The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is home to thousands of plant and animal species, each with a unique role to play within a habitat spanning nearly 40,000 acres. As spring returns – and with it, the vibrant green sea of native grasses that covers the landscape – here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences Oklahomans of all ages can look forward to on the prairie.
BISON CALVES
Guests are often eager to get a peek at the newest generation of our bison herd! These red-hued bovine babies will eventually outgrow their colorful coats and begin to blend in with the rest of the adults, but for now they’re even easier to spot against the bright green fields in which they frolic. We welcomed the first calf of 2025 on March 31, and more are on the way. If you haven’t already included a springtime trip to Pawhuska in your plans, it might be time to make it happen.
FLOWERS IN BLOOM
Hike through a seemingly endless expanse of native wildflowers! Plants like butterfly milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa), pale purple coneflower (Echinacea pallida) and purple and white prairie clovers (Dalea sp.) sprawl across Tallgrass’ iconic vistas, and the beautiful buds of our state tree, the redbud (Cercis canadensis) cover the gallery forest with a mesmerizing bright pink display. Other notable and equally eye-catching flowers for guests to enjoy include blackberry (Ru-bus sp.), purple coneflower (Echinacea atrorubens) and Black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia hirta). We encourage you to stop by the visitor center and speak with a member of our docent team for the latest information and top locations for viewing.
HISTORIC CABIN TOURS
From short stories to detailed histories, the works of Osage author and conservationist John Joseph Mathews continue to educate and inspire folks from Oklahoma and around the world. Did you know that Mathews once owned and resided on a portion of present-day Tallgrass Prairie Preserve? Join us for a free tour of Mathews’ historic cabin on the fourth Saturday of each month from May through October! Reservations are required, and tend to fill up quickly. Learn more by contacting tallgrassdocents@gmail.com.
SUNSET AND SUNRISE
The Oklahoma sky is second to none, delighting all with its watercolor-streaked sunsets and sunrises – and at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, these views are even more breathtaking to behold. Check your weather app for an accurate estimate of the sun’s rise or set time, and get ready to behold the vast, awe-inspiring grandeur of our state’s stunning skies set against the preserve’s lush, rolling terrain.
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PLAN YOUR VISIT
The best place to begin your journey to our largest preserve this spring? Visit the preserve homepage and stop at the visitor center when you arrive. Our dedicated team of docents will happily walk you through the latest and greatest the preserve has to offer – plus, you’ll have an opportunity to learn more about the myriad species who call this incredible place home. Safe travels and see you soon!
Make a Difference in Oklahoma
The Nature Conservancy's mission is to preserve plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. We’ve been working in Oklahoma to do just that.
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