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Upcoming Events

Check here for The Nature Conservancy's Oklahoma Chapter Events


Planned Spring Workday Dates

March 11th - Roadside Cleanup

April 15th - To Be Determined

May 6th - Morning Roadside Cleanup & afternoon hike

Details to follow

Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

Karen Cruce & Margret Rylko
Workday Coordinators






Past Events

If you have photos or descriptions of past docent events that could be posted on this page, send them to the webmaster on the contacts page.


October 15th, 2022

Fall Roadside Cleanup

The roadside cleanup held on Saturday, Sept. 24th, saw only two people show up, but we were able to drive all the roads and pick up all the noticeable trash. The afternoon was pretty warm, but it was still a great day to be at the preserve. Wish more of you could have been there to help.

Our next workday is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 15th. We will be shoring up some washouts with gravel on part of the hiking trail that runs along the creek. We really need some extra hands (and strong backs) for this job. Even if you don't think you carry buckets of gravel, you can help spread the gravel once it is dumped. Please bring shovels, rakes, gloves and buckets. Also, pack a lunch and bring plenty of water. We will start at 10am and finish by 4pm. Remember, friends and family are welcome to join us. Hope to see you there. Thanks, Karen Cruce & Margret Rylko Workday Coordinators






March 6th, 2021

2021 Spring Road Cleanup

2005 docent lunch

Cindy Quinnett

2005 docent lunch

Steve Cruce, Margret Rylko, Keith Judkins, Valerie Judkins, & Dave Rumfeltd. Not pictured: Karen Cruce)

We had an absolutely beautiful day to be at the Preserve to clean up our roads on March 6th. Seven people participated in our roadside cleanup and we were able to gather all visible trash from all the roads. The bison were extremely nice to our visitors because I think the whole herd was either on the roads, by the roads, or visible from the roads across the Preserve. I talked to one visitor for about 15 minutes as she approached me as I was picking up trash. She was totally amazed at all the bison and was asking questions about them, the preserve and the flowers. After answering her questions, I asked where she was from and she said Vancouver, Canada. Of course I asked how she heard about us and she informed me that she was with the production crew for the filming of "Killers of the Flower Moon"; She is one of the costume designers for the movie. She was explaining about having to make all the costumes because of the time period of the movie. Quite an interesting conversation.

My thanks go to those docents (and spouse) who helped pick up and fill the many bags of trash: Keith & Valerie Judkins, Dave Rumfeltd, Cindy Quinnett, Margret Rylko, and Steve Cruce.

Karen Cruce Workday Coordinator


October 17th, 2020

Docent Workday - Road Cleanup

2005 docent lunch

Five people showed up for a roadside cleanup on Saturday, October 17th, at the preserve. We picked up several bags of trash, but not near as much as we normally do. I'm not sure if people were not littering as much, or if some of our wonderful docents were picking up trash on their own. Anyway, thanks for all your help.

Pictured above are: Margret Rylko, Jan Goodwin, Grant Johndrow, and Steve Cruce

Karen Cruce, Workday Coordinator


March 7th, 2020

Docent Workday - Road Cleanup

2005 docent lunch

Twelve people gathered at the JHW Tallgrass Prairie Preserve on Saturday, March 6th, for our Volunteer Workday picking up trash along the roadside. The weather was sunny, the wind was blowing, but we were successful in gathering a truckload of trash.

I want to thank all the volunteers who came to help - Dave Rumfeldt, Dexter Bolin, Keith & Valerie Judkins, Margret Rylko, Steve & Pam Belzer, Raymond "Cap" Hurlbutt, Cindy Gambil, Rebecca Renfro, and Steve Cruce. Your help made the job go smoothly and quickly.

Karen Cruce, Workday Coordinator

2005 docent lunch


February 7th, 2020 and February 15th, 2020

2020 Docent Update Meetings

This meeting is for all returning docents as well as our 2020 class of new docents. Although the meetings are not mandatory, you are encouraged to attend one of the meetings, so you will be updated on any news concerning the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve & the Visitor Center before our season begins March 1 - in particular the new point-of-sale system to be used for Visitor Center sales.

Please RSVP to me, Cinda Benton, by email (cindabenton@yahoo.com) or text to my cell (817) 269-7333. I need to know which day you will attend.

Note: if your email address doesn't have your name in it, please be sure to put it in the body of the email so I know who you are! Also, same if you text me. Remember if your number isn't in my cell, I don't know who the # is from.



Friday, February 7th, 10am - 4:00pm in the Research Building at TGP

Our guest speakers will be:

Mr. Bob Hamilton - TGP Director

Garrett Hartness - Osage County Museum



Saturday, February 15th, 10am - 4:00pm in the Research Building at TGP

Our guest speakers will be:

Mr. Harvey Payne - TGP Community Relations Coordinator

Garrett Hartness - Osage County Museum



Light refreshments will be served starting at 9:30 a.m. Bring your own lunch. We need to know how many to expect at each meeting since the room is not large enough for our whole group to attend the same meeting.






October 12th, 2019

Fall Roadside Cleanup

Our annual fall roadside cleanup is scheduled for Saturday, October 12th at the Preserve. We will meet at 9:45 am at the Visitor's Center and we will finish no later that 4:00 pm. Please bring plenty of water and a sack lunch as we will be eating our lunches on the porch of the Bunkhouse.






February 1st, 2020

New Docent Training class

The New Docent Training class for 2020 will be held on February 1, 2020, at the Research Building. February 8, 2020, will be the inclement weather backup date.






March 9th, 2019; April 13th, 2019; and May 4th, 2019

Docent Work Days

Work day events will run from 10 am to 4 pm. We ask that people show up by 9:45 am at the Visitor's Center. Everyone needs to bring plenty of water and a sack lunch, and wear appropriate clothing. Trash pickup days will include trash bags and buckets, but people will need to bring their own gloves. The other workday job is unknown at this time and we will let everyone know what else to bring when we get closer to the date and know what the job will be.

Roadside cleanup
Saturday March 9th, 2019
(great way to see new things at the prairie
and help clean up the prairie as our visitor center gets underway)

Saturday April 20th, 2019
For our workday, we will be pulling up fence posts and perhaps taking down barb-wire at the south end of the Preserve. If you have any fence-pullers they would be very helpful. Wire cutters, pliers, buckets and shovels may also come in handy so please bring them if you can. Be sure to bring a good pair of gloves, and be aware that there will be no restroom facilities available except for the nearby trees. Even if you think you will not be able to remove any fence posts, we can still use your help to help carry them to the place where we will be stacking them.

Please meet at the stone monument at the south end of the Preserve by 9:45 am. Bring plenty of water and pack your own lunch. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and don't forget the sunscreen, a hat and bug spray. We will be done no later than 4pm. You are welcome to bring family and friends, but we all will need to sign a Liability Release form which will be available that day when you check in.

Roadside cleanup
Saturday May 4th, 2019
Our next workday is Saturday, May 4th, and is coming up fast. If you plan on attending, please meet at the Visitor's Center by 9:45 that morning. Bring plenty of water and pack your own lunch. We recommend that you wear sturdy shoes and long pants, and don't forget the sunscreen, a hat and bug spray. Also, don't forget your camera for the afternoon hike.

Our morning will be spent picking up trash along the county roads so also bring gloves. Buckets, grabbers, and trash bags will be provided. We will meet back at the Visitor's Center around noon where will eat our lunches on the porch of the Headquarters Building.

After lunch, we will take a hike somewhere on the preserve that normally is not open to the public. We should be finished no later than 4:00 pm.






January 17th, 2019 and January 20th, 2019

New Docent Informational Meetings


Bartlesville Public Library
Thursday, January 17th from 7-8 pm
Conference Room C (downstairs)

Hardesty Public Library - Tulsa
Sunday, January 20th from 2-3 pm
Maple Room




February 2nd, 2019

2019 New Docent Training

2019 new docent training classes will be held on Saturday, Feb. 2nd from 10 am to 4 pm. Light refreshments will be served starting at 9:30 am and attendees will need to bring a sack lunch. The meeting will be at the Research Center and there will be signs directing everyone to the correct place. The room has also been reserved for the following Saturday, Feb. 9th, as a backup date in case the 2nd is a snowed out.






February 15th, 2019 and February 23rd, 2019

2019 Docent Update Meeting

This meeting is for all returning docents as well as our 2019 class of new docents. Although the meetings are not mandatory, you are encouraged to attend at least one of the meetings, so you will be updated on any news concerning the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve before our season begins February 1.
Please RSVP to me, Cinda Benton, which day you would like to attend by email (cindabenton@yahoo.com) or call my cell (817) 269-7333. Note: if your email address doesn't have your name in it, please be sure to put it in the body of the email so I know who you are.

Friday, February 15th - 10am-3:30pm in the Research Building at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Our guest speakers will be: Mr. Harvey Payne with Q&A following; and Kelly Bland, Executive Director of the Osage County Museum.

Saturday, February 23rd - 10am-3:30pm in the Research Building at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Our guest speakers will be: Mr. Bob Hamilton with Q&A following; and Kelly Bland, Executive Director of the Osage County Museum.

Light refreshments will be served starting at 9:30am Bring your own lunch.

We need to know how many to expect at each meeting since the room is not large enough for our whole group to attend the same meeting.






October 20th, 2018

Docent Workday - Road Cleanup

2005 docent lunch

Docent Seed Collection Workday - 2015

We will clean up the county roads in the preserve.

Watch this space for further details.




September 29th, 2018

Docent Workday - Fence Removal

2005 docent lunch

John Joseph Mathews Cabin

Six people showed up on Saturday, September 29th, for our fall work day on the Preserve. We spent the day taking down 5 strands of barbed wire and rolling it into manageable bundles to be picked up later by one of the cowboys. The fence was about 3/4 of a mile long, so we were pretty tired by the time we completed our task. Unfortunately, we didn't have the time (or energy) to remove any fence posts, but we enjoyed our day and it definitely was a great day to be outside. Pictured below is our crew. From left to right: Cloyd Cravens, Grant Johndrow, Tommy Ross, David Rumfeldt, Dave Dolcator, and Karen Cruce.




2018 Docent Workday

2005 docent lunch

Docent Workday 2018

A small group of dedicated docents showed up on Saturday, April 14th, for the work day at the preserve.

We cleaned up some trash near the east gate first and then went to the Mathew's cabin and cleaned up around there. We ended up getting about two pickup loads of trash picked up around the cabin. We had a trailer to put the trash on that we picked up at the east gate area.

Those who helped are: Cloyd Cravens, William Schmidt, Margaret Rylko, Steve Cruce and Karen Cruce (not pictured).




2018 Reorientation Sessions

2005 docent lunch

Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Research Center

Two reorientation sessions have been scheduled for Saturday, February 17th and Friday, February 23rd. These provide for an update of information from the last year at TGP and provide a chance for docents to visit with many of the others. Light refreshments will be available at 9:30 in the Research Station, and the meeting will begin at 10 am and be over by 3 pm. Docents need to bring their lunch to the session. The session is not required for docents to be active, though it does provide a good refresher and catch those attending on some of interesting things and changes at the prairie. And it is always fun to catch up on the lastest with your docent friends.

NOTE

Due to a scheduling conflict with Chief Standing Bear, we are moving up the start time for the February 17th reorientation meeting. As some of you may not know, Chief Standing Bear is in the midst of a reelection campaign and the Osage Nation has scheduled a debate for that afternoon for all candidates. Therefore, Chief Standing Bear and Raymond RedCorn (who is also coming with him to speak and also campaigning) will be our morning presentation. In order to give them ample time with us before they need to head to Skiatook, we are moving up the start time for our meeting from 10:00 am to 9:15 am. We will still have refreshments available starting at 8:45 am.

If you have already signed up for the 17th, but would like to change to the 23rd because of the time change, please let me know. I will accommodate you if at all possible. This time change only affects the meeting on the 17th and not the 23rd. The Feb. 23rd meeting is still scheduled to begin at 10:00 am.




New Docent Sessions and 2018 New Docent Training

2005 docent lunch

Docent Reorientation Session

Informational Sessions in Tulsa and Bartlesville are being held for people interested in becoming a docent. The Tulsa session is held Sunday, January 14th at 2-3 pm at the Hardesty Library (8316 E 93rd St, Tulsa, OK 74133 - located just northeast of the Memorial Street Creek Turnpike intersection.)

The Bartlesville session is held Tuesday, January 16th at 7-8 pm in the Bartlesville Public Library (600 S Johnstone Ave, Bartlesville, OK 74003.)

These are optional and for people that want to sign up without attending, click here for complete information.




November 12th, 2017

2017 Docent and Staff Cookout
by Lucy Weberling


Save the date (November 12th, 2017) for a docent and staff cookout at the prairie. Dexter will be doing the chili, docents bringing side dishes / deserts, and music by InDocent Exposure.

Watch this space for more information.


2017 Docent Work Days
by Lucy Weberling

Docent Seed Collection Workday

Docent Seed Collection Workday
by Dave Dolcater


May 6th - One half day road clean up and hike: Clean up - 10am - 12pm, hike - 1pm - 4pm ish

October 8th - Fall road clean up - 10am - 4pm

October 21st- Fall work day.


The work day will be at the Dry Creek restoration site, west of HQ in the bison unit, with Bob Hamilton being our guide for the project. The team will leave the visitor center at 10 am and return during the noon hour. Bring a lunch and relax with the team after we have completed our project.

We will be doing two things: collecting and then spreading native seed in the stream remediation area, and stacking native stone in erosion-prone sites. This will be a low-tech, hands-on work project. Bring buckets, work gloves, pocket knife, drinks, snacks, sunscreen and insect repellant. Long pants and sturdy shoes would be appropriate, and some buckets can be provided at the visitor center if you don't have them. Physical exertion should be low to moderate: about 1 mile of hiking across the prairie to collect and spread seed, and moving and stacking of moderate-sized stone - folks can pick what they would like to do.


May 13th, 2017
7: a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Introductory Birding and Field Observation

2005 docent lunch

Nick Del Grosso is leading an introductory birding and field observation hike that is open to all docents, departing at 7am from the Visitor's Center on Monday, 15 May 2017.

During the hike, Nick will share his expertise and guide the group around the local headquarters area and along the nature trails, enabling participants to gain practical experience observing and identifying birds.

Bring binoculars if you have them, a canteen of water, and be prepared with insect repellent, appropriately dressed and shod. Expect to be out for up to four hours though you are free to depart at any time.




Fall Work Days at the Tallgrass Prairie
by Dennis Bires

2016 Docent Paint Day 2016

Docent Paint Day Spring 2016
by Dave Dolcater


To take full advantage of mild autumn weather, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve will host two Fall Work Days for Docents and friends of The Nature Conservancy:

1. Bison Corral Painting: Saturday, September 24, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
A good chance to splatter some old clothes you don't much like anyway. Bring along lunch and a water bottle, and meet at the Preserve Visitors Center at 10:00. We have all the paint and equipment. Our agenda will be to complete the steel pipe fence we worked on last spring near the Bison Corrals.

2. Roadside Clean-Up: Sunday, October 9, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Note the change in date from 10/08/2016 to 10/09/2016

Bring lunch and rugged footwear, and assemble at the Visitors Center at 10:00 for equipment and assignments. We'll gather for lunch at noon on the Bunkhouse porch and imagine it's 1925 and we're Chapman-Barnard Ranch cowboys in for some grub.


October 8th, 2016
noon till 5:00 p.m.

Potluck Cookout at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

2005 docent lunch

Docent Lunch in 2005

We have divided up the list of Docents into the following categories according to populous: Last names:
  • A thru D - Main dish (meat, casserole, etc.)
  • E thru I - Salads (green salads, cole slaw, bean salads, fruit salads)
  • J thru M - Side dish (vegetables, potatoes, corn, etc.)
  • N thru R - Appetizers (carrot sticks, pickles, cheeses, olives, etc.)
  • S thru Z - Desserts!! (yum yum)
For the potluck we will supply tea, water and coffee. If you prefer something different, please bring your own drink. Also, please bring any outdoor games or prairie-related artwork, poetry, etc. which you think would be fun and/or educational to share. InDocent Exposure will provide live music; and hopefully, we will have folks dancing.


This event will be held at the picnic grounds next to the Research Center.

Please, please please RSVP (texts are fine and actually preferable)
as to whether you are coming or not by Monday September 26. to:

Cinda Benton - 817-269-7333 or Lucy Weberling- 918-633-8890





August 28th, 2016
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Docent Social Hour


Hors D'oeuvres, tea, lemonade, water and wine at Barbara Bates' home: 4142 E. 48th Street, Tulsa, OK 74135. Barbara has a nice swimming pool, so bring your suits.

Please, please please RSVP (texts are fine and actually preferable)
as to whether you are coming or not by Friday 8/19 to:

Cinda Benton - 817-269-7333 or Lucy Weberling- 918-633-8890





Save the Dates - Spring Tallgrass Work Days
by Dennis Bires

2016 Docent Paint Day 2016

Docent Paint Day 2016
by Dave Dolcater


On Groundhog Day this month, Punxatawney Phil did not see his shadow, so spring is just around the corner. Mark your calendars for the following Spring Work Days at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Docents and friends are all invited.

Saturday, March 12, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Prairie Road Crew
Pack a lunch and head for the wide open spaces to prepare the Preserve county roads for the spring tide of visitors. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. for equipment and instructions to clean up a winter's worth of roadside litter.

Saturday, April 16, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Spring Painting Work Day
Meet at the Visitor's Center for supplies and directions for a corral-and-cattle-guard painting day. Bring a lunch and be sure to wear clothes you don't care much about.

Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - Prairie Road Crew Plus
This is our traditional half-day roadside cleanup, followed by an after-lunch hike! A great time of year to see the Prairie bursting with new growth.


Thursday, May 5th, 2016
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Docent Council Meeting

Sunset on the prairie

Sunset on the Prairie
by G. Pierson


A Docent Council Meeting is scheduled for May 5, 2016 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Maple Room at the:

Hardesty Library
8316 E 93rd St
Tulsa, OK 74133

which can accommodate up to 70 people. Since we have such a large group of docents, please let Kay Krebbs know if you plan to attend: via email at kkrebbs@tnc.org or via telephone at 918-855-7189.


Docent Reorientation 2016
by Karen Cruce

Sunset

Harvey Payne speaking at a reorientation session


It's that time of year again and the opening day for the Joseph H. Willliams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is fast approaching. Before the season begins, we will again be holding two informational sessions for all docents to get an update of what's been happening out on the prairie. All docents are encouraged to attend at least one of the meetings which will be held on the last two Saturdays in February (Feb 20th and 27th). The meetings will be at the Research Center and will run from 10:00 am to about 3:00 pm. Coffee and a few snacks will be provided starting at 9:30 am. Pack your own lunch and come see what Harvey Payne has to say on Feb. 20th, and Bob Hamilton on the 27th.

Please e-mail Karen Cruce at karate4kix@yahoo.com or phone her at 918-440-1893 or 918-440-1893 and let her know which meeting you plan to attend.

Thank you!!!!


Volunteer Docents Needed for
The Nature Conservancy's Joseph H. Williams
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Visitor's Center
(north of Pawhuska)

Informational meetings will be held on:
Sunset


Tuesday, January 12
Bartlesville Public
Library, 7:00 p.m.
Upstairs Conference Room

and

Sunday, January 17
Hardesty Library, Tulsa
2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Fossard Auditorium


Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Docents share information with visitors from all over the world who visit The Nature Conservancy's ecosystem restoration project north of Pawhuska. The new docent training begins February 6 in Bartlesville with additional training on site.

Examples of Other Docent Experiences:
  • Stunning prairie setting for volunteer opportunities
  • Opportunities for field classes and guided hikes in non-public, unique landscapes.
  • 3-day minimum volunteer time at the Visitor's Center
Potential docents, who are unable to attend one of the meetings, should contact Kay Krebbs, Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Docent Coordinator, 918-855- 7189 (email kkrebbs@tnc.org), by January 18 to enroll.

See: http://www.tgpdocents.com/docent/ for additional docent information.


Visitor Center Redesign Brainstorming Session

Session 1
September 12, 2015 - 10:00 AM - 12 PM
TGPP Research Center classroom


Participants: Dr. Bob Pickering, TU Museum Science and Management program graduate students, TGPP docents, Nature Conservancy staff and invited guest, Frederick Drummond

Definition of the project: just the interpretive center or the entire interpretive program? Both?

Goal: To develop ideas for the renovation/enhancement of the Interpretative center at TGPP

Activities:

1. What is your one wish for the TGP?

2. What are the three things you'd change right now?

3. SWOT
  • Strengths
  • Weaknesses
  • Opportunities
  • Threats
4. Audience definition
  • Who is coming now?; how do you know?
  • What does the audience want? How do you know?
  • Returning visitors?
  • Visitor satisfaction surveys?
5. Are all audiences equal as a priority?



Session 2
October 31, 2015 - 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM
Gilcrease Museum, Tulsa
Jackson Seminar Room
Helmerich Research Center
(new building, south of main museum)
Parking is in front of research center


Agenda for Brainstorming with participants: Dr. Bob Pickering and TU program graduate students, TGPP docents, Nature Conservancy staff, and invited guest, Frederick Drummond

  • Review of report from Session 1
  • Recommendations for specific changes
  • Budget, timetable


Saturday, September 19th, 2015
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew Work Day

The Bison Loop

The Bison Loop


Docents and friends are all invited to meet at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19 for our fall litter cleanup of the Preserve's county roads. Please bring your lunch - we will head to the Bunkhouse porch at noon to eat and chat. The Work Day will end at 4:00 p.m. Perfect weather is anticipated.

Dennis E. Bires


Saturday, March 14, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew

Tallgrass Prairie


Once again it is time for some outdoor spring cleaning at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. All Docents, prospective Docents, and friends are invited to take in some warm breezes and spring wildflowers while beautifying the prairie landscape.

Prairie Road Crew - Saturday, March 14, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Please assemble at the Visitors Center for equipment and instructions for removing a winter's worth of litter along the gravel roads on the Preserve. Bring your lunch for the noon break on the Bunkhouse porch.

Dennis E. Bires



Saturday, October 11, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew

Tallgrass Prairie


Dennis E. Bires Just in time for 25th Anniversary events at the Preserve the following weekend, an intrepid crew of Docents and like-minded friends will make sure the interior County roads look their best. Assemble at the Visitors Center Saturday, October 11, at 10:00 a.m. for equipment and instructions, or just start clearing litter from your favorite stretch of road when you arrive. Be sure to break to the Bunkhouse porch for lunch at noon (please bring your own). The afternoon work session will end at 4:00. Thanks!

Dennis E. Bires



Saturday, September 27, 2014
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Painting Work Day

Tallgrass Prairie


Dennis E. Bires Docents and friends will gather on Saturday, September 27, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to paint pipe fence and cattle guards on the Preserve. Bring a lunch, wear old clothes, and the Staff will provide the rest. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10:00 and we will caravan to our site. Be ready to be impressed at the visual impact of our work, and the practical rust prevention benefits too.

Perfect weather is planned!


Spring Work Days in the Tallgrass

Tallgrass Prairie


All Tallgrass Prairie Docents and friends who have experienced cabin fever during this cold winter will want to come out this spring for our optional outdoor work days. There is no need to bring along bottled water and granola snack bars, as those will be provided.



Saturday, March 1, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew.

March will be coming in like a lamb this year, so we plan to clear roadside trash from the Preserve roads the same day the Visitors Center opens. Bring along your lunch, and we will make a fun day of it.



Saturday, April 19, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Fence Pulling Work Day.

Mathews' Cabin


Fireplace in Mathews' Cabin

Docents seeking vigorous outdoor activity are welcome to join another Fence Pulling Work Day on Saturday, April 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The wooded vicinity of the Florence Jones homestead will be our venue for removing old wire fence. No prior experience is required. Bring along work gloves and tough work clothes, as well as wire cutters and a T-post puller if you have one.

Volunteers will meet at the gate to the Florence Jones Ranch, just 100 yards south of the cattle guard at the South Entrance to the Preserve on the road from Pawhuska. Any latecomers can drive in on the ranch lane - just close the gate behind you.

Contrary to prior announcements, it will not be necessary to bring your lunch, because lunch will be provided at New Docent Training that day at the Research Station near the Visitors Center beginning at 11:30. Those who have enjoyed Ann Whitehorn's homemade desserts will affirm that it will be worth the drive to join the festivities at midday.

Work Day volunteers will have an opportunity to visit the cabin of Osage historian John Joseph Mathews near our worksite. As on a prior Work Day, we may even flush a covey of the descendants of the quail Mathews and his hunting dogs pursued in the 1930s and 40s.




Note: change of date from May 10 to May 3


Saturday, May 3, 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew

From 10:00 until noon, we will drive the Preserve roads, removing any accidentally dropped beverage containers. This is a bring-your-lunch event, as the Docent Cookout will be held on April 19 to coincide with both Docent Reorientation and our fence-pulling work day. Road Crew participants who want to take full advantage of early May prairie weather and wildflowers are encouraged to join an informal walk around the Prairie Earth Trail following lunch. Should be lovely.





Saturday, April 19th, 2014 - 9:30 a.m.

Docent Reorientation

Tallgrass Prairie




We will serve morning refreshments at 9:30am and begin at 10:00am.

Harvey Payne will be our guest speaker in the morning session. All docents are welcome to attend Harvey's presentation. The afternoon session will contain the same information as the February 22nd session so, for those who attended the February session, please feel free to leave when we break for lunch.

As always, bring your lunch if you plan to stay the day.

See ya' then. Let's hope for a beautiful, sunny Spring day.


Saturday, October 12th, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fall Painting Work Day

Tallgrass Prairie


Our Tallgrass Spring Painting Work Day was such a good time this year there has been lots of Docent demand for a Fall repeat event. Bob Hamilton and I have relented, and we are planning a cattle-guard-and-sign-post painting day for Saturday, October 12, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch at noon. That happens to be just days before the 20th Anniversary of the 1993 Bison Release, to be observed the following Friday. Expect lots of comments at that commemoration about cattle guards and sign posts.

Assemble at the Visitors Center, wear clothes and shoes you don't mind having smudged with paint (Rancho Red), bring along some lunch, and we will provide the rest. If there is a better place to spend a splendid October day than next to the waving tallgrass, we don't know what it is, so join us for a rewarding project.

Dennis E. Bires


Saturday, September 28th, 2013
11:00 a.m.

ANNUAL DOCENT APPRECIATION LUNCHEON - 2013

WOW! WHAT HAPPENED TO SUMMER? WE ARE INVITING ALL OUR PAST AND PRESENT DOCENTS TO THE ANNUAL LUNCHEON.

Whitetail on the Prairie


Annual Docent Appreciation Luncheon - 2011

It is once again time to get together to share our stories, receive a pat on the back, have a great lunch (I think from Bad Brad's) and hear another one of Harvey's great stories of the Osage. The date for this wonderful soiree is on Saturday, September 28. We are hoping to pull together a hike before lunch to work up an appetite. The hike would begin at 11:00 am with lunch being served at 12:00 pm. We don't know whether we will be at the Foreman's House or at the Research Building but I will let you know next month in the newsletter. Please RSVP to me by email (ams.springer@gmail.com) or cell number (918-214-6672) or to Kay Krebbs (918-855-7189). This Fall is going to be very busy at the preserve with a Fall Hike scheduled for October 5 and the 20 year anniversary celebration of the first bison release is scheduled on Friday, October 18. Docent Day at Roundup is scheduled for Saturday, November 2.

Please take the time to look at your schedule and the docent work schedule for September - December and sign up.

Anita Springer


Saturday, April 20, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew

Whitetail on the Prairie


Wet weather dampened the turnout for our March 9 Prairie Road Crew Work Day at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, so we are giving interested Docents and friends another chance to help make the county roads look their best this spring. On Saturday, April 20, a day when no rain is forecast, we will clear off the remaining half of the winter accumulation of roadside litter. Just meet at the Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. for equipment, or commence gathering trash at your favorite spot if you bring your own. Don’t forget to bring lunch for the noon break on the Bunkhouse porch. Work will end at 3:00 p.m. Thanks! Dennis E. Bires


Saturday, March 9, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Prairie Road Crew

Whitetail on the Prairie


Tallgrass Docents who have been anxious to step out in the wide open spaces have an opportunity coming up on Saturday, March 9. The first Road Crew clean-up of 2013 will begin at 10:00 a.m. at the Preserve Visitors Center. Equipment and instructions will be provided. Just bring a lunch, water bottle, and appropriate spring weather attire. Our job will be removing trash from the roadside, but bison viewing, bird watching, and wildlife track identification are inevitable distractions on these trips. Work will wrap up around 3:00 p.m. Thanks!


Saturday , February 2, 2013 or
Saturday, March 2, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Docent Reorientation

It's time to gear up for another year at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Visitor Center. Our first reorientation date is Saturday, February 23 and our second date is Saturday, March 2, with each session beginning at 10am. Please try to fit one of these days into your schedule. As always, bring a lunch with you. Coffee, tea and water will be furnished by the staff beginning at 9:30am. On Saturday, February 23, Harvey Payne will bring us up to date regarding the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve and The Nature Conservancy. On March 2, Bob Hamilton will be there with his "road show", which is always informative.


Saturday, September 22, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fall Work Day at the Preserve
Prairie Road Crew

Whitetail on the Prairie


What better way is there to enjoy comfortable fall weather than to venture out on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve for one of our fall work days? These are always a good time, and the satisfaction from a job well done is icing on the cake.

On Saturday, September 22, meet at the Tallgrass Preserve Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. for equipment and assignments on the Prairie Road Crew. Volunteers will beautify the county roads for the busy fall visitor traffic. Bring along a lunch for the noon break, and we will wrap up at 3:00 p.m. Pleasant weather guaranteed.


Saturday, October 13, 2012
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Fall Work Day at the Preserve
Paint the Corrals

The TGP Corrals


On Saturday, October 13, gather again at the Visitors Center at 10:00 a.m. to caravan to the Bison Corrals for some major painting. We have a discerning bison herd that prefers a neat-looking and well-preserved facility for its November Round-Up. As a side benefit of our work, the corrals will look great for the special visitors and media representatives who will be invited to Round-Up this year. There are few sights as satisfying as a freshly completed paint job on a sunny autumn day. Remember to bring lunch, and wear clothes that won't suffer from a few dark red smudges. All equipment will be provided. We will finish around 3:00 p.m.


Saturday, October 20, 2012
11:30 a.m.

Recognition Luncheon

Tallgrass Vista


Our annual Docent Recognition Luncheon will be held on Saturday, October 20, 2012. This is our annual "feed" at 11:30 a.m. Along with the great food, we will also be recognizing your dedication to the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. I'm sure that we all have stories to share from our time at the Visitor Center this year. I look forward to seeing everyone. Please RSVP by October 6 so we will know how much food to prepare (I think Peach Cobbler is on the menu). Bob Hamilton and Harvey Payne have graciously accepted our invitation.


Saturday, November 3, 2012
1:00 p.m.

Docent Day at the Roundup

Let Me Out of Here


Also, please note that Docent Day at the annual roundup is scheduled for Saturday, November 3, 2012. We will meet at the Visitor Center at 1:00 p.m. and caravan to the working pens from there. Don't forget to bring a jacket as it can be cool at that time of year.


Saturday, June 2nd, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Painting Work Day

Celestial Lily

Celestial Lily
by G Pierson

Docents and friends are invited to join a painting work day at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve on Saturday, June 2, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sorry, no portraits or landscapes, rather we will be painting the pipe signs that greet visitors near the south entrance to the Preserve, also the pipe barrier around the monument at that entrance, and the fence adjacent to the new cattle guard on the road to the nearby east entrance. All this will help make a good first impression for visitors to the Preserve.

Volunteers will meet at 10:00 at the south "monument" where the road from Pawhuska makes a "T". All equipment will be provided. Wear clothes you are not too fond of, bring a couple of water bottles, and bring lunch. We will seek out a comfortable shady spot for lunch, for which lawn chairs are recommended.


Saturday, May 19th, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Road Clean-up, Cookout, and Hike

Fall Color at the Tallgrass

Docent Hike
by G Pierson

Tallgrass Docents will not want to miss this year's Road Clean-up, Cookout, and Hike on Saturday, May 19, at the Preserve, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10:00 for equipment and assignments, or just start in on litter pick-up at a county road location of your choice.

At noon, be at the Foreman's (Stucco) House for our annual Cookout. Food and beverages will all be provided.



Then, at about 1:30 we will caravan by car to a group hike location on the Tallgrass Preserve. The hike will be off-trail but not strenuous. Be ready for possible muddy spots and rocky ground. The hike will conclude by 4:00 p.m.


Saturday, April 14th, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Buck Ranch Fence Removal

Fall Color at the Tallgrass

The Mathews Cabin
by G Pierson


All Tallgrass Docents are welcome to participate in another fence removal work day at the Buck Ranch site (also known as the Florence Jones homestead) near the southern boundary of the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve on Saturday, April 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. No expertise is require, just leather gloves, tough work clothes, and hardy outdoor shoes. Bring wire cutters if you have them.

Bring a lunch for the noon lunch break at the John Joseph Mathews cabin nearby. Those who attended our first Docent Reorientation session this year heard a fascinating account of the Osage Indian Mathews family and the tribal historian and novelist who resided there.

Volunteers will assemble at the ranch gate on the west side of the road from Pawhuska, just a few hundred feet south of the cattle guard at the south end of the Preserve at 10:00 a.m. on April 14.

Sunday, February 19th at 2 p.m. in Tulsa

Thursday, March 1st at 7 p.m. in Bartlesville

New Docent Recruiting

Barbara Bates has scheduled new docent recruiting in Tulsa at the Hardesty Library, Sunday, February 19th at 2 p.m. Bartlesville recruiting has been scheduled for March 1st in the meeting room A (upstairs) in the Bartlesville Public Library at 7 p.m. Please feel free to drop in at either of these events. Each of us has something to contribute to the recruiting effort.

Anita Springer

Saturday, March 3rd
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Tallgrass Preserve Roadside Cleanup

The roads on the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are getting a lot more traffic than usual due to the increased drilling activity on the preserve. The group picked up a lot of trash, but did not cover all of the roads, so there will be plenty for the next clean-up day (May 19th, 2012). Bud Lite was the winner of the day! The day was beautiful and we had a pleasant lunch on the porch of the bunkhouse. Dave Dolcater demonstrated his panoramic camera (click on the image to see a full size version). A good time was had by all!

Fall Color at the Tallgrass

Panoramic view of the road clean-up crew and the bunkhouse - click image to view
by Dave Dolcater




Saturday, February 18th or 25th, 2012
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Docent Reorientation

I hope everyone had a wonderful, relaxing holiday. We had a phenomenal 2011 at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Visitor's center. I personally want to thank everyone for their time in 2011. I am looking forward to this year and hope you are too.

It is time to think about the 2012 season at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. We have scheduled Docent Reorientation for two dates this year to accommodate as many schedules as possible. Please mark either February 18th at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. or February 25th at 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. I urge everyone to attend one of these sessions. It is our time to exchange experiences, ideas, talk about any changes, check and/or update your roster information and to sign a Liability Release Form.

I Look forward to seeing each of you this year.

Anita Springer

Saturday, October 29th, 2011 - 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Buck Ranch Fence Pulling Work Day

Fall Color at the Tallgrass

Fall Color on the Buck Ranch Road
by G Pierson


Four hardworking docents met at the Buck Ranch Road to remove some very old barbed wire fence. A new fence will be build this winter by TGP staff. We removed about a half mile of fence that had grown into trees, through brush and had been patched for years. It was hard work, but the day was beautiful, the fall color much better than we expected and a good time was had by all. We stopped by the site of the old ranch house and barn, which were burned and buried by TGP staff. It was hard to tell that anything was ever there!

Saturday, October 15th, 2011
10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Docent Recognition Luncheon

Tallgrass Docents

Tallgrass Docent Luncheon
by Dwight Thomas

The Docent Recognition Luncheon was held October 15th. About twenty five docents attended. The day was beautiful, the lunch delicious and a good time was had by all!