Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, located in northeastern Oklahoma, covers an extensive area of native tallgrass prairie, a landscape once dominant in the central United States but now reduced to a fraction of its original size. The preserve is primarily managed by The Nature Conservancy and spans over 39,000 acres of rolling hills, tall grass, springs, and wetlands. The area's ecological importance lies in its role as one of the largest protected remnants of North America's tallgrass prairie ecosystem. Visitors to the preserve have the opportunity to observe large herds of free-roaming American bison, which were reintroduced here to help restore the prairie landscape. The prairie supports an impressive variety of flora, including native grasses that can grow over six feet high during peak season, as well as wildflowers, such as coneflowers and prairie clovers. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot species such as prairie chickens, deer, coyotes, and numerous bird species integral to the prairie ecosystem. Recreational opportunities center on hiking and wildlife viewing, with several nature trails meandering through the diverse habitats. The preserve is also a prime location for photography and educational outings focused on prairie ecology and conservation. The land has a rich human history, from its use by Indigenous peoples to cattle ranching in the late 19th and 20th centuries. Today, it is a notable example of conservation success, where active land management techniques such as controlled burns and bison grazing maintain the ecosystem’s health. Visitors are drawn by the expansive views, seasonal wildflower blooms in late spring and summer, and the chance to experience the natural quiet of one of America’s most imperiled grasslands.
