As Earth Day approaches, what better way to celebrate our planet than by spending the day outdoors? Tulsa, Oklahoma, boasts many green spaces where you can hike, picnic, bike, run, or simply sit and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. These five green spaces offer the perfect opportunity to celebrate Earth Day in Tulsa:
1. Turkey Mountain
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area is 300 acres of trails nestled along the Arkansas River, just minutes from downtown. With diverse terrain and 25 miles of trails, it's the perfect spot for an Earth Day hike.
2. Keystone Ancient Forest
Spend this Earth Day at Keystone Ancient Forest, where ancient cedars stand tall in a 1,380-acre nature preserve. Inside the modern visitor center, learn about the forest's history and ecology. Along the trails, encounter diverse wildlife, including deer, American eagles, migratory birds, and over 80 butterfly species.
3. Chandler Park
Explore Chandler Park for stunning views of Tulsa and Sand Springs, hiking trails, unique rock formations great for climbing, a disc golf course, and more. It's also the perfect place to cool off on a hot summer day, with a 9250 sq ft splash park, complete with jet streams, geysers, and water cannons!
4. Ray Harral Nature Center & Park
Ray Harral Nature Park is a 40-acre oasis featuring a Nature Center, three miles of scenic trails, picnic shelters, and pollinator gardens. Here, visitors can encounter Oklahoma's diverse wildlife, from tarantulas to tree frogs, while exploring seasonal educational displays.
5. Oxley Nature Center
The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center offers over 800 secluded acres, nine miles of trails, and an interpretive center tucked into a corner of Mohawk Park. The park features 700+ plant species, a 70-acre hand-dug lake, and has had sightings of 263 bird species and 38 mammals.
We hope you'll explore the beauty of Tulsa's urban wilderness areas this Earth Day! From Turkey Mountain's scenic trails along the Arkansas River to the hidden gem of Oxley Nature Center, there's no shortage of opportunities to get outdoors.
