September Wild Side Update

Explore Oklahoma's Public Lands

Oklahoma has a strong legacy of private land ownership, but our state also has a number of public lands to explore, hunt, fish, and enjoy! In celebration of the upcoming National Public Lands Day this September 28, we’ve compiled a list of resources to help you discover Oklahoma’s natural world.

Picture your fall outdoor adventure on public lands

Species Spotlight:  Prairie Lizard

Though the name implies these lizards are found primarily in prairie habitats, the prairie lizard can in fact be found throughout the state. These common lizards take on slightly different colors and patterns in different regions, but are primarily gray to brown, with lighter color stripes running down the back and part of the tail. Prairie lizards can be active in our state during any month of the year, but are most active from March through October.

Learn more in the Wildlife Department's Online Field Guide

Walkingsticks...in the Wild and at Tulsa Zoo's WildLIFE Trek

Oklahoma is thought to have at least eight species of walkingstick, including one of the most common walkingsticks in North America. Tulsa Zoo zookeeper Aaron Goodwin introduces the northern walkingsticks in the WildLIFE Trek exhibit. 

Learn more about this recognizable and fascinating species

Monarch Migration Activities Planned 

The Wildlife Department’s Hackberry Flat Center near Frederick will be dedicating the first seven days of October to migrating monarch butterflies. “We’ll be tagging monarchs during our morning activities and watching the butterflies come to a roost in the evenings,” said Melynda Hickman, biologist for the Wildlife Department. “There will be several chances to join us throughout the week.”

Get activity details

315 Acre Wildlife Viewing Area in Jackson County

Southwestern Oklahoma’s shrubby habitat offers unique wildlife watching prospects, and enthusiasts can explore the Eldorado Walk-in Area year-round for the region's reptiles, birdlife and other wildlife. This property was leased by the Wildlife Department's Oklahoma Land Access Program to provide additional wildlife viewing opportunities on private lands. Hunting is not allowed on this OLAP area. 

Get directions and entrance information

Calendar of Events

Wildlife Expo

Sept. 28th and 29th
Lazy E Arena, Guthrie

Monarch Watch

Oct. 1 - 2 and 4 - 7
Hackberry Flat Center, Frederick

BioBlitz! Oklahoma

October 4 - 6
Sequoyah State Park, Hulbert

Oklahoma Ornithological Society Fall Meeting

October 25 - 27
University of Oklahoma Campus, Norman

The Wild Side e-newsletter is a project of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's Wildlife Diversity Program. The Wildlife Diversity Program monitors, manages and promotes rare, declining, and endangered wildlife, as well as common wildlife not fished or hunted. It is funded in part by sales of Wildlife Department license plates, publication sales, and tax checkoff dollars. 

wildlifedepartment.com

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