OKLAHOMA 2020 IMPACT REPORT the NATURE from the I Hope This Letter Finds You Well

OKLAHOMA 2020 IMPACT REPORT THE NATURE FROM THE I hope this letter finds you well. Although I almost CONSERVANCY always start my letter to you in this same way, OF OKLAHOMA DIRECTOR the statement this year has special meaning given the circumstances in which we all find ourselves. WHERE WE WORK The pandemic has changed life as we know it, at least for the near term; The Nature BOARD OF TRUSTEES Conservancy (TNC) has been taking the situation quite seriously, undertaking new policies and procedures designed to keep our donors, partners and staff safe. Many of our office OFFICERS staff are working from home and our preserve staff are working under special practices to Black Mesa Preserve Brian Bourgeois, Chairman 1,660 acres keep conservation rolling forward. John Seldenrust, Vice Chair, Governance Joseph H. Williams High Plains Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Miles Tolbert, Vice Chair, Conservation 39,650 acres For me, part of the anxiety I was feeling initially—outside the safety of my family, coworkers Caroline Patton, Vice Chair, Philanthropy E.C. Springer Ozark Cave and friends—was related to being stuck at home. While it’s been wonderful to spend more Four Prairie Preserve Preserves time with my family, there was still something amiss. I quickly realized that this missing Canyon 40 acres Keystone Ancient 315 acres TRUSTEES Forest Preserve

Preserve s piece was time spent out in nature. The result was a concerted effort to get out to hike and 1,276 acres k Dr. Craig Abbott 4,050 acres r float. I’ve spent time kayaking the Upper Mountain Fork and Kiamichi Rivers, hiking at the a J.T. Nickel Conservancy Preserve Spring z Chad Dillingham O Family Nature

Tallgrass Prairie and J.T. Nickel Preserves, and more time in the woods behind my house. Tulsa Creek Ford Drummond & Wildlife

Consevation Easement Illinois Preserve

It seems so many of us are feeling the exact same way judging by the huge surge in John D. Groendyke River 17,247 acres visitation we have seen at our preserves. Our trails remain open and nature continues to Mark Helm dazzle us with its amazing beauty. At the same time, we’ve had to adapt to the times which Rudy J. Herrmann Open to the Public means we are offering more ways to get you, our donors, out in nature, even if it means Deanne Hughes Oklahoma City doing it virtually. I hope you’ve been able to take advantage of these new opportunities. Cooperative Land Projects Jenk Jones, Jr. Leslie Kutz In this issue of our Impact Report, you’ll see many stories about the exciting work and new Conservancy Priority Watershed John Lindsay ountains partnerships we have undertaken to conserve the lands and waters we all need for our ita M Neal McCaleb ach well-being. Conserving nature is as much about people as it is anything else. Conservancy Office Ou Cucumber Creek Preserve

J. Larry Nichols Wichita Blue River 3,629 acres

Thank you for your support. We simply cannot do it without you. John Nickel Mountains s Kiamichi River n Pontotoc Ridge i Joseph (Jody) Parker, Jr. a Oka’ Yanahli t Preserve

n Preserve

OUR MISSION is to conserve David Riggs u 2,860 acres

o 2 3,598 acres Boehler Glover

Cheers, M Usha Turner Seeps &

the lands and waters on which e Hottonia River

Bottoms Sandhills c

all life depends. u Preserve Preserve b FOUNDERS

r 980 acres 484 acres

Dr. Jerry J. Crockett A Mike Fuhr, State Director Frederick Drummond*

ON THE COVER: TNC staff tour the Kiamichi Leonard J. Eaton*

River with the Army Corps of Engineers. William G. Kerr © Going West Productions. PAGE 2: BOTTOM- 48% Corporations Conservation John Kilpatrick* RIGHT: These are unaudited financials for fiscal 77% year ending on June 30, 2020 of The Nature Program 14% Foundations Robert E. Lorton, Jr. Frank A. McPherson Conservancy of Oklahoma. Audited financial 14% Fundraising 1% Bequests statements of The Nature Conservancy can be George J. Records General & found at nature.org. 9% 13% Individuals C.J. (Pete) Silas* THE GREAT 107,471 10,032 530 8 Administrative 11% Memberships Dr. G. Rainey Williams* TOTAL ACRES that ACRES of conservation MILES of Oklahoma’s ECOREGIONS in Joseph H. (Joe) Williams STATE OF The Nature Conservancy easements in freshwater resources Oklahoma where we OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT IMPACT OKLAHOMA | 2020 has protected across the Oklahoma that we that we prioritize work to protect our OK PROGRAMMATIC OK FUNDRAISING * deceased OKLAHOMA great state of Oklahoma. monitor every year. for monitoring and state’s native plant and EFFICIENCY IN FY 2020 BY SOURCE IN FY 2020 protection. wildlife diversity. OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT PARTNERING FOR PROTECTION SQUARE MILESlie withintherecharge zone oftheArbuckle-Simpson Aquifer. 520 “ and quantity ofgroundwater available for peopleandnature to use. the healthofaquifer isfundamentalfor determining thequality upstream oftheaquifer istiedto thehealthofaquifer itself. And Aquifer astheirsource for water. The health ofthelandabove and Oklahoma dependonahealthy, sustainableArbuckle-Simpson plants andwildlife, approximately 150,000 peopleinsouth-central Preserves withinthree years. Alongwithanastonishing array of 3,600 acres ofprescribed fire at Pontotoc Ridge andOka’ Yanahli effects ofawildfire event. Thepartnership willencompass up to habitat, enrichlivestock grazing conditions andreduce thenegative zone. Restoring theprescribed fire regime willimprove wildlife fire onTNCproperties intheArbuckle-Simpson Aquifer recharge the amountofacres burnedinChickasaw Territory usingprescribed Indian Affairs to enter into afirst-of-its-kind agreement toincrease In April,TNCteamed upwiththeChickasaw NationandBureau of Ensuring Sustainable Watersheds > BillAnoatubby, Governor -The Chickasaw Nation – responsible stewardship over ourresources. to nature andourresponsibility to exercise have always valued ourcloseconnection As Chickasaws, we for generations to come. of ourlocalcommunities and economic prosperity environmental health resources vitalto the and preserve thenatural in thiseffort to protect We are pleasedto join the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer by visitingnature.org/asa ONLINE: Take adeep dive into ourcollaborative work on MONARCHS Conservation District. ©Courtesy of Adair County Conservation District. © KatieHawk/TNC; BOTTOM LEFT: Ashley MannatAdair County BOTTOM RIGHT: JimmieEmmonsand GaryO’NeillwithNRCS. Wildflowers on roadside near State Capitol. ©Lindsey Hutcheson; RIGHT:Elkin/TNC; Governor BillAnoatubby ©TNC.PAGE 5-TOP: PHOTOS -PAGE 4:LEFT: BlueRIver at Oka’ Yanahli Preserve. ©Kim wildflower seedmixwhichisenough to create 129,000 square feet ofpollinator habitat. enabled TNCto gather 516 monarch pledges from rural landowners anddistributed 129poundsofnative Conservation Service. The grant alsofundedmaterials for TNC’s HabitatinaPack outreach program that facing projects. Seedsandmaterials for thisprogram were fundedby agrant from theNatural Resources and landowner workshops. Districtsalsoreceived free Okiesfor Monarchs habitat signsfor theirpublic- and farmers markets. Projects ranged from community gardens androadside habitatto outdoor classrooms in theircommunities by withtribes,youth partnering organizations, municipalities,schools,retirement centers of native wildflower seedmix,as well asa$500grant. Districtsputtheirgrants to work onpollinator projects inthechallengeparticipated andgathered atotal of401pledges. Eachofthesedistrictsreceived a1/2 pound gather 25ormore monarch pledges from apublicevent suchastheirlocalcounty fair. Seventeen districts education andoutreach program for county conservation districts.In2019, districtswere challenged to Association ofConservation Districts(OACD) to create thePollinator Challenge, anOkiesfor Monarchs To increase pollinator habitatandawareness inrural communities, TNCpartnered withtheOklahoma Planting thePath for Pollinators > SAVE THE We unite peopleandorganizations to solve thetough, and ranchers. distributed to farmers wildflower seedmix POUNDS of 129 Take thepledge atokiesformonarchs.org TAKE ACTION: You too canhelpsave themonarchs! complex problems we face: Together. 4 districts. by countyconservation monarchs weregathered PLEDGES tosavethe Habitat inaPackprogram. habitat potentialfromthe SQUARE FEETofpollinator 1 29K 0 1 pollinator habitat intheircommunities. COUNTY Conservation Districts are creating 17

to helpsave themonarchs. PRODUCERS signedthepledge 516

to helpsave themonarchs. OKLAHOMANS have taken thepledge 3,396 OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT IMPACT 2020 | OKLAHOMA 5 throughout thestate on andoffourpreserves. ACRES were burnedthisyear by TNCstaff 41,174 team conducts approximately 32prescribed fires, totaling 10,000-15,000 acres burned. collaborative work anddata-driven science, TNChasestablishedastrong fire culture in preserve andneighboringranchers’ properties inOsage County. Eachyear theTallgrass Like rain orsunshine,fire isanatural event thatplays animportant role inthehealthof that callthetallgrass prairie home.Asofspring2020, theprescribed burnteam atthe Joseph H.Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve hasburnedover onemillionacres onthe Over thelast30years, theteam hasconducted 865prescribed burns across 995,494 acres: 393,103 preserve acres and604,533acres onneighboringranches. Asaresult, many habitats across Oklahoma.The useofprescribed fire coupled withsustainable grazing practices provides healthy habitatsfor amyriad ofplantandanimalspecies one ofthemostproductive burn programs intheUnited States every year. Through the preserve fire program hasbeentremendously successful makingOklahoma the Osage Hillsmakingitaviablelandmanagement tool for thefuture. One MillionAcres ofGoodFire intheOsage © Dennis Church. TOP-LEFT: Site Wind Rightmap. ©TNC; BOTTOM RIGHT: Prothonotary Warbler © Harvey Payne; LEFT: TNCstaff review burn plans©KatieHawk/TNC. PAGE 7 - PHOTOS -PAGE 6:BACKGROUND: Prescribed fire at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. because ofthiscollaborative effort withODWC. waxy leafprivet). Atotal of2,150 acres will beenhanced andimproved redcedar) and nonnative invaders (sericea lespedeza, yellow bluestem, eradication program thatisfocused ontheremoval ofnative (eastern the implementationofselective woodland thinningandaninvasive species clearing ofsouthernswamp forests. This two-year project alsoincludes Warbler, aneotropical migratory bird thathasbeenindeclinedueto the 19 speciesofgreatest conservation needincludingtheProthonotary to thelandscapeandincrease theplantquality anddiversity benefitting Ridge Preserve. This project willreturn aconsistent, yet adaptive fire regime woodlands andsurrounding habitatinsouth-central OklahomaatPontotoc Conservation (ODWC) to restore thestructural diversity offorests, TNC was awarded agrant through ofWildlife theOklahomaDepartment Restoring Oklahoma’s Forests > of Site Wind Rightby visiting nature.org/sitewindright SHARE: Know others thatcould usethistool? Share thepower Across aisles.Across sectors. Across borders. other parts ofthecountry.other parts forms ofrenewable energy and Site Wind Rightto includeother looking to broaden theanalysis of Defense Council. TNCiscurrently Society andthe Natural Resources also won from support theAudubon Resources” award. The studyhas Site Wind Righttheir“Natural Wildlife Agencies awarded The Association ofFish and that want data-driven information aboutwindenergy siting. This information isafree resource for power-purchasers, utilities,state agencies andotherentities analysis discovered anencouraging amountofwindenergy potential inthoselow-conflict areas. U.S. where windenergy development would have minimalimpactsonwildlife. What’s more, the on wind,energy andwildlife, Site Wind Rightreveals thatthere are 90millionacres intheCentral in theUnited States, anarea thesize ofArizona. Pulling together more than100sources ofdata analysis from TNCfound new renewable energy infrastructure could impactupto 76 millionacres found. Wind turbinesinthewrong place canbebadfor birds andotherwildlife. Infact, previous and covers thecountry’s “windbelt,” where 80percent oftheonshore windpotential intheU.S.is the Site Wind Rightmap. Fast forward to 2020, andithasnow expanded from three to 17states In 2016,TNCinOklahomateamed upwithstafffrom Texas andKansas to develop andlaunch Site Wind Rightfor Wildlife “ - Terry Bassham, ChiefExecutive Officer for Evergy for ourcustomers. provide clean,low-carbon energy Plains, whilealsoallowing usto and iconic landscapes oftheGreat unnecessary impactsto thewildlife resource thathelpsusavoid Site Wind Rightisaninvaluable need willbenefit from theODWC SPECIES ofgreatest conservation forest restoration project. 19

7 OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT 9 OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT 168 in climate change focus groups. focus change in climate INDIVIDUALS have participated participated have INDIVIDUALS We work to strengthen strengthen to work We Oklahoman’s connection connection Oklahoman’s to our natural resources and resources our natural to inspire action for conservation. action for inspire Improving the BiPartisan Narrative the BiPartisan Improving Carl, Specialist, Brad Climate TNC’s year, the last Over of climate on perceptions research has conducted in Oklahoma. From sectors various within change with 168 spoke Brad companies, utility to churches designed to groups a series of focus individuals through and opportunities for challenges identify commonalities, climate around the bipartisan narrative strengthening will sessions these listening findings from The change. Climate” Talk to a “How in developing guide our team action and policy a climate as as well program training than 300 with more spoke Brad plan. Additionally, during a statewide change about climate producers radio Report OK Farm with the and sat down conference from experiencing are theimpacts farmers discuss to show climate a well-defined TNC will launch change. climate FY21. in program change - Congressman Tom Cole Tom - Congressman Rightly so, this critical legislation permanently funds the Rightly so, in Oklahoma, but it will protect the natural resources and resources the natural in Oklahoma, but it will protect federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and invests in and invests Fund Conservation and Water Land federal I was proud to support the Great American Outdoors Act. Act. American Outdoors support to the Great proud I was for the next five years. This will not only boost job creation only boost job creation This will not years. five next the for the vital maintenance of our national parks and public lands of our national parks the vital maintenance recreation areas that are significant to our state’s uniqueness. to our state’s significant that are areas recreation Historic Investment in Nature and the Economy and Nature in Investment Historic in July, (GAOA) Act Outdoors American Great the passed lawmakers 310 U.S. House of A bi-partisan group and bolsters jobs creates Act The in years. funding conservation bills for one of the most impactful making it full of the bill provides Passage on public land. work and maintenance conservation through local economies (LWCF), Fund Conservation and Water Land the federal for million each year funding of $900 and permanent the Additionally, tax dollars. – not revenues gas oil and offshore from receive to it is authorized the amount public and other parks in national maintenance toward years five the next for billion annually $1.9 bill invests in the nation ranging state in every places protect has been used to LWCF than 50 years, more lands. For to the Oklahoma Department of According to local ballfields. battlefields historic to national parks from park improvement than 1,500 funded more $60+ million and Oklahoma has received and Recreation, Tourism by meeting of the GAOA for the passage lobbied 1965. Staff and trustees since the LWCF from projects of calls. Many and conference via Zoom remotely delegation congressional of Oklahoma’s with six members and Cole Tom in this legislation including Congressman high interest expressed leaders our Congressional the bill. Horn who both co-sponsored Kendra Congresswoman “ 10 TNC their staff visited OFFICIALS and/or ELECTED efforts. learn about our collaborative in FY20 to preserves 125 PEOPLE attended PEOPLE Malicious But Delicious. A Tasty and Educational Competition and Educational A Tasty Delicious fundraiser Malicious But annual the first TNC hosted in Mansion in 2019 at the Woodward and educational event in specially-created indulged attendees the event, During Tulsa. and and brewers local chefs by made and beverages foods hand-churned species. From and native invasive by inspired a culinary it was wild boar tacos, to cream ice peach and fennel with the most away One chef walked with a twist! adventure Chef Albert ‘Nook’ Chef.” “Nature first be Oklahoma’s to votes in Tower at Price and Bar Restaurant with Copper Ducre 2019 Malicious But Delicious the winner of the was Bartlesville which made educating fierce, was competition The competition. Chef tasty. incredibly species fun and the public about invasive his dish mimic in hog to species feral chose the invasive Ducre shoulder pork braised with his smoked the competition and won collard mushrooms, chanterelle gnocchi, with cornbread served included Chef Other competitors vinegar. and ramp greens Randy & Claudia Gastropub, at Roosevelt’s Stephens Preston at the at Vista Zuniga Alfredo Chef Lodge, Oaks Imel at Five Heidler at Justin Roque & Chef Justin Thompson Boathouse, Chef Bar & Local Kihle at Prospect Kevin Chef Catering, Thompson Gourmet and Culture Counter at Taylor Tiffany Chef Kitchen, Rustic Ales. Miller at Heirloom Jake Brewer

- Mike Fuhr, State Director State Fuhr, - Mike Monarch butterflies represent endurance, endurance, represent butterflies Monarch and Oklahoma’s hope, life change, their Unfortunately, prairies. breathtaking at an alarming plummeted populations have opportunity is a great plate license The rate. about the important role awareness raise to play pollinators and other native monarchs more and the need for production in our food and wildflowers. miles of milkweed Plates for Pollinators for Plates their favorite for Oklahomans voted than 12,800 More in an online designs plate license of six monarch-themed 3,383 the vibrant votes, With 2019. in September contest local artist Rick Sinnett of by designed plate and colorful design Rick’s selected. artwork Mustang is the winning sunset in with an abstract butterfly a monarch showcases foreground in the flowers and milkweed the background the the host plant for as highlighting their importance for the monarch fee registration The initial butterflies. is $36.55. fee and the annual renewal is $40 plate license and annual renewal fee A portion registration of the initial awareness raise to efforts will benefit TNC’s ($20) fee habitat throughout pollinator and increase about monarchs conserving by the monarchs save to TNC works the state. range up with a broad habitat and teaming critical pollinator residents, tribes, ranchers, including farmers, of groups artists and gardeners, businesses, agencies, government member a founding TNC is municipalities. Additionally, Collaborative, and Pollinator of the Oklahoma Monarch and citizens of 40+ organizations group a statewide for migrations thriving monarch ensure to together working come. to generations “ - INSPIRING PEOPLE FOR NATURE FOR PEOPLE INSPIRING : TOP-LEFT: Rita Seldenrust Add some color to your your to some color ORDER: Add plate license a monarch ride. Order at the form downloading by nature.org/okmonarchs

Katie Hawk/TNC. RIGHT: Brad Carl presenting at conference © Prairie Preserve © Harvey Payne; BOTTOM- Ducre © Copper Restaurant. PAGE 9 Congressman Frank Lucas and staff at Tallgrass PHOTOS - PAGE 8 Seldenrust; BOTTOM-RIGHT: Chef Albert States Congress; BOTTOM-LEFT: with her new monarch license plate. © John plate. license monarch with her new Cole © United CENTER: Congressman Tom >

since going into production in August. production into going since 373 purchased were plates license MONARCH SECURING HEALTHY RIVERS

The natural flow of a river resembles a healthy human natural functions and habitat for wildlife both in and out of the heartbeat. Heavy rains send pulses of water downstream in river. The SRP has been so successful that it has now expanded spring, flushing out side channels and signaling fish to spawn. to 66 federal dams on 16 rivers in 15 states. The Kiamichi River Dry stretches in summer allow seedlings to take root. is the first SRP project in Oklahoma. Dams and other man-made structures can change these A Plan for People and Nature rhythms. In fact, the pulse of a heavily dammed river can TNC is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tulsa look almost like a flatline. It causes natural systems to suffer. District to develop alternatives to current dam management Science has shown that altered river systems are the reason on the Kiamichi River. This partnership will improve the health that 40 percent of the nation’s fish species and 70 percent and life of the Kiamichi River by assessing alternative dam of freshwater mussel species are listed as imperiled and why operations to restore and protect natural areas and wildlife, many commercial fisheries have been decimated. while maintaining or enhancing other reservoir benefits With just two percent of our nation’s three million miles of such as flood control, outdoor recreation, water supply and rivers and streams still free-flowing and undeveloped, the fish and wildlife. To help develop the alternatives, TNC will survival of our freshwater systems hinges on our ability to gather stakeholder input, analyze hydrologic data, host reduce the negative impacts of dams and reservoirs. an environmental flows workshop, listen to stakeholders and compile a report that details the health of the river. Oklahoma’s Future Water Health The alternative analyses will take approximately two years The Kiamichi River, located in southeastern Oklahoma, is a to complete and will contribute to the overall health and 1,067 PLANT species thrive in the Kiamichi River watershed. unique watershed due to the high diversity of organisms and sustainability of the Kiamichi River watershed for current and the Ouachita Mountains ecoregion where it is found. Currently, future generations. the river provides drinking water to approximately 20,000 people. The demand, however, will increase by 2030 when the 10 city of Oklahoma City begins utilizing the river via Sardis Lake as THE a drinking water source. Sardis Lake is one of two flood control 1,853 56% SQUARE MILES of of Oklahoma’s MUSSELS reservoirs, the other being Hugo Lake, on the Kiamichi River KIAMICHI drainage area runs along are found in the Kiamichi River. built and operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. RIVER the Kiamichi River. The Sustainable Rivers Program In April 2020, the Kiamichi River watershed was accepted > ONLINE: Explore additional into the nationwide Sustainable Rivers Program (SRP), a 177 256 watersheds we are working to collaborative effort developed by TNC and the U.S. Army Corps protect throughout our great MILES of freshwater BIRD species utilize the of Engineers to find more sustainable ways to manage dams state at nature.org/okwater is provided by the Kiamichi River watershed and reservoirs to maximize benefits to people and nature. The program focuses on determining unique flow requirements for Kiamichi River. as a food and water source. PHOTOS - PAGE 10: LEFT: Volunteer finds mussel rivers and then creating operating plans for dams that achieve © Katie Hawk/TNC. PAGE 11: TOP: Staff carry these requirements, also known as “environmental flows.” An kayaks along the Kiamichi River © Going West

OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT IMPACT OKLAHOMA | 2020 environmental flow is like a scientific prescription that sets a Productions; BOTTOM-LEFT: Mussels along the 178 74 Kiamichi River © Kim Elkin/TNC; BOTTOM-RIGHT: standard for the timing, quantity and quality of water flow that DRAGONFLY species REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN Orangethroat darter © Brandon Brown. must make it downstream of a dam in order to sustain critical, 34 132 flutter about the species live in the Kiamichi MUSSEL species call the Kiamichi River home, FISH species swim, spawn and Kiamichi River. River watershed. three of which are federally listed. play in the Kiamichi River. OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT 13 13,900 with our virtual Earth reached PEOPLE on Facebook. celebration Day ATTENDEES to our Nature Connects Connects our Nature to ATTENDEES series on Zoom. Us webinar 250 for our on-air bloopers and much more! on-air bloopers our JOIN US for at nature.org/okwebinars webinars > Sign up for virtual a field trip at nature.org/ok360 > Take videos at facebook.com/nature.ok > Join our live ENGAGING IN A NEW ERA NEW A IN ENGAGING OUR 3,908 our online to VISITORS virtual field trips. 38,500 through reached PEOPLE videos. live our Facebook REACH DIGITAL DIGITAL PHOTOS - PAGE 12: TOP-LEFT: Bison at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve © Larry W. Hall © Larry W. Preserve Prairie Bison at Tallgrass 12: TOP-LEFT: - PAGE PHOTOS TOP-RIGHT: © Jeanine Lackey/TNC; Preserve Ridge at Pontotoc Volunteers BOTTOM-LEFT: collecting seeds © Jeanine Lackey/ Volunteer CENTER-RIGHT: Brown; © Brandon Crayfish setup at Webinar 13: TOP-LEFT: PAGE Payne. © Harvey Cardinal TNC; BOTTOM-RIGHT: a webinar for Hise rehearsing Chris Hise/TNC; TOP-RIGHT: © Chris Preserve Canyon Four Preserve Prairie at Tallgrass doing a webinar Payne Harvey MIDDLE: © Katie Hawk/TNC; Balzer/TNC. © Larissa shooting photos Payne Harvey BOTTOM: Furh/TNC; © Mike Behind the Screens Behind the not that was However, togetherness. in-person for challenges new brought year This We most: You! the love we with the people connecting from our team stop to going in the you to bring nature to and gadgets digging out gidgets work to straight went and hikes our traditional beyond Thinking room. living of your and comfort safety From fancy skills. new, some up and picked new software field trips, staff learned wi-fi reliable finding the most to space office and truck beds as utilizing buckets adventurous it was just say Let’s preserve. the best signal is on the and where pucks and, best screenshots photos, some fun it made for and entertaining. Additionally, expertise and their Staff brought is that it worked! news good of all, memories. The members, where and webinars social media through big screen the to personalities see, however, didn’t one thing you The their debut. awaiting were friends and fans you. just for behind the screens a peek it happen. So here’s make to all it took was

42 collected seeds were and forb of grass POUNDS Preserve. Ridge at Pontotoc volunteers by 85 by counted were of birds SPECIES Prairie at the Tallgrass volunteers survey. bird winter Preserve TAXA of macroinvertebrates were were of macroinvertebrates TAXA Preserve. Creek at Cucumber surveyed 82

volunteers to help achieve our mission. our help achieve to volunteers 5,883 passionate TNC by to donated HOURS were

at the J.T. Nickel Preserve. Nickel at the J.T. 45 restored was of prairie ACRES 14 OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT translated itto English.Hisfather, Ed Red Eagle, the landandbisoninhisnative Osage andthen Eagle, Jr. oftheOsage Nationoffered aprayer for the land.To honorthismilestone, Chief Eddy Red scale conservation andtheincredible resiliency of Prairie Preserve standsasatestament to large- Thirty years later, theJoseph H.Williams Tallgrass forever changed theworld ofprairie conservation. all to thinkbigger thanwe hadinthepast,andit historic Barnard Ranch.This decisionrequired us decision to acquire the29,000 acres thatwas the and leadership—made the through JoeWilliam’s urging the Oklahomatrustees in OklahomaCity where meeting inanairplanehangar butconsequentiala short, a gigantic leapoffaith. Itwas The Nature Conservancy took 1989, afledglingchapter of finally becamea reality. In permanently conserved the iconic tallgrass prairie to seeasignificantpiece of ago, thedream ofsomany More century thanaquarter Celebrating 30Years oftheTallgrass Prairie Preserve FY21 andwillbe theguidinglightfor ourwork over thenext five years. improved stewardship andexpands ourwork to address climate change. The planwill becompleted in strengths ofourteam andourstate, setsambitious goals and opportunities for increased protection and process to focus ourwork andmaximize ourimpactinOklahoma.This plandraws onthe unique Change-Mitigation andAdaptation. Utilizingthisnew framework, staffinitiated a strategic planning Conservation Agenda (SCA) whichhastwo pillars: Healthy Oceans, Freshwater andLands,Climate approach to conservation. To meettheseglobalneeds,TNC establishedanew framework, The Shared TNC recognizes thattheenvironmental risks facing theglobetoday require inour afundamentalshift The Next Five Years ACHIEVING AMBITIOUSGOALS — and inspiration ithasexported over thedecades. conservation andrestoration, butalsofor theideas at 40,000 acres—is renowned for notonlyland Joseph H.Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve—now to dowhatothers hadbeenunableto do. Today, the organization andagroup ofvisionaryOklahomans tallgrass prairie The onearth. effort took anentire to become thelargest protected remnant of the preserve andwatching itgrow andflourish of TNC,alsoshared memoriesofestablishing andtrustee and JenkJones,longtimesupporter of theranch’s originalowner; Nation; Keenan Barnard, son Standing BearoftheOsage including Chief Geoffrey celebration, many others protection. At theanniversary gratitude for theprairie’s the samebeadedfan to offer Pendleton blanket andused woredecades apart, thesame Each Chief Red Eagle,though this sacred prairie landscape. bison were reintroduced to 30 years before whenthe had given thesameprayer TNC; PAGE 15- BACKGROUND: Tallgrass Prairie Preserve ©Pat Clancy. Head; BOTTOM-RIGHT: Staffatstrategic planning meeting.©KatieHawk/ Barnard, Frank Boren, Geoffrey StandingBear & Eddy Red Eagle, Jr. ©Carey TOP-RIGHT: Harvey Payne, Frederick Drummond,Janet Drummond,Keenan PHOTOS -PAGE 14:TOP-LEFT: Chief Eddy Red Eagle,Jr. ©Leisa Payne; staff drafting thestrategic plan. HOURS were spenttogether by 35 > and learnmore atnature.org/tallgrass VISIT: Joinusincelebrating 30years! Planyour visit “ - JosephH.Williams, June1997 with somereal senseofurgency. for nature, and we mustalldowhatwe canwherever we findourselves inlife. And we mustdoit The clockcan’tbeturnedback. Reincarnation, ofcourse, isavain desire. Buttheclockisrunningout VISITORS from allover theworld trek to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve eachyear. 25,000 1,536 HOURS of volunteer time and energy WELCOME were given to Pontotoc Ridge and CONSERVATION VISIONARIES Oka’ Yanahli Preserves. Zack is NEW STAFF The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma is honored to recognize the following individuals, kneeling in the middle holding the bags of seeds. corporations, foundations and organizations whose contributions have supported our work between BARRY MAXWELL July 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. We deeply appreciate every gift and regret that space constraints Associate Director of Philanthropy prevent us from listing all donors. Thank you for your generous contributions. “TNC’s mission to conserve the lands and Sunday Ms. Connie L. Scothorn Robert Howell | Cathy Howell waters on which all life $100,000 & ABOVE Chickasaw Nation Superior Linen Service Dr. & Mrs. Brook Scott Susan Humphrey | David depends is a noble and David B. Waters Charitable Mr. & Mrs. Michael Talbert Betty B. Shaull Humphrey Foundation Wells Family Charitable Trust The Fred Jones Family Karen Hunter just cause, and I’m thrilled Western Farmers Electric Foundation ITC Holdings Corp to be part of it. Nature $50,000-$99,999 Cooperative The Gelvin Foundation Mr. Billy Kendrick is vital to our existence, The Anne & Henry Zarrow Mr. & Mrs. Charles Wiggin The Meinders Foundation Lacy L. Lockwood Foundation Williams Companies, Inc. Larry Lockwood not only for the obvious ConocoPhillips $2,500-$9,999 ZEECO, Inc. Jenilee Mallow reasons such as clean air to breath, water to drink and food Dolese Bros. Co. AAON Steve & Jo McGuffin Ms. Delores Etter | Jerry Etter Ackerman McQueen $500-$2,499 Mr. Dave McLaughlin | Ms. to eat, but for our souls. People are connected to nature. It H. A. & Mary K. Chapman Adams Foundation Abbott Dermatology, P.C. Jean McLaughlin is part of who we are. I’m lucky to work with an incredible Charitable Trust AEP/Public Service Company American Heritage Bank & Ms. Iris L. McPherson Anonymous Trust Mr. Stephen D. Miller group of scientists and conservationists that truly understand $25,000-$49,999 ARVEST Foundation Anchor Stone Company Mr. & Mrs. James Mitchell Happy Retirement to Nancy Hatfield Meet Zack: Our First AmeriCorps Volunteer the importance of nature and how best to preserve it. I’m Anonymous Bank of America, Oklahoma Paul E. Baker Mr. & Mrs. Philip Moldenhauer honored to be a member of an outstanding Philanthropy Brian & Linda Bourgeois Roger Bey | Susan Bey Mr. Keenan Barnard & Mrs. Dr. Kevin L. Moore On June 30, 2020, Nancy Hatfield retired after 13 Over the past year, TNC hosted an AmeriCorps Devon Energy Corporation Cherokee Nation Business Starre Barnard Dr. Beth Murphy Team that is helping to connect donors who are passionate Corp. Ms. Ann E. Bartoloni Brooke & Michael Murphy years of dedicated service to TNC. Nancy served volunteer, Zack Castro, at Pontotoc Ridge and Oka’ Macklanburg Foundation about investing in conservation.“ Stone Family Foundation Crowe a& Dunlevy Mrs. Karen W. Browne & Mr. Mr. & Mrs. Steven Nell as the Associate Director of Philanthropy in the Yanahli Preserves. Zack is the first AmeriCorps YOT Full Circle Foundation Mr. Steven R. Cruce & Mrs. Robert F. Browne Ms. Ruth K. Nelson Tulsa office, and during her tenure, she made a volunteer at TNC in Oklahoma. AmeriCorps is a Karen A. Kruce Mrs. Dorothy B. Buck Oklahoma Gas & Electric 16 $10,000-$24,999 Dillingham Insurance Burgess Building Company, Company lasting impact on both the staff and the many network of national service programs aimed at BRAD CARL Anonymous Mr. & Mrs. Ford Drummond LLC Omni Air Transport/Omni TNC donors and friends she met along the way. improving lives and fostering civic engagement. BancFirst Environmental Management, Central National Bank Aircraft Sales External Affairs & Bank of Oklahoma Inc. CloseBend, Inc. Sheri R. Reeves Known for her graciousness and for being the Members commit their time to address critical Brinkley Family Foundation Floyd Bergen Trust Mr. & Mrs. Ted Cowan Mr. & Mrs. David Riggs ultimate hostess, Nancy will be sorely missed community needs like increasing academic Climate Specialist Dobson Family Foundation Dr. Ben French Dr. & Mrs. Jerry Crockett Mr. & Mrs. Martin Rooney “It’s incredibly fulfilling E. L. & Thelma Gaylord David W. Gorham Steven C. Dixon Ms. Mary E. Schaub but not forgotten as she begins a new season of achievement, mentoring youth, fighting poverty, Mr. & Mrs. John Groendyke Mr. Doyle D. Dow Dr. E. N. Scott to help move the needle Foundation well-earned retirement with her beloved husband, sustaining national parks, preparing for disasters Friends of John Nickel Mr. & Mrs. Mark Helm Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Eaton Security Bank for climate change Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Holton Mr. & Mrs. Ronald B. Eggleston Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Segal Gerald. Thank you, Nancy, for your passion, and more. During Zack’s service, he assisted with Helmerich & Payne solutions in Oklahoma. Rudy & Deborah Herrmann James M. Cox Foundation Dr. Naomi Esmon | Dr. Charles Southwood Landscape & friendship and contributions to the Oklahoma stewardship of our natural resources by removing Mr. Jenk Jones, Jr. Ms. Sharon Johnson Esmon Nursery Many groups in our Laredo Petroleum, Inc. Mr. Jack Fain Third Branch Engineering, LLC program. We are better for knowing you. invasive species; installing fire breaks; coordinating Dr. George Kamp | Martha state are looking to TNC Kamp Mr. & Mrs. John Lindsay Linda S. Feagin Ms. Katie Thomas | Mr. and implementing volunteer workdays, field trips and Kerr Foundation, Inc. Mr. & Mrs. Robert Lorton Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Joseph Ferretti Richard Lawrence Jr. for leadership on this hikes; and providing volunteer services to his local Mr. & Mrs. Clay Midkiff Milo’s Tea Company, Inc. Freestone Economics Mr. Roderick W. Tillman & challenging but important NextEra Energy, Inc. ONEOK Gaddis & Gaddis Wealth Mrs. Carol H. Tillman VOLUNTEER: Want to join our mission to community. He greatly improved and organized our Osage Casino Management, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Miles Tolbert > PHOTOS - PAGE 16: TOP: Volunteers at Pontotoc Ridge Preserve. issue, and I love playing a part in developing new advocates Mr. & Mrs. John Nickel help protect the lands and waters on which native seed collection program, as well as assisted with Mr. & Mrs. J. Larry Nichols Paycom Payroll, LLC Mr. Robert W. Gingerich Tulsa Mens Club all life depends? Sign up to volunteer at © Jeanine Lackey/TNC; BOTTOM: Nancy and Gerald Hatfield © and narratives to help the topic better resonate among Caroline & Guy Patton Mr. Martin E. Peerson David Glenn Mr. & Mrs. David Turner Courtesy of Nancy Hatfield. PAGE 17 - TOP: Barry Maxwell © Mike plant and animal surveys and monitoring. Thank you, Mr. John Poarch | Kelly Poarch Mr. Kelly M. Gray Mr. & Mrs. Denver Woolsey nature.org/volunteerok Oklahomans. I consider myself quite lucky to work with so Mrs. Piper Raffle | Calum Raffle Fuhr/TNC; BOTTOM: Brad Carl © Courtesy of Brad Carl. Zack, for giving your time and energy to our mission. Raymond George & Ruth Mrs. Jolene R. Ingram & Mr. Green Country Energy, LLC Mr. & Mrs. Keith Wright many conservation and climate allies on a daily basis and be Bitner Fisher Foundation Dale Putnam Greenleaf Nursery Co. Zarrow Families Foundation part of a team that truly inspires people for nature.” John & Rita Seldenrust Mr. & Mrs. Barry Redlinger Betty R. Hensley

We first got involved with The Nature Conservancy in 1989 when a unique MEET OUR CONTINUE THE VISION JOIN THE LEGACY CLUB opportunity to preserve a last remnant of tallgrass prairie became available in Oklahoma: three contiguous ranches for sale at the same time, the LEGACY CLUB MEMBERS The Legacy Club is a special group of supporters who have included The Nature THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GIVE | TESTAMENTARY GIFTS Adams, Barnard, and Chapman. After a failed effort by the Sierra Club to Conservancy as a part of their long-term financial planning. Whether by making a “ create a tallgrass national park, The Nature Conservancy stepped in and Anonymous (13) Mr. Rudy J. Herrmann & Ms. Peggy Ann Parker specific bequest, designating a gift from an IRA or establishing an annuity or remainder One estate asset can benefit both The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma and your was able to purchase the Barnard and Chapman ranches to create the Dr. & Mrs. David Bailey Mrs. Deborah J. Herrmann* Caroline & Guy Patton* trust, there is a vehicle to suit everyone’s circumstances. Legacy giving isn’t just for the Jennifer S. Payne heirs. By making a testamentary life-income gift, your estate can create and fund a Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. We both appreciate how TNC Brandy M. Balnius Dr. Marielle Hoefnagels & wealthy; every gift makes a difference! Dr. Susan C. Barber & Dr. David Dr. Doug Gaffin Mr. Martin E. Peerson charitable gift annuity or unitrust. works in non-political ways to save the planet. We also especially like TNC’s P. Nagle Jr. Mrs. Helen L. Hoffman Ms. Robin S. Perona Reverend Brian Barker Mr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Holton Mr. Allan W. Perry latest emphasis on ‘a future where people and nature thrive.’ We are proud Lynn Belcher Mr. Robert Horine & Mrs. Linda F. Quering-Hill We are retired science academics who are energized when out in nature. How it works: The provisions in your will or revocable trust will be carried out by to be Legacy Club members and to offer our much-loved Spring Creek Mr. Van Benton Mrs. Jan Horine Mrs. Elizabeth Rasmussen Some of our finest days have been in the field. Time and again, however, your executor or trustee and TNC after your death, and your estate will receive a property (pictured) to TNC. Dr. Brian Birdwell Mrs. Janet L. Hotubbee Mr. Bryan E. Reynolds & Mrs. Mr. & Mrs. Dennis Bires Ron R. Huebner Laura B. Reynolds we have been disappointed to see pastures scraped and habitats lost. For charitable estate tax deduction for the gift. Elizabeth & Brian C. Blancher Ms. Deanne D. Hughes & Mr. & Mrs. Sylvan Reynolds us, many such locations now trigger real sadness for the biology that was BETH AND MARTIN ROONEY | TULSA, OK Ms. Belynda Bland Mr. Dow R. Hughes* Ms. Ruth E. Richards • You write a will or revocable trust directing a bequest to TNC with the Mr. Bob Bollinger Christopher J. Hunt George Riddle “ once there. The race to keep important flora and fauna habitats intact is our Ms. Jonni E. Booth Mr. Julius Johnson & Mrs. Nancy Rimassa & Mr. driving motivation to designate The Nature Conservancy in our estate plan. provision that it first creates a life-income gift benefiting your heirs. Mrs. Donna Boyd Mrs. Caroline Johnson John Rimassa • After your heirs’ income interest terminates, the remaining balance in the gift Dr. Kristy K. Bradley Mr. Jenk L. Jones, Jr.* Dr. Henry P. Roberson We feel better and better about this decision in these chaotic, privatizing Miss D. P. Brown Mr. Ron Jones Mrs. Beth Rooney & times. TNC preserves trigger wonder and delight. We want them to be passes to TNC. Ms. Lisa A. Brown Dr. Helen E. Jordan Mr. Martin Rooney widely experienced—a child will never forget their first bald eagle, bison Teresa J. Brown Dr. George H. Kamp & Mrs. Kimberly Schlittler & Mr. Robert Burkett & Mrs. Mrs. Martha B. Kamp Mr. Bill Schlittler herd, tallgrass overlook, wildflower outbreak or pristine river. TNC makes it Benefits: Have satisfaction in knowing that you will provide for your heirs both Teresa Burkett Mr. David Key & Mrs. Lori Key Ms. Connie L. Scothorn more likely that they will have the opportunity to see these things. financially and by supporting efforts to conserve our natural world for future Sandie Busby Mr. James N. Khourie & Dr. E. Nan Scott generations. This will enable you to increase your planning flexibility with revocable Mary Ann Gilmore Caffrey Ms. Wanda Meyer Emelia A. Seubert Mrs. Rebecca Carlberg & Mr. Ms. Elise Kilpatrick & Dr. George B. Selby & SUSAN C. BARBER AND DAVID P. NAGLE, JR. | NORMAN, OK provisions while lowering the estate tax burden on your estate. Deane Carlberg Mr. Gary Kuck Mrs. Margaret H. Selby Mr. William R. Carrell Mr. Fred Kirk & Ms. Elaine John & Rita Seldenrust* Mrs. Karen Cruce & Mr. Spencer Mr. Aric Senters & A testamentary life-income gift may be for you if: Steven Cruce Ms. Barbara J. Klein Mrs. Brandee Senters Mr. Patrick Daly Ms. Mary Korthase Ms. Paula Sevier • You want to make a significant gift to TNC but must also provide for family. Mr. David Gorham Mrs. Carolyn A. Langenwalter Ms. Kathryn M. Siftar Mrs. John Detrick Mr. & Mrs. William LaRue, Jr. Mr. Jeff Smail • You are looking for tools to reduce the tax liability your estate will bear. 19 Lisa & Chad Dillingham* Mr. Charles S. LewAllen Dr. Donna D. Smith • You want to direct income to a special-needs family member, to an employee Mr. Doyle D. Dow Mrs. Ruth M. Lowell Ms. Debra A. Smotherman OKLAHOMA | 2020 IMPACT REPORT Mr. Ford Drummond & Ms. Ardis A. Manning Susan & Larry Steele or caregiver, or to beneficiaries who do not need a large outright bequest. Mrs. Vanessa Drummond* Dr. Kurt J. Marfurt & Robyn C. Stroup Ashley & Nicholas Dubriwny* Dr. Stephanie Marfurt Chris Suit & Sally Benfield Suit As with any bequest, a testamentary life-income gift is a revocable, future Ms. Kimberly Elkin* Mr. Stan G. Martin Mrs. Carol H. Tillman & Milton & Janet Frantz Mrs. Deirdre McArdle Mr. Roderick W. Tillman transfer. You receive no income tax deduction for the gift you are planning now. Mr. Roy Fritze Mr. & Mrs. Stephen C. Mr. Miles Tolbert & You can provide a specific dollar amount to fund the gift, or a percentage of the Ms. Laura E. Frossard McGuffin* Mrs. Mary Tolbert* Mr. & Mrs. Mike Fuhr* Ms. Iris L. McPherson David E. Towers residue of your estate. Testamentary annuities run for the beneficiaries’ lifetimes; Gail Meredith Ms. Cindy Miller-Huff Mr. & Mrs. Charles J. Transue testamentary unitrusts can run for the beneficiaries’ lifetimes or for a term of years. Dr. Pamela Genova Mr. James Mitchell & Amanda & Jeremy Tubbs* Dr. Rose C. Gideon Mrs. Anita Mitchell Mr. Preston Van Hanken & Mr. William Gideon Dr. David R. Morgan & Mrs. Barbara Van Hanken Dr. Harriet Gleaton Mrs. Carolyn Morgan Dr. Shirley Vincent Ms. Amanda Gordon Ms. Margaret K. Morhart Dr. Stephanie J. Vogel* Alan L. Green Ms. Cynthia A. Naylor Ms. Mary E. Vogt > GET STARTED! For more information on making a planned gift to Mr. & Mrs. David Hairston Mr. John T. Nickel & Marilyn Wewerka The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma, contact Stephanie Vogel at Mr. Rod Harwood & Mrs. Lisa Mrs. Julie Nickel* Mr. Murrel B. Wilmoth Jr. Harwood Ms. Reatha Oliver Janet Wilson 405.269.4207 or [email protected]. Mr. & Mrs. Gerald Hatfield* Sharon S. Park Ms. Helen E. Wolford Melissa & Landon Heaton Mr. Joseph L. Parker, Jr.* * denotes trustee or staff NONPROFIT ORG. The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma US POSTAGE 10425 S. 82nd E. Ave., Suite 104 PAID Tulsa, OK 74133 OKLAHOMA CITY, OK (918) 585-1117 | nature.org/oklahoma PERMIT NO. 1379

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FROM GRASSLANDS TO FORESTS, RIVERS TO MESAS, we envision an Oklahoma where our rich natural heritage is valued and protected, and people are inspired to conserve nature for future generations.