10/19/2026
What began as one family's vision has grown into a lasting legacy of conservation in Oklahoma.
As we celebrate 40 years of The Nature Conservancy in Oklahoma, we're looking back at the people, places and partnerships that have helped shape our conservation story.
In 2000, John T. Nickel and his family donated land from the historic J-5 Ranch in the Cookson Hills, helping establish the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve.
Over the years, the preserve has grown to approximately 17,500 acres, protecting one of the largest intact landscapes in the Oklahoma Ozarks. And there's plenty to celebrate beyond its size!
🦌 In 2005, elk were reintroduced to the preserve after being absent from the Oklahoma Ozarks for more than 150 years, marking an important milestone in restoring native wildlife to the region.
🐻 Black bears have also returned to this landscape as habitat has improved. The preserve is home to nearly 600 documented plant species and a variety of resident and migratory birds.
🌿 Through a partnership with the Cherokee Nation, bilingual trail signs featuring English and Cherokee syllabary help visitors connect with the ecological and cultural significance of plants found at the preserve.
In 2025, the final piece of the preserve was acquired, marking another milestone in a conservation effort that began 25 years earlier.
Today, J.T. Nickel stands as one example of what 40 years of conservation in Oklahoma has made possible, and how the generosity and vision of people who care about nature can leave a lasting impact for generations to come.
📸: Harvey Payne
