However, one resource is running out. And once it does, the very future of our city is at risk. Water is Oklahoma’s greatest resource. Without it, Oklahoma’s very way of life is threatened. Few Oklahomans alive today can remember what life was like for the Okies during the Dirty ’30s. Our only frames of reference […]
nature
Posted inArts & Culture
Nature Calls
Heading it is comedian Patton Oswalt (Young Adult), here doing a variation of his ever-reliable, ever-lovable teddy-bear character as Randy. A second-generation Scoutmaster of the Boy Scouts of America, he has inherited his father’s once-vibrant Troop 5516. Today, however, in an Xbox age, enjoying the great outdoors holds no appeal to most kids. As one […]
Posted inNews
Wildlife strife
The adamant opposition from Friends of Martin Park Nature Center stems from a proposal by nonprofit group Wilderness Matters, Inc., which seeks to add two new handicapped-accessible trails, a treehouse, a boardwalk across the lake and a sensory garden. The projects would require a large amount of construction and could destroy trees, rare plants and […]
Posted inNews
Oklahoma’s animal house
His response was lovely and instant: “I will be happy to pick up Dr. Rollin at the airport.” Bernard Rollin, Ph.D., is a serious animal ethicist from Colorado State University’s philosophy department. Cattle ranchers and animal-rights activists alike consider him a friend. The Kirkpatrick Foundation debuted its ambitious new animal initiative — to make Oklahoma […]
Posted inNews
Myriad Gardens is a dream come true
Now, after more than 40 years, I can breathe normally, thanks to the vision of another energy executive, Larry Nichols, whose determined efforts have allowed Mr. McGee’s audacious plan to be realized. Oklahomans are not by nature or history a patient people, and support for the realization of the vast potential of the gardens has […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Getting scrappy
Best of all, the dirty work is done for free by bazillions of invisible, bacterial workers that never take breaks, vacations or even ask for raises. The result is compost. “The value is black gold,” said Zitterkob, co-founder of Fertile Ground Compost Services with Craghead. At any given time, the duo has piles of what […]
Posted inNews
Made in the shade
And still others wake up to see a sloth swinging from a vine outside the window. Admittedly, this last group is small in number, but as Erica and Matt Hogan prove, its members are large in ambition. The Hogans live in the Costa Rica rain forest, where it is entirely possible daytime activities will include […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Earth-friendly
Kids and their families can enjoy earth-friendly seminars and activities, including crafts that involve using recycled materials, as well as creek explorations where children can net fish and other reptiles. Casey Lindo, naturalist for Martin Park, said that EarthFest is a great opportunity for children to get outside and explore. “It’s important for kids to […]