The Oka' Institute

08/12/2026

07/21/2026

On Saturday, The Oka’ Institute was proud to participate in Gathering Place’s Route 66 Festival by hosting the "Mother Road Underground" activity table!

Water has always been essential to the communities along Route 66. While rivers and streams are easy to see, the groundwater beneath our feet has quietly sustained generations by providing reliable water for drinking, agriculture, industry, and community growth.

Festival attendees explored the connection between geology and water through interactive, hands-on activities, including:
💧 Aquifer in a Cup
🪨 Mineral, rock, and fossil dig
🌎 A demonstration showing how water moves through different geologic materials

It was a fantastic day connecting with the Tulsa community, celebrating the legacy of Route 66, and sharing the important role groundwater plays in our everyday lives. We were also excited to highlight the work of The Oka’ Institute and East Central University’s Water Resources Policy and Management Master of Science program.

07/15/2026

Leadership extends beyond the workplace, and we're proud to see two members of the Oka' Institute team serving our community in new ways.

Congratulations to Genan Westmoland, who is serving as President of the Lions Club of Ada, Oklahoma, and Mason Martinez, who is serving as President of the Ada Sunrise Rotary.

Their commitment to service, collaboration, and community leadership reflects the values we strive to uphold every day at the Oka' Institute. We look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make throughout the coming year.

Congratulations, Genan and Mason! 👏

07/13/2026

From the classroom to the field, learning comes to life. 🌿

The Oka’ Institute recently welcomed researchers, students, land managers, and conservation partners for our Land Stewardship and Field Research Workshop. Through hands-on demonstrations, expert presentations, and collaborative discussions, participants explored practical, science-based approaches to sustainable land management and environmental stewardship.

Read more about the workshop and its impact: https://www.okainstitute.org/post/oka-institute-hosts-land-stewardship-and-field-research-workshop-to-advance-sustainable-land-manage

The Oka’ Institute at East Central University recently hosted the Land Stewardship and Field Research Workshop, bringing together experts, researchers, land managers, tribal partners, and community leaders to explore innovative approaches to land stewardship, ecosystem monitoring, and sustainable ...

07/07/2026

Healthy grasslands support wildlife, strengthen rural communities, and sustain productive working lands.

Woody encroachment is one of the greatest threats to our rangelands, reducing forage production, displacing wildlife habitat, and impacting grazing operations. In 2022 alone, the Great Plains lost nearly 12 million tons of forage to woody encroachment.

Learn more about this often overlooked challenge and why protecting intact grasslands matters by watching this informative video: https://youtu.be/UvrnuI6xxkk?si=zDGQlz1QHuzSxj0G

North America’s grasslands, one of the world’s most important and d...

07/06/2026

Investing in the next generation of water and environmental professionals starts with creating opportunities for hands-on learning and meaningful connections.

On June 26, the Oklahoma Ground Water Association's Young Water Professionals group, in partnership with Associated Environmental Industries (AEI), hosted its inaugural Young Professionals Field Day in Purcell, Oklahoma. The event provided students and early-career professionals with valuable field experience, networking opportunities, and direct engagement with industry experts.

We are especially proud that Oka' Institute team members Lauren Haygood and Mason Martinez serve as the President and Vice President of the Young Water Professionals group, helping lead efforts to support and develop Oklahoma's future environmental workforce.

Read more about this successful inaugural event and its impact on the next generation of water professionals: https://www.okainstitute.org/post/supporting-the-next-generation-of-water-professionals-through-hands-on-learning

06/22/2026

Registration is now open for Oka Con'26! 🎉

Join us October 15–16, 2026, in Ada, Oklahoma for the John and Kay Hargrave Water Sustainability Conference as we celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Oka' Institute at East Central University.

Oka Con brings together Tribal Nations, community leaders, researchers, students, landowners, agency professionals, and industry experts to explore the future of water sustainability, land stewardship, innovation, and collaboration.

✅ Registration is FREE
🍽️ Meal tickets available separately
🤝 Networking opportunities
💧 Water sustainability discussions
🌱 Land stewardship and conservation topics
🎓 Research and educational sessions

Be part of the conversation and help shape the future of Oklahoma's natural resources.

Register today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-john-and-kay-hargrave-water-sustainability-conference-tickets-1988514411133?aff=oddtdtcreator

06/17/2026

At The Oka’ Institute, partnerships are at the heart of everything we do. Community development is more than a project but it’s a long-term commitment. From identifying needs and pursuing funding opportunities to implementation and long-term sustainability, our team is proud to work alongside communities every step of the way.

We’re grateful for the opportunity to support and collaborate with communities like JCRWD #3, Wynnewood, Byng, and the Southern Oklahoma Development Association (SODA). Together, we are building stronger infrastructure, fostering resilience, and creating lasting impacts across Oklahoma.

Thank you to our community partners for trusting us to be part of your journey and success.

06/16/2026

The Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer is one of Oklahoma's most valuable natural resources, providing drinking water, supporting local economies, and sustaining unique ecosystems across south-central Oklahoma. As discussions continue around groundwater management and non-coal surface pit mining, understanding the policies that guide these decisions is essential.

Our latest article explores the history, science, and legislation surrounding groundwater policies related to non-coal surface pit mining within the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer and why these issues matter to communities that rely on this critical water source every day.

Read the full article below.

As a federally and state-designated sensitive sole-source groundwater basin, the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer (ASA) is the subject of major concern regarding overdraft and the impacts of potential contamination and has been given several legislative protections to address these concerns. In 2003, Oklaho...

06/15/2026

2016-2026

10 Years of Research
10 Years of Partnerships
10 Years of Stewardship
10 Years of Impact

Join us for Oka Con'26 as we celebrate the past, recognize the present, and look ahead to the future.

📅 October 15–16, 2026
📍 East Central University