Redbud Valley Nature Preserve Hike (Special Event)

Alright everyone I am really excited about this event. The Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is one of my most favorite places to visit... I used to go hiking here many times every year since I was a little kid!

Unfortunately, during COVID the park became too popular and suffered damage from the visitors and since it is legally a Nature Preserve they permanently shut Redbud Valley down with the exception of every once in awhile they will open for special weekends to pre-registered guests.

I saw today that the last weekend in Nov will be one of these special openings and there is no way I can pass up visiting here, so let's make an event out of it!

Note: You *MUST* pre-register with Oxley Nature Center in order to attend! Make sure you select the Nov 30 Morning time period! Registration can be completed here: https://tulsaparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=2407. Tickets are by vehicle so please try to car pool if possible!

Note: The trails are somewhat rugged with walking up hill and through large rocks. Please keep in mind your activity level limits!

Official Press Release:
SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY: Redbud Valley Nature Preserve hiking by reservation, (one weekend only)!
November 29 and 30, 9:00 a.m. – noon or 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

We are so happy to offer hikes at Redbud the weekend after Thanksgiving! We are sending this registration link out to ONCA members before the hikes are publicized, so if you plan to register please do so before November 4. Signing up allows you to bring one car; Please indicate the number of people in your group and do not sign up each person individually. Make sure you select your preferred date and time slot, and give us a call at the Nature Center if you have any questions. https://tulsaparks.recdesk.com/Community/Program/Detail?programId=2405

Redbud Nature Preserve Closure - (Original Closure Press Release)
On, August 30, 2021, the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve was closed to the public. The closure will now last until at least 2024. The growing popularity of the preserve throughout the pandemic had increased foot traffic, as well as instances of vandalism, damaging the environment and the ecosystem. The Nature Conservancy gifted the Preserve to the City of Tulsa in 1990. It is managed as part of the Oxley Nature Center. A preserve prioritizes the protection of the land and ecosystem over public access and recreational use. As part of the agreement with The Nature Conservancy, the city is required to protect the land and the wildlife who inhabit the area.

In 2021, the Redbud Valley Preserve suffered great ecological damage and vandalism. The ecosystem is still healing. Our new name (Redbud Valley Ecological Preserve) is a reflection of what Redbud Valley Nature Preserve historically has been and what we hope it will be again for future generations.

The ecosystem is still recovering at Redbud so for the foreseeable future it will need to remain closed to the general public in order to protect the land. We know that you all love Redbud Valley, so we hope to have occasional specialty guided tour events in the future. Please watch the Oxley Facebook page and monthly emails for announcements.

I look forward to seeing everyone there!
Ryan D