spotted throughout the reserve.  The new's forecast calls for a chance of snow on Christmas Eve, but the precipitation is not predicted to accumulate. If there is snow accumulation, taking a walk through a snow covered forest is a great way to experience the holidays!  

Christmas Eve- Open:  Dawn to Dusk

Christmas Day- Open:  Dawn to Dusk

New Year's Eve- Open:  Dawn to Dusk

New Year's Day- Open:  Dawn to Dusk

Cardinals on Display

It may be no surprise for the nature enthusiast to find that winter is an excellent time to enjoy bird watching in Oklahoma.  One main star at the reserve is the vibrantly colored, male Northern Cardinal. If you walk along the trail by the aqua lab you will be rewarded with a show of nature's seasonal color of red.  One place to spot these magnificent creatures is by the feeders that are placed around the reserve where you will find several cardinals socializing, as they hop from branch to branch and tilt their head as if to listen to one another.

We are Thankful!


Photo by Brett Nixon

We are thankful to have this unique piece of nature, an ever changing canvas of art.

We are thankful to have this treasure to share with the public community: professors, students of all ages, wildlife enthusiasts, teachers, runners, nature observers, bird watchers, photographers, scientists, artists, geocashers, museums, and researchers. 

We are thankful for the habitat the reserve provides wildlife, and the gifts we receive in return, the serenity of a peaceful environment, the fresh air, the wildlife we are able to observe. 

And, as this place in nature is ever changing - from the trees growing, the flowers blooming, the leaves changing colors and falling, we leave this place changed ourselves; thankful we had a moment to come witness nature, forever changed, more inspired, and struck in awe and wonder. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Guest Post From Granger Meador

Greetings! This is a guest post from Granger Meador, physics teacher at Bartlesville High School and avid day hiker. I have been tracking my many day hikes since July 2009, documenting them on my own blog at meador.org. Back in 2009 I first visited the RSU Conservation Education Reserve. In mid-September 2014 my girlfriend and I were looking to get out on the trails and drove to Claremore to enjoy the reserve trails, after I'd tracked down a nice online GPS map created by students at the local vo-tech; I had exported and saved that map to guide our hike. RSU Day Hike (click image for RSU Reserve slideshow) I started the MotionX GPS tracker on my iPhone as we entered the gate near the Terra Lab to circumnavigate the reserve on its Butterfly Loop, Southwest Trail, Wetland Loop, and Weather Trail for a total walk of 2.75 miles. The butterfly garden was buzzing with bumblebees. Wendy got a shot of the fish and a frog in the pond, and a bloom. As grandparents with grandchildren approached the garden, Wendy and I took off on the Butterfly Loop. Bumblebee A glade with benches featured a trailside tree which had been fully consumed by bagworms. The trail wound around the southeast portion of the reserve, and we heard another group of hikers in close pursuit. We lost them when we turned off onto the Southwest Trail, which had a profusion of yellow blooms. Southwest Trail A muddy pond had a turtle swimming along with only its eyes and snout protruding from the water. A meadow had sumac, while the wetlands featured small cattails and plenty of bugs. The big pond featured a windmill and extensive plant growth in the water teeming with tiny fish. A couple of dragonflies flew by and settled down, intent on, er, coupling. Dragonfly Couple It was a lovely walk in late summer, and Wendy and I look forward to continuing to enjoy this wonderful resource. Click here for a slideshow from our walk through the Conservation Education Reserve

A Beautiful Autumn Morning at the Reserve

As you walk along the trail you hear the crunch of the gravel below your feet.  The cool morning breeze blows the fallen leaves, making rustling sounds.  You look attentively at this sound; could it be an animal scurrying thought the woods?  You are greeted by the sunshine peaking over the colorful trees.  You walk slowly; your eyes have spotted something in the woods.  You joyously discover a deer grazing in the thick forest.  You remain quiet, not wanting to startle this gentle creature.  The deer you have spotted is a doe.  You successfully observe her for a few moments before she disappears into the thick of the forest.  Your journey into the reserve has been well rewarded and you will return again soon to discover what nature's beauty has to surrender to your curious eye.