Hiking Happy in Oklahoma

Aside from an occasional bug bite or blister, hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, no matter your age or pace. But the value of a good day’s trek goes much further than burning a few calories. Our grandparents said, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And, today almost all of us…

Aside from an occasional bug bite or blister, hiking is a great way to enjoy nature, no matter your age or pace. But the value of a good day’s trek goes much further than burning a few calories. Our grandparents said, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” And, today almost all of us acknowledge the value of nutrient-rich organic fruits and veggies. But, did you know that just going out to visit that apple orchard in the fall, or cultivating your own backyard garden in the summer, or taking a long hike in the spring may have a measurable impact on your physical and emotional well-being? Study after study is confirming this concept.

To that end, every once in a while in our Coalition blog, we will highlight a few fantastic hiking spots in this wonderful and ecologically diverse state.

In this edition we’re spotlighting the rolling trails of The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in northeast Oklahoma because they are: easy on beginners, busting with new spring blooms and baby bison calves, and (in honor of Okies for Monarchs initiative launch), these host hectares are a fantastic place to see some native milkweed, like Antelope Horn, come up in its natural habitat.

​Many milkweed varieties are native to this portion of the state, and they have a chance to
thrive on lands were best practices (such as prescribed fire or invasive grass removal) are part
of a long-term conservation management plan.

Check out a book or online plant and bird guides and 

make a game of biodiversity bingo along
your route. Review, download or print the Preserve’s self-guided nature trail brochure about
the four distinct recommended hikes – HERE

So pack your walking stick, best trail foot ware, lots of water and a camera for an interesting
and enjoyable half or a whole day on the prairie. You will be rewarded for your patience with the
wide open rolling hill views and an abundance of botanical and wildlife diversity that you can
see, hear and feel.