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The Nature Conservancy and Muscogee (Creek) Nation Launch Stewardship Partnership of Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve

February 03, 2025 | Tulsa, OK

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The Muscogee (Creek) Nation and The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma formalized a partnership to steward the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve, a 12,000-acre property near Kellyville and Sapulpa. Located within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, the preserve highlights a shared commitment to protecting cultural and ecological resources.

The Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve was made possible through a generous land donation by Bob and Andrea Jackson. The property features oak woodlands and prairies where natural processes like fire and grazing are used to maintain its ecological integrity. Visitors will one day have the opportunity to experience the preserve’s beauty through peaceful walks and meaningful cultural connections.

On November 19, representatives from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service's Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program gathered to celebrate the partnership. The event began with a blessing and prayer offered by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Princess. Attendees toured the preserve, enjoying expansive views of the landscape. Handcrafted gifts were presented by The Nature Conservancy to Muscogee (Creek) Nation leaders, including an oak table, bowl, and pens made from a post oak found on the preserve. In turn, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation presented blankets featuring Chief David Hill’s design, “Solidarity,” to The Nature Conservancy staff, symbolizing respect and shared purpose.

The partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding that outlines collaboration on conservation projects and cultural initiatives. This agreement provides access for tribal activities such as ceremonies, cultural outreach, and traditional plant gathering. Conservation efforts include the integration of Traditional Ecological Knowledge and science to enhance prairie and woodland ecosystems. Prescribed fire and grazing will continue to serve as vital management practices. Future plans involve the development of a Collaboration Agreement to guide co-stewardship of the preserve.

During the event, attendees previewed the newly developed Public Use Vision Plan. This plan, created with input from Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizens, outlines goals for the preserve’s future. It includes plans for accessible walking trails, designated spaces for cultural education, and interpretive signage that highlights the land’s historical and cultural importance. Conservation projects will focus on maintaining native habitats while fostering opportunities for cultural and educational engagement.

The celebration event was a culmination of years of communication, building a partnership between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma. Collaboration between the organizations began in 2022, with ongoing sessions to discuss the Crosstimbers. Early contributors to the project from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation included Kathryn Sunny, Trenton Kissee, Jacob Rippy, Frank Harjo, Gano Perez, Robin Soweka, Jr., Jennifer Reyher, Judith Ausmus, LeAnne Wendt and others who were essential in establishing the foundation for this cross-organizational relationship.

The partnership between the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and The Nature Conservancy represents a meaningful collaboration to steward the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve. Future initiatives include ecosystem restoration, expanded cultural outreach, and accessible public programming that honors the land’s past and secures its future.

About The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma

Founded in the US in 1951 through grassroots action, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has grown to be one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. We use the best available science, a creative spirit and a collaborative approach to develop innovative solutions to complex conservation problems at scales that matter and in ways that will endure. Learn more at nature.org/oklahoma and connect with us on Facebook and Instagram.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 81 countries and territories (40 by direct conservation impact and 41 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.