Woods Walk with Emily Oakley

Oklahoma has some of the least disturbed old-growth forest remaining in the eastern United States.  This unique ecoregion, known as the Cross Timbers, is where the eastern deciduous forest meets the grasslands of the Southern Plains.  Over 90% of the Cross Timbers ecosystem survives on private land, providing an opportunity for landowners (that’s us!) to promote conservation and help to minimize threats from deforestation and development. 

The Ancient Cross Timbers Project helps landowners learn about their old-growth trees, shares best management practices, and offers ways to protect their natural treasures.  If your land might have ancient Cross Timbers, our project can check your property with aerial photographs, mapping of likely old-growth areas, and even visit for a first-hand look. We can tree-ring date the age of your trees with core sampling that does not harm the trees. We can also help assess the health of your forest land and connect you with conservation opportunities.  This is a great way to recognize a property’s special natural features and the landowners committed to protecting Oklahoma's natural heritage.

Emily Oakley co-owns and operates Three Springs Farm, a diversified, certified-organic vegetable farm in eastern Oklahoma. Along with Dr. Stahle of the University of Arkansas and others, she volunteers with the Ancient Cross Timbers Project because she is passionate about helping more Oklahomans know about our state’s amazing old-growth trees.  

Emily has agreed to walk our woods with us on Sunday, November 19th. We’ll meet at the clubhouse at 2pm.  

The Oklahoma post oak pictured is 265 years old. It predates the Declaration of Independence.