Martin Park Nature Center
Oklahoma
County
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From the 1986 edition of A Guide to Birding in
Oklahoma published by the Tulsa Audubon Society, and partially
updated in 2007.
North of Lake Hefner about
2 miles and located on the south side of Memorial Road just west of the
intersection of Meridian and Memorial is the city-owned Martin Park
Nature Center. This 140-acre tract is largely grasslands, drained by
three generally all-weather streams. These streams are bordered by a
natural growth of mature and second growth trees and brush attractive to
migrating and nesting land birds and to wintering birds.
A Prairie Dog town is in
the park and efforts are currently underway to establish Burrowing Owls.
Great Horned, Barred, and Barn owls nest in the park. No venomous snakes
live in the park. The annual rainfall is considerably less than that
which falls on Tulsa; as a result Martin Park's poison ivy does not grow
as prolifically and the populations of ticks, mosquitoes, and chiggers
are not a problem. One of the most notable plant species in the park is
the bur oak. The acorns from this tree are as large as chicken eggs.
The interpretive building
houses informative exhibits maintained by the staff for teaching adults
and youngsters about the local wildlife. A series of hiking trails
leading through the various habitats acquaints the visitors with some of
the exciting discoveries beyond our dooryards. A naturalist and an
assistant naturalist are employed at the park. There is no charge for
admission or for the Nature Center's programs.
Outside the nature center,
3.5 miles of hiking trails curl through woods and grasslands. One
graveled trail is wheelchair accessible. Other trails are of gravel and
packed soil, containing short stretches of moderate slopes and
occasional steps.
Martin Park, 5000 W.
Memorial Road, may be reached via I 240 north to Northwest Highway 3 and
north on McArthur to Memorial. From Tulsa the turnpike ends at I 35, 1
mile south of Memorial Road. Proceed north on I 35.
The park is open from
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and closed through the
Christmas holidays. |
