Redbud Valley Nature Preserve

I love going for a walk in the woods.  I can think of no better way to spend a beautiful afternoon than to be outside getting lost in nature - especially this time of year.  After the dreary winter months it is so uplifting to see the trees budding out and everything turning so green.  It’s like a salve for my soul.   

As most of you know, I’m a big, big, fan of Turkey Mountain.  It’s less than 5 minutes from my front door and you can get lost for hours on the numerous trails.  But every now and again I like a new adventure.  This past Saturday I packed my passport and bottle of water and headed east, way outside of my comfort zone.  My destination was the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve.  Located about 3.5 miles north of I-44 (just past the Hard Rock Casino), the Redbud Valley Nature Preserve is tucked away just off the blacktop road.   

Redbud Valley was originally purchased by The Nature Conservancy in the late ‘60’s in an effort spearheaded by Dr. Harriet Barclay, a professor at TU.  She subsequently worked with the now-defunct Tulsa Tribune on a fund drive in order to raise the necessary money to repay The Nature Conservancy.  The property was maintained by TU until 1990, when the area was transferred to the City of Tulsa.  It is now operated as part of the Oxley Nature Center in cooperation with The Nature Conservancy.   

One of the more fascinating things about Redbud Valley is the different terrains you are exposed to – from woodlands to desert like terrain to prairie grasses – all within a one-mile loop.  And I haven’t even mentioned the caves.  The valley is ringed by towering limestone cliffs and over the years, the water cutting through the limestone has created some of the most amazing caves and overhangs you will find in the Tulsa area.  It’s really very stunning!  And to think all this natural beauty is just minutes from downtown.  Amazing!!



The boardwalk

On my recent outing I took the low trail.  This is a super easy walk along a boardwalk.  I kid you not; they have installed an actual boardwalk through the woods.  It was so incredibly peaceful.  At the end of the boardwalk, I turned and headed up the rocky cliff.  Although it was a bit steep, it was a super easy climb.  The views from the top are breathtaking.  You overlook the entire valley, including a pond.  As you continue to scale the bluff, you come out at the edge of the cliff wall and walk alongside some of the most amazing caves.  Along this path you’ll cross a natural spring, flowing out of the rocks.  The sound of the water gurgling over the pebbles and stones – I really could have just sat there for hours. 

Continuing along the same path, I made my way to the top of the bluffs and found myself on the high plains area.  I couldn’t believe how much the landscape changed in just a few steps.  From lush, green woodlands to dry prairie grasses, in just the blink of an eye.  Along this section of the trail there were tons of yucca plants and cacti, typical of the dry prairie habitat.

 

Exposed tree roots.

 

The walk is such that it could take you as little as 30 minutes or as long as the day – depending on how long you linger and enjoy the natural beauty. 

 

In addition to the trails, you will find a visitor’s center and the most helpful volunteers you can imagine who will patiently answer every one of your ridiculous questions.  FYI – also in the visitor’s center you will find the skeleton of a snake (ewww – “shudder”).  Adjacent to the visitor’s center is a pavilion with restrooms and a picnic area.  And for those of you who enjoy geo-caching, it’s an official geo-cache location – cache name Redbud Rocks. 
 

If you find yourself with some free time, especially in the next few weeks as the trees continue to bud out – pack a bottle of water and get outdoors.  Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons, especially in Oklahoma.  Not counting the whole allergy thing.  For more information, visit http://www.oxleynaturecenter.org/redbud.htm.