Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area

Windininding Stairtair Mountain NationalNational RecreationRecreation AreaArea Your guide to the Ouachita National Forest in LeFlore County, Oklahoma * Revised 2004 Discover the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area he Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area (NRA) Tprovides a source of clean water, an abundance of wood and native wildlife, and a variety of rustic settings where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Discover a new place to camp, hike, bicycle, fish, enjoy scenic drives, or just unwind and experience solitude. Visitors enjoy majestic views of forested mountains, interesting geologic formations and a great variety of flora and fauna. The area is rich in historical lore, particularly of the Choctaw Native Americans. These elements provide an interesting and memorable visit to the Ouachita National Forest. The Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area is located in southeast Oklahoma in the southern portion of LeFlore County. It is administered by the staffs of the Oklahoma ranger districts of the Ouachita National Forest: the Choctaw office is 9 miles south of Heavener; the Kiamichi office is 3.5 miles north of Talihina; and the Tiak office is in Idabel. Winding Stair Mountain is within driving distance (less than 250 miles) of metropolitan areas such as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Dallas, Fort Worth, Joplin, Springfield, Wichita, and Little Rock.

Designated by Congress On October 18, 1988, Congress passed the Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area and Wilderness Act (Public ith over 1.7 million acres of pristine beauty, the Ouachita National Forest is Law 100-499). The law designated certain the South’s oldest and largest national forest. Rich in history, the rugged and lands within the Ouachita National Forest Wscenic Ouachita Mountains were first explored in 1541 by Hernando De Soto’s for special management, and identified the party of Spaniards. French explorers followed, flavoring the region with names like Fourche principal purposes for which each of the la Fave River. Ouachita is the French spelling of the Indian word “Washita,” which means designated areas would be managed. “good hunting grounds.” Under the direction of PL 100-499, the The Ouachita’s are one of only two mountain ranges in the United States that run east Secretary of Agriculture established two and west. Stretching from near the center of Arkansas to southeast Oklahoma, the rugged advisory councils (the Winding Stair Tourism mountains offer a multitude of uses, including timber, grazing, mining, recreation, and Council and the Recreation and Multiple abundant wildlife. A progressive ecosystem management policy promotes the wise use of Use Advisory Council) in 1989 to provide the land and provides a healthy forest for tomorrow. information and recommendations to forest In LeFlore County, Oklahoma, the national forest encompasses more than 200,000 acres managers regarding the operation of the of some of the state’s most diverse and interesting terrain, including the Winding Stair Ouachita National Forest in LeFlore County, Mountain National Recreation Area (NRA). A wide range of recreational opportunities Oklahoma. The councils were composed of abound here, including camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and hang-gliding, local individuals who represented conservation, which provide visitors with a myriad of opportunities for one-day trips or extended vacations timber, fish and wildlife, tourism and recreation, filled with relaxation and enjoyment for everyone. and economic development interests. The NRA has more than 150 campsites; a 90-acre lake; an equestrian camp; a 45-mile The councils met numerous times over a stretch of the Ouachita National Recreation Trail; and many miles of equestrian, interpretive, two-year period and prepared a report in 1991 and hiking trails. The 26,445-acre NRA lies on both sides of the Talimena Scenic Byway in that included recommendations for actions Oklahoma. As you explore the NRA, you’ll find that some of the most scenic places are and projects to be considered by the USDA home to rare plant and animal communities. Forest Service. (continued on page

1 (continued from page 1) What’s New Major projects completed: z Construction of a first-class equestrian camp at Cedar Lake Recreation Area. The camp features paved roads, bathhouses, pull-through parking areas, campsites with electricity and water, accommodations for the physically challenged, horse wash racks, picket poles, and group shelter areas. Campers explore z Construction of a new visitor information Cedar Creek center at the west end of Talimena Scenic Byway. z Construction of a new visitor information center and administration office located south of Heavener, near the intersection of Holson Valley Road (Cedar Lake turnoff) and U.S. Highway 59. Cedar Lake Recreation Area z Rehabilitation of the 1930s-era Cedar Lake Recreation Area Campground. New Horseback riders discover bathhouses were constructed, electricity and water added in camping loops, and roads repaved. In addition, the Cedar he Talimena Scenic Drive is Some of the developed trailheads also include Lake dam spillway was repaired and the cornerstone of Winding Stair parking areas to accommodate horse trailers for fisheries improvement work completed. TMountain NRA. The 54-mile road access to equestrian trails. Undeveloped z Addition of 41.5 miles of hiking trails and winds along the crest of Winding Stair and Rich trailheads consist of unsurfaced parking areas. 19 miles of equestrian trails. Mountains. Nearly 37 miles of this drive is in Camping is not permitted at trailheads. z Reconstruction of 6 miles of hiking trails Oklahoma and the remainder in Arkansas. Most of the developed recreation areas and 9 miles of equestrian trails. The most popular form of outdoor on the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma are z Installation of interpretive signs at vistas recreation in your national forests is driving for open from April through November. However, and historic areas on Talimena Scenic pleasure. Millions of visitors take selected areas remain open year-round to Drive. advantage of this opportunity each year. The accommodate fall and winter z Vegetation management on the scenic USDA Forest Service responded to the visitors. Contact the Choctaw or Kiamichi Forest drive which included cleaning up vistas public’s request for more recreational Service offices before each season for specific to create “windows” and improve views. opportunities by establishing the National information on opening dates. z Rehabilitation of the Horsethief Spring Forest Scenic Byway Program in 1988. One Cedar Lake Recreation Area is on the and Old Military Road historic picnic year later, the Talimena Scenic Drive became shore of a 90-acre lake and is the largest areas on Talimena Scenic Drive. Roads one of the nation’s first roads to be designated developed campground on the Ouachita National were paved, new restrooms constructed, a scenic byway. In 2002 it became Forest. Campsites range from and information boards added. Oklahoma’s first All-American road. primitive tent pads and picnic tables to z Renovation of Winding Stair Campground Along the scenic drive are several full-amenity sites complete with paved on Talimena Scenic Drive. Roads were historical sites and numerous turnouts with recreational vehicle pads, picnic tables, and water asphalted, campsites improved, and panoramic vistas. To enhance your enjoyment and electricity hookups. Each restrooms added. of this scenic byway, stop and step out of the camping loop has restrooms and hot showers. A z New exhibt hall at the Choctaw Vistor car, breathe fresh air, scan for day-use area offers two Information Center. wildlife, slow down to read an covered shelters, picnic tables, z Construcion of a bathhouse at the South interpretive sign, and enjoy this Recreation playground, volleyball area, Shore Camping Loop, upgrade of beach unique experience. Driving time, and swim beach. Small areas and renovation of picnic sites at without stopping, takes about 1 Destinations boats, canoes, and sailboats are Cedar Lake Recreation Area. hour and 10 minutes. welcome on the lake; however, there is a What You’ll See In The Future In the spring, the drive is restriction of 7.5 horsepower or less for boat a cascade of wildflowers and blossoming trees. motors. Stations at each recreation area In the summer, it seems a little cooler from the provide fee information. A portion of fees Following construction of the Robert S. Kerr mountaintops. Fall showcases trees of brilliant collected is used at the site for maintenance Arboretum and Nature Center in the mid-1970s, colors, making this drive one of the most and repairs. the Kerr Foundation set aside $95,000 to further popular fall foliage tours in the state of Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp offers a the vision of environmental education for future Oklahoma. Snow is a rarity, but in winter, high unique experience for horseback riders and generations. country snowfalls turn scenic pullouts into life- draws horse enthusiasts from a 350-mile Today, that vision is continuing. The newest sized picture postcards. radius. Paved roads and pull-through work includes improving accessibility on trails, The Ouachita National Recreation Trail parking provide convenience for vehicles redesigning the orientation plaza, stretches 192 miles from Talihina, Oklahoma to pulling horse trailers. The camp accommodates rehabilitating trail bridges, and establishing Little Rock, Arkansas. The Oklahoma as many as 100 horse/camping trailers. More a native plant demonstration area. section is about 45 miles long, winding its way than 70 miles of equestrian trails can be At Cedar Lake Recreation Area, through the valleys and peaks of Winding Stair accessed from the camp. Facilities include reconstruction of the South Shore Loop will Mountain to Rich Mountain near the Arkansas restrooms with hot showers and picnic shelters, include new camping spurs, tent pads, picnic table state line. The trail provides opportunities for as well as hitching posts, horse wash racks, pads, parking lot and paved roads. enjoyment by hikers in a range of physical and picket poles. Some sites have electricity The crunch of frost on a winter day . . . readiness levels. Watch for a wide variety of and water hookups. leaves rustling in the wind . . . wildlife, like the black bear or white-tailed deer, Winding Stair Campground is spider webs on a dewy morning . . . in the best classroom possible - the outdoors. conveniently situated along the Talimena Scenic butterflies hovering above a wildflower . . . frogs calling from a Numerous developed and undeveloped Drive and provides a spectacular view for forest pond . . . the trill of a songbird . . . trailheads across the forest provide access mountaintop campers. This area offers 27 these are just a few of the unique to the trail systems and wilderness areas. campsites and restrooms with showers. It sensations you can experience while Developed trailheads include gravel parking is an access point for the Ouachita National visiting the National Recreation Area. areas, trail registers and bulletin boards. Recreation Trail.

2 n 1964, with the passage of the the NRA. Before planning a trip to one of National Wilderness Preservation the forest wildernesses, consider whether or not Planning A Trip? Act, the United States Congress the area offers the experience you want. I Primitive camping is allowed any where in the officially designated portions of federally owned Remember, visitors to wilderness need to be self- Winding Stair NRA unless posted otherwise. You land as “Wilderness.” reliant and creative. are responsible for your fire and any wildfire that Wilderness is a place to find solitude and a There are more than 65,000 acres of results from a spreading campfire. Remember to primitive, unconfined experience away from the congressionally designated Wilderness on the leave your campfire “dead out.” sight and sound of other humans. As a visitor, Ouachita National Forest, with approximately If you’re seeking a developed recreational you face the challenge of being entirely self- 16,000 acres in Oklahoma. experience, several camping areas are equipped sufficient in a primitive environment. Black Fork Mountain Wilderness in with electric hookups and may be reserved at Transportation is by primitive means only — foot Oklahoma encompasses 5,149 acres, with Cedar Lake equestrian camp or travel or horseback. No motorized an additional 8,350 acres extending into the recreation area by calling 1.877.444.6777. equipment or wheeled vehicles (except Arkansas. Bordered by the beautiful Black Pavilions and group camping areas can be wheelchairs) are allowed. Fork River on the north and Big Creek on the reserved for $25 per day by calling the Choctaw Orienteering skills with a topographic map south, it is easily one of the most primitive District Office at 1.918.653.2991. and compass are often necessary. and scenic areas in Oklahoma. A Available on a first come - first served basis Trails are minimally maintained wilderness access point, which is the picturesque Winding Stair Mountain with a limited number of can accommodate several campground. signs, trail blazes, and foot- horse trailers, has been bridges. Groups of six or What is constructed on the west less are encouraged to end of the wilderness with its ensure minimum impact. Wilderness? access point off County Road Travel Tips! Leave No Trace practices 193 near Page, OK. Established o make the most of your forest adventure, preserve an area’s primitive character. trails do not access the Oklahoma keep these safety tips These lands are affected primarily by the portion of the wilderness. in mind: forces of nature, where humans are visitors and The Upper Kiamichi River Wilderness is T natural biological and physical processes are 10,819 acres of diverse geological formations z Plan your route, check the weather, and allowed to proceed with little or no human and vegetation The area encompasses the be reasonable about driving and trail intervention. headwaters of the Kiamichi and Mountain Fork distances. Many kinds of developed and dispersed Rivers as well as several mountains like Pine and z Remember to tell someone your plans. recreation experiences are available to you in Wilton. The area is accessible by several roads: z Dress appropriately for the season. Talimena Scenic Drive (Oklahoma Highway 1), Take a light jacket and rain gear even U.S. Highway 259, Oklahoma Highway 63, and during warm months. Forest Road 514. The Ouachita National Recreation Trail traverses the Upper Kiamichi z Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable River Wilderness, providing the forest visitor the for the activity you have selected. opportunity to experience wilderness in overnight z Bring drinking water and high-energy snacks. backpacking or hiking trips. Wilderness registers In remote areas these are not are located at each of the main access points and readily available. Don’t drink from trailheads, located at the stateline, Pashubbe, streams or springs unless you first Kiamichi River crossing and Horsepen. properly filter and treat the water. (adjacent map) z You may be traveling along rural back roads. Make sure you have plenty of Big Creek in gasoline. Bring a flashlight for those the Black Fork Mountain Wilderness unexpected emergencies. z Store food in proper containers. Pack out all trash and don’t feed bears or other wildlife. z If you leave your vehicle unattended, store valuables out of sight and lock the doors. z Cell phone reception is very spotty. Leave No Trace Enjoy your visit to the great outdoors. “A wilderness, Travel and camp in contrast with with care. Practice those areas where these Leave No Trace ethics: man and his own zPlan ahead and prepare. works dominate the zTravel and camp on durable surfaces. landscape, is . . . zDispose of waste properly. an area where the earth and its zLeave what you find. community of life zMinimize campfire impacts. are untrammeled zRespect wildlife. by man, where man zBe considerate of other visitors. himself is a visitor who does not remain.” For more information on Leave No Trace from the Wilderness (LNT), call 1.800.332.4100 or visit the LNT Act, 1964 website at www.lnt.org/

3 4 ri o Name Trail No. Washington, D.C. Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). To print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA’s communication disabilities who require alternative means for prohibited bases apply to all programs.) Persons with orientation, and marital or family status. (Not all sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual activities prohibits discrimination in all its programs and USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. R1192 TR-1 TR-9 11.2 TR-7 TR-6 TR-5 TR-4 TR-3 TR-2 rocky; may include stream crossings. Mostly 20% grade or steeper; Difficult footing; may include stream crossings. Less than 20% grade; rocky, uneven Moderate Less than 8% grade/fairly smooth surface Easy The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the basis of race, color, national origin, Recreation Area Ouachita National Mountain TopTrail (3) Billy Creek (3) Kerr Arboretum Horsethief Spring Old Pine Trail Cedar Lake Equestrian Winding Stair Old Military Road Boardstand of program information. (Braille, large 20250-9410 or call 1-800-795-3272 Length 0.9 to up to up to 10.0 23.1 1.7 7.0 8.0 0.6 0.8 0.7 0.4 2.9 77 . User Talihina 271 63 271 Rating Point of Interest Campground/Recreation Area Ranger Station Visitor Center Federal Highway State Highway Trail Unpaved Road Paved Road — west end Visitor Center Station Ranger Kiamichi 271 63 Road Trail Old Military National Recreation Area W State Park Talimena 271 Road Old Military 6010 indin 1

Pond Boney Ridge Holson Valley Road Valley Holson 6010

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e r Monument Stateline Choctaw Nation Arkansas 23 miles To: Mena 5 any years ago, one of the Ouachita Keeping wild bears wild depends on YOU! he Ouachita Mountains provide National Forest’s goals was to By following these precautions, you can help diverse habitat for a variety of M provide habitat for black bears. keep the forest safe for both your family and the T wildlife. In the Winding Stair NRA, there Today, the forest and the Winding Stair NRA bears: are a variety of species of birds, fish, and mammals. are home to a growing population of black z Secure all food, toothpaste, soap, Wildlife is managed by the USDA Forest bears. Over this same and trash when not in use: hang them Service and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife period, the number by a cord 10 feet above ground and Conservation (ODWC). Hunting of human visitors has 4 feet from the nearest tree trunk and fishing regulations are set by the ODWC. increased dramatically. or limb; store them in odor-proof Never White-tailed deer and Eastern wild turkey are The result? More containers inside a vehicle; store them the most popular hunting species. Squirrel and close encounters in bear-proof food storage bins. Feed between humans rabbit are also hunted in the appropriate season. and bears. z Do not cook or store food in or near Hunting is permitted anywhere Bears have a your tent. in the national forest except within developed the keen sense of smell z Do not pour cooking grease or throw recreation and are attracted by food scraps on the ground or in fire sites or odors. Once they rings. otherwise Hunting posted Bears! taste human foods, z Pack out all trash or dispose of it in a areas. & Fishing they begin to lose their bear-proof trash can. Do not bury or The wild instincts. They try to burn it. stop searching for healthy wild foods and lose southeastern area of Oklahoma is known for its their natural fear of humans. Bears may even z If a bear approaches you, frighten it catfish, bass, and crappie fishing. These species, become aggressive. If that happens, they may by yelling, banging pans together, or as well as a variety of perch, can be found have to be removed from their home. throwing rocks. in the many local rivers and lakes. Some of these are stocked by ODWC while others thrive in their REMEMBER — natural state. The most popular fishing areas in and near the A FED BEAR IS NRA include Sardis Lake, Wister Lake, Cedar A DEAD BEAR!! Lake, Bony Ridge Lake, and Crooked Branch Lake. You must have a valid Oklahoma license and appropriate permits to hunt or fish in the Ouachita National Forest in Oklahoma, and you are responsible for knowing the hunting and fishing regulations and seasons. For a copy of Oklahoma fishing and hunting regulations, contact your nearest ODWC or Forest Service office.

Do you like to fish for bass, Visit a sunfish, or catfish in a warm-water pond in a Lake wooded setting? Or do you just like to relax near water and watch Nature Watch Tips dragonflies and other aquatic life? Join us at one of these forest ponds or lakes: Let Animals Be Themselves Be Easy to Be With z Resist the temptation to “save” baby z Make yourself as small and unassuming as Crooked Branch Pond - This 17-acre pond animals. The parents are usually watching from possible. is a great place to wet your hook for bass, a safe distance. z Move like molasses -- slow, steady, and sunfish, or catfish. The pond is stocked each year z Let animals eat their natural foods. You’ll learn smooth. with catfish. Fish often hide around a lot about an animal by watching what it eats. z Avert your gaze. Animals may interpret a the standing dead timber, large brushpiles, and z Savor the experience of being in an animal’s direct stare as a threat. earthen jetties created for fish habitat. Nestled home. inside the Well Hollow Walk-In Turkey Hunting Think Like An Animal Area, the lake is a haven Stick to the Sidelines z Figure out the best time of day for viewing by for many species of wildlife. z Use binoculars or zoom lenses to get that imagining an animal’s daily schedule. When Bony Ridge Pond - At 2-acres, this pond is close-up view. does it feed, nap, bathe, drink? Dusk and small in size but big in fishing opportunity. z Give nests a wide berth. Your visit could lead dawn are usually good bets. It is a great area to fish (plan to catch native fish a predator to the nest or cause the z Take note of the season and decide whether such as catfish, a variety of sunfish, and bass), or parents to leave, exposing eggs or young the animal will be looking for a mate, feathering just spread out a picnic and relax in a peaceful to the elements. its nest, fattening for the winter, or preparing to forest setting. Brushy areas near the dam offer migrate. Come to Your Senses the best potential for large catches. Fade Into the Woodwork z Make “mule” ears by cupping your hands Cedar Lake - This lake is one of the crown around the back of your ears to amplify natural z Walk softly. Try not to snap twigs. jewels of the Winding Stair Mountain National sounds. z Wear natural colors and unscented lotions. Recreation Area. With an amethyst lake in an z Look for out-of-place motions and shapes. z Try not to cast a shadow. emerald forest, those in search of The flight of a bird stands out against a a scenic and unique experience find it at Cedar backdrop of summer leaves. The horizontal Lake. Plan to catch enough fish for shape of a deer stands out in the mostly an evening fish fry, or as you hike the Old Pine vertical forest. Trail around the lake, look for wildlife such as z Look above and below you. Animals occupy white-tailed deer, raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, niches in all the layers of a habitat. otters, and maybe even a bear.

6 Squirrel JUST FOR KIDS! A.

Footprint Fun! When animals walk they leave footprints, just like you do! Since many animals are secretive and some are active only at night, you are more Opossum likely to see their footprints, or tracks, than the animals themselves. B. See if you can match the drawings of the animals on the right with their tracks on the left. (Tracks are not to scale).

Just list your answers below! A.E. Turkey C. B. F.

C. G.

D. H. A. Opossum, B. Otter, C. Squirrel, D. Skunk, E. Deer, F. Fox, G. Turkey, H. Raccoon H. Turkey, G. Fox, F. Deer, E. Skunk, D. Squirrel, C. Otter, B. Opossum, A.

Deer D. Nature’s Nook - Find the hidden words ORNOWLXZAM O O S E B E

Fox CITOOBRYNO R M O S Q U E. HVLROEACIU A X F C F A IERKDANJMN C P O J D E

Otter PRALPVGIAT C T R O U T F. METREEEQLA O B E P I N UARPCRROII O O S D B E Raccoon G. NHAWKFDENN N G T T K R KYCLELTRNF E R N R E C Skunk BRYNRUSMGL A C K B E R H.

ANIMAL INN BOG FERN MOSQUITO RACCOON TROUT BEAR CHIPMUNK FOREST MOUNTAIN RANGER WOODPECKER BEAVER DEER HAWK OWL RECYCLE BLACKBERRY DEN MOOSE PINE TREE RIVER

This is how a tree dresses. Name the layers of the tree trunk.

• Phloem A. ______• Heartwood B. ______• Bark C. ______• Cambium D. ______

• Sapwood E. ______A. Heartwood, B. Sapwood, C. Cambium, D. Phloem, E. Bark E. Phloem, D. Cambium, C. Sapwood, B. Heartwood, A.

7 Nature’s Calendar

January May September The familiar courtship “coo” of mourning The mountains sing with warblers and Kettles or spiraling flocks of migrating doves can be heard on warm days. other migratory birds that arrive to hawks, vultures, and other raptors riding spend the summer and raise their young. the thermals can be seen from mountain White-tailed deer shed their antlers. They include the yellow-throated warbler, peaks. Black bear cubs are born. black and white warbler, northern parula Wildflowers in bloom include golden Owls begin nesting. warbler, Kentucky warbler, hooded rod, cardinal flower, and blazing star. warbler, wood thrush, ovenbird, red-eyed vireo, yellow-throated vireo, indigo White-tailed bucks lose velvet on their February bunting, scarlet tanager, and Louisiana antlers. Salamanders migrate to ponds to mate waterthrush. Sumac changes to scarlet red and burnt and lay eggs. orange. Blooming wildflowers include penstemon, Red maple trees and spicebushes bloom. Venus’ looking glass, skullcap, phlox, and Wood ducks begin nesting. larkspur. October Young opossums leave their mother’s Blackgum, maple, and sweetgum trees March pouch and ride on her back. show early color. Redbud, serviceberry, and wild plum Silverbell, fringe tree, mulberry, and Crickets chirp their last song of the begin to bloom, along with spring beauty, mountain azalea are flowering. season. bloodroot, and several species of violets. Tortoises cross the road during these Acorns mature. Animals such as Spring peepers (tree frogs) begin calling wetter months. squirrels, chipmunks, and bear are to harbor in springtime. storing food for the winter. Turkeys begin to gobble and whippoorwills June Lakes and ponds are stocked with catfish. begin to call. Kid’s Fishing Day is held on the first or Monarch butterflies migrate south to Snakes begin to emerge from winter dens. second Saturday in Talihina or at Wister Mexico and the Caribbean Islands. State Park. A mountain’s elevation affects fall April Young turkeys learn to fly. foliage. Can you see a line between the summer and fall colors on Winding Stair We celebrate Earth Day on April 22. Chiggers are out! Mountain? Winter birds begin migrating south; Blackberries and blueberries are ripening. transient birds that are passing through The intermittent glowing of lightning include Tennessee black-throated green bugs can be seen at dusk. November and yellow warblers. Fall asters and goldenrods continue to bloom. Flowering dogwood trees, redbud trees, July and woodland wildflowers begin to Autumn leaves often reach peak color bloom. Look for fire pink, Indian pink, Wildflowers in bloom include butterfly within the first two weeks of November. trout lily, penstemon, trillium, crested iris, weed, black-eyed Susan, and purple wood sorrell, and lady slipper. coneflower. December Wasps and hornets begin nesting. Hummingbirds feed on jewelweed, Winter birds present include dark-eyed bee-balm, and trumpet creeper. Monarch butterflies migrate north to juncos, white-throated sparrows, northern breeding grounds. Mating season peaks for black bears. harriers, yellow-rumped warblers, and golden crowned kinglets. Blackberries will be blooming by late At dusk, bats feed on insects. April. They grow almost everywhere it Eagles soar over is sunny. August forest lakes. The forest floor is covered with blooming lady’s tresses, jo-pye weed, sunflowers, asters, and white crownbeard. United States Department of Cicadas serenade at night. Agriculture Celebrate Smokey Bear’s birthday on the Forest Service 9th.

For More Information, Contact:

Choctaw Ranger Office For more information on nearby attractions, Poteau Chamber of Commerce 52175 U.S. Hwy 59, Hodgen, OK 74939 restaurants, and lodging; communities of 201 S. Broadway Phone: 918-653-2991 Heavener, Talihina, and Poteau; or Queen Poteau, OK 74953 (located 9 miles south of Heavener Wilhelmina State Park on Talimena Scenic Drive, 918-647-9178 on Hwy. 59 near Holson Valley Road) contact area chambers of commerce. Email: [email protected] Kiamichi Ranger Office P.O. Box 577, Talihina, OK 74571 Heavener Chamber of Commerce Talihina Chamber of Commerce Phone: 918-567-2326 501 W. First Street P.O. Box 548 (located 3 miles north of Talihina Heavener, OK 74937 Talihina, OK 74751 on State Hwy. 271) 918-653-4303 918-567-3434 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]