a future forNATURE AND PEOPLE

OKLAHOMA | 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW

2 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

DEAR FRIENDS

PLACES WE PROTECT

I hope your 2019 was a wonderful one! I’m excited to share our annual report with you, our amazing supporters. This document shares the stories of our collective successes over the past year – none of them would happen without your continued, generous support.

This year’s report theme is “a future for nature and people.” While the concept of conservation for the benefit of both nature and people is not new to 2019, the importance of the connections between the two is as important as ever.

With the hyper-fast pace of life, it is easy to miss the nature around us and its importance to us in our everyday lives. The connections to nature are many – the freshwater we drink, the food produced by native pollinators, the clean air around us – and yet they often go unnoticed and as a result underappreciated.

Cucumber Creek Preserve

3,629 acres

Boehler Seeps & Sandhills Preserve

484 acres

Hottonia Bottoms Preserve

980 acres

OKLAHOMA

Oka’ Yanahli Preserve

3,598 acres

Limited Access Open to the Public

Central Mixed Grass Prairie

Osage Plains/Flint Hills Prairie

Crosstimbers & Southern Tallgrass Prairie

Ouachita Mountains

Upper West Gulf Coastal Plain

Southern Short Grass Prairie

Ozark Plateau

Central Short Grass Prairie

OKLAHOMA ECOREGIONS

TNC PRESERVES

A part of our job at The Nature Conservancy is to make sure that the links between all of us and nature is touted far and wide. And that takes every single one of us; we can all make a difference by spreading the word about the importance of nature and therefore the conservation of the natural world. Without this knowledge, our society will become even farther removed from our roots in nature and will not comprehend the need for our wild places.

Thankfully, there are people like you that showcase these connections through the support of our work here in Oklahoma and beyond. Doing so sends a message in itself. That nature is worthy of our attention and respect for intrinsic as well as pragmatic reasons. Natural places are important.

A big thank you to all of you who help support our work every year and help spread the word about conservation. None of the work described on these pages would have happened without you. I look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events or at one of our amazing places; the places that provide for each and every one of us. Thank you for all you do to support conservation!

Cheers,

Mike Fuhr

OUR PRIORITIESA World Where Nature and People ThriveWe work to meet this ambitious goal by focusing on these key areas of conservation. Protect Land & Water Provide Food & Water

SustainablyTackle Climate Change Build Healthy Cities

E.C. Springer Prairie Preserve

40 acres

Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass

Prairie Preserve39,650 acres

Keystone Ancient Forest Preserve

1,276 acres

J.T. Nickel Family Nature & Wildlife Preserve

17,247 acres

Ozark Cave Preserves315 acres

Black Mesa Nature Preserve

1,660 acres

Four CanyonPreserve

4,050 acres

Pontotoc Ridge Preserve

2,860 acres

GRAZING LANDS We are protecting grasslands and advancing grazing practices that meet the needs of ranchers and wildlife in Oklahoma.

4 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

Farmers and Ranchers Helping Pollinators TNC and National Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) teamed up to provide educational and outreach opportunities to landowners and local communities to increase use of conservation practices that benefit monarch butterflies. In spring of 2019, TNC partnered with the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to launch a Habitat in a Pack program at producer-focused events statewide. In total, we distributed 85 pounds of seed to 340 attendees who each signed the monarch pledge and committed to planting the seeds – that’s enough to create 21,250 square feet of pollinator habitat!

Developing Resources for LandownersAs a co-founder and active member of the Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative, TNC assisted in the development of a Best Management Practices (BMPs) guide for monarch habitat on Oklahoma rangelands. These BMPs provide optional land management strategies to benefit pollinators via methods such as grazing, prescribed burning, brush management, forage harvest management, herbaceous weed control, and establishing monarch habitat through plantings.

Maintaining Resilient Native GrazersDespite droughts, chilling winters, and anything else Mother Nature sends their way, the resilient bison herd at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska continues to thrive. TNC reintroduced bison in 1993 at the Preserve as a critical part of the restoration of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. The herd was started with 300 bison and has since grown, more or less according to schedule – on average about 2,600 bison graze each year on 23,000 acres of the preserve. In 2019, an additional 1,200 acres was added to the bison unit, bringing the unit size up to about 24,400 acres (about 38 square miles). The bison unit now occupies about 61% of the 40,000-acre Preserve, and represents the largest and most aggressive attempt to restore the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

In November, the bison received a clean bill of health at the 25th Annual Bison Roundup. A total count of 2,577 bison, 708 of which were calves born in spring 2018, were gathered to perform various scientific studies and receive vaccinations to ensure the health of the herd. The calving rate increased to 76% from the previous few years in the 50-60% range, indicating potential improvement from the after-effects of the fall 2013 Mycoplasma bovis disease outbreak. A total of 705 surplus bison were sold in 2018. The roundup, which takes about a week, is the only time the bison are gathered and confined on the prairie.

6 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE OKLAHOMA 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 7

“For three years in a row we have seen an increase

in the severity of our fire season. We need to be thinking

about strategies now to help reduce this fuel load and protect

our farmsteads and rural communities from the danger of

wildfire. There are many ways to do this, but one of the most

effective strategies is to use prescribed fire on the land.”

JOHN WEIRAssociate Extension Prescribed Fire Specialist,

Oklahoma State University

Restoring the Prairie and ForestsFire is an important management strategy for many of our preserves. In fiscal year 2019, 25 prescribed burns were conducted on the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve near Pawhuska, covering 15,203 acres. In addition, the Tallgrass fire team assisted neighboring ranchers in burning 34,937 acres. The Tallgrass Prairie Preserve also serves as a rural fire department and has assisted in the control of 92 wildfires through the years.

At the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve near Tahlequah, a total of 2,345 acres were burned in fiscal year 2019. These prescribed fires were focused on forested areas, which can be difficult to burn. Weather and moisture are significant factors. In Ozark forest areas with steep topography, large fuel sources, and leaf litter, it can take weeks to dry out depending on how much rain an area received.

Fire Funds for Ozark Forests Revenue from TNC’s 2018 bison license plate sales were used to conduct critical stewardship and management activities at the J.T. Nickel Preserve. These funds will enable staff to use prescribed fire as a restoration tool in the Ozark forests, promoting biodiversity and ecological health. These funds will also contribute to our rigorous fight against invasive species on the preserve, helping to protect and promote native flora and fauna.

Wildfire WorkshopRecord-breaking wildfires have plagued the Southern Plains in recent years. Unusually wet summers combined with unseasonably mild winters have resulted in increased vegetative growth, creating the conditions for devastating wildfires. In an effort to help rural communities deal with these conditions, a wildfire suppression training class was hosted in Concho, OK. This workshop was designed to help landowners, local fire departments and community leaders consider prescribed fire as a tool to help reduce wildfire danger. Various community partners teamed up to make this happen including the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma, Redlands Community College, Oklahoma State University, USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub, The Nature Conservancy, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Prescribed Fire Council, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

WORKINGWITH FIRELow-intensity prescribed fires protect lives, homes and wildlife habitat.

OKLAHOMA 2018 ANNUAL REPORT 9

CONSERVING LANDS & WATERSAs demands on land and water continue to increase, we are expanding our efforts to protect nature by working with governments, corporations, local partners and you.

8 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

Preserving the Pristine Cucumber CreekCucumber Creek Preserve in far southeastern Oklahoma was initiated in 1989 to mitigate for loss of habitat for neotropical migratory birds due to natural gas pipeline projects. In 2019, an additional 358 acres was added to the preserve to mitigate for habitat loss of the northern long-eared bats. Now totaling 3,629 acres, these recently acquired lands are being conserved, in part, by funding and technical assistance made available to address potential impacts caused by construction and maintenance of Diamond Pipeline LLC’s Diamond Pipeline Project in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Cucumber Creek is a clear, high-gradient stream flanked to the north by Kiamichi Mountain and to the south by Blue Bouncer Mountain, and is home to the Ouachita Mountain Shiner, a fish found only in the Ouachita Mountains of Oklahoma and Arkansas. In collaboration with the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), TNC is completing a three-year macroinvertebrate study on Cucumber Creek. The study will determine if the creek still has pristine water quality based on the macroinvertebrate diversity and water quality that historically has been present in this stream.

Protecting Oklahoma’s Native SpeciesInvasive species harm Oklahoma’s native plants that support wildlife. They crowd out and can kill important species that provide carbon storage and habitat. And they can even increase the risk of wildfire. TNC practices a variety of methods - including prescribed fire - to control invasive species throughout the state. In the past year, staff and volunteers manually cleared and/or treated invasive species including eastern redcedar, honey locust, winged elm, osage orange, sericea lespedeza, and yellow bluestem on 120 acres at Pontotoc Ridge and Oka’ Yanahli Preserves in southern Oklahoma.

10 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

Mapping the FutureClimate change will alter the composition and distribution of plants and animals on the landscape. Facing this uncertain future, TNC is undertaking a continental-scale analysis to identify lands and waters that we expect to be resilient to climate change. Conserving these resilient landscapes and connecting them will be a primary focus of our conservation strategies as we move forward.

Guarding Sensitive Ozark CavesIn 1978, TNC began protecting its first cave in the Oklahoma Ozarks. Since then, TNC has purchased additional lands protecting other caves. These caves provide habitat for two federally-listed endangered species, the gray bat and the Ozark big-eared bat, the federally-listed threatened Ozark cavefish, along with the Delaware County cave crayfish and the Oklahoma cave crayfish. In 2019, the US Fish and Wildlife Service coordinated the installation of a cave gate at our Ozark Cave Preserves. This cave protects a maternity colony of the federally endangered gray bats – a species that relies on caves year round. The gate was installed to limit human traffic, while allowing bats to fly in and out of the site - ultimately protecting the bat colony from disturbance.

Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer Attracts Students From East AfricaTNC preserves serve as an educational tool to further conservation knowledge and practices worldwide. To learn about the importance of watershed management, students and visitors from Kenya explored tributaries of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer on TNC preserves in southern Oklahoma. The field trip was part of an international course on water resource policy and management by East Central University and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology in East Africa. Attendees hiked along the Blue River at Oka’ Yanahli Preserve and in the springs and caves at Pontotoc Ridge Preserve while learning from TNC staff about the importance of the Arbuckle-Simpson Aquifer, as well as the flora and fauna associated with this unique water resource.

CONSERVING LANDS & WATERS

OKLAHOMA 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 11

TRANSFORMING THECITY LANDSCAPEWith smart planning, science-based solutions and strong partnerships,we can make the green cities of tomorrow resilient, healthy & equitable.

Analyzing Urban HabitatTo determine the benefits nature provides to humans, scientists can perform an ecosystem services analysis on a piece of property and identify ways to improve habitat, water quality and water quantity. TNC recently completed an ecosystem services analysis for Hitachi Vantara in Norman on 66-acres of property. To perform the survey, staff used an application and web interface that creates future scenarios from the baseline data dependent on what the goals are for improving habitat. Hitachi learned that the property hosts a diversity of plant species and provides habitat for many animals like deer, pollinators, mammals, birds and turtles. Hitachi plans to implement employee educational outreach about properly maintaining vehicles to prevent leaks to improve the water quality coming from their parking lot. Additionally, they plan to plant more trees and are looking into installing additional rain gardens.

Communities Planting the Path for MonarchsFrom proclamations to innovative landscaping ordinances to environmental education programs, mayors and other local and tribal government chief executives in Oklahoma are taking action to help save the monarch, an iconic species whose populations have declined by 90% in the last 20 years. Cities, towns, counties, neighborhoods and homeowners associations all have the potential to create millions of acres of habitat for the monarch butterfly, native bees and other pollinators. Municipalities in particular can provide monarch habitat at public parks, median strips, community gardens and municipal buildings. Along with partners from the Oklahoma Monarch and Pollinator Collaborative, TNC and the OKC Zoo joined Oklahoma City’s Mayor David Holt in April as he signed a commitment for Oklahoma City to help save the monarchs and proclaimed April “Monarch Month”. From gardens at public libraries to monarch festivals and workshops, communities statewide are getting involved!

OKLAHOMA 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 312 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

“Being out in nature is like a huge playground. Our kids are constantly seeing and investigating new things,

which is a great educational classroom for them to

discover what’s around us.”

JEREMY TUBBSPreserve Director, J.T. Nickel Family Nature

and Wildlife Preserve

Raising Nature-Loving KidsParenting isn’t easy. There’s no manual. No procedural flow charts to follow. But for TNC’s Jeremy and Amanda Tubbs, parenting means sharing their love of the natural world with their two sons Tucker and Asher. In honor of Father’s and Mother’s Days, the Tubbs family shared their story about making nature a pillar in their lives at work and at home. For the Tubbs family, being outside deepens their relationship with each other, as well as the natural world they call home.

Connecting Elected Officials with ConservationAs part of our efforts to further conservation in Oklahoma, we’ve been building relationships with local and national leaders. In April, 11 staff and trustee Jenk Jones, Jr. visited with 26 state legislators on Conservation Day at the State Capitol. In June, two staff and trustee Larry Nichols, took the Conservancy’s collaborative message to our nation’s capital and met one-on-one with five of Oklahoma’s U.S. Congressional members. These meetings exemplify the Conservancy’s collaborative, non-confrontational approach to conservation.

OKC Beer Enthusiasts Seek Out Horny ToadsIn June, toad and beer fans packed COOP Ale Works in Oklahoma City for a showing of a documentary about the plight of the Texas horned lizard. “Where Did The Horny Toad Go?” is a documentary created by Oklahoma filmmaker Stefanie Leland. In addition to the film, attendees enjoyed special concoctions of Horny Toad Blonde Ale from COOP, as well as a panel discussion with Leland and TNC’s Chris Hise, Director of Four Canyon Preserve in western Oklahoma. Guests learned all about the unique features and behavior of the Texas horned lizard, as well as the importance of protecting their habitat.

Field Trips, Hikes, and Volunteering!Residents from all over the state trekked out to TNC preserves in the past year to connect with nature via birding, hikes, tours, and volunteer work days. From tours of the historic cabin of John Joseph Mathews at Tallgrass Prairie Preserve to cutting down invasive red cedars along the Blue River at Oka’Yanahli Preserve, more than 200 people joined in on the outdoor fun. In total, volunteers donated 482 hours statewide to help further our mission for nature. Additionally, 181 docents gave more than 6,200 hours of their time and energy helping out at the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.

INSPIRING PEOPLE FOR NATUREWe work to engage Oklahomans from all backgrounds with the science, solutions and wonder of nature.

OKLAHOMA 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 1514 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

27%

34%

WELCOME NEW STAFF

KATIE GILLIESDIRECTOR OF CONSERVATION, TULSA

What I love most about my job is giving others the opportunity to develop a connection to nature and to find value in these precious landscapes. I get to contribute to the larger, overall conservation mission but also nurture meaningful relationships that impact daily life. It’s a dream job for me.

STEPHANIE VOGELDONOR RELATIONS MANAGER, OKLAHOMA CITY

Conserving Oklahoma’s natural landscapes and wildlife for generations to come is incredibly important to me. I believe that nature feeds the soul, and I also believe each of us can help shape a future that values and protects our natural world. So for me it’s incredibly fulfilling to help donors who share this passion invest in TNC’s efforts to protect land and water and to help Oklahomans engage with nature across our state. Private gifts have the power to transform the TNC’s work by supporting scientific research, field studies and restoration projects that address ecological challenges and impact sustainability right here in Oklahoma. I feel lucky every day to be part of this inspiring organization!

JEANINE LACKEYBLUE RIVER ARBUCKLE PLAINS PROJECT MANAGERThe focused mission of TNC really hits home for me. This is the perfect opportunity to have positive impact on the land at a local and regional scale. My hope is to increase native biodiversity through the reinstatement of natural disturbance regimes including regular use of prescribed fire and grazing. I also want to facilitate connecting people to these incredible prairies, rivers, wetlands and open oak woodlands, on a personal level by hosting field trips, landowner demonstration trainings and workshops, and regularly scheduled volunteer work days. If people are not aware of what’s in their own backyard, why would they ever care about it?

These are unaudited financials for fiscal year ending on June 30, 2019 of The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma, a chapter of The Nature Conservancy. Audited financial

statements of The Nature Conservancy can be found at nature.org.

FINANCIAL OVERVIEW July 1, 2018- June 30, 2019

It is exciting to reflect how far we have come since our humble beginnings in 1986 as shown in this financial statement. These accomplishments would not have

been possible without your generous support - Thank You!

Dues and Contributions $2,137,030 Private Contracts/Mitigation $308,525 Government Grants $7,577 Investment Income $738,739 Other Income $2,075,087 Support from/(to) other TNC management units $25,500

Total Support & Revenue $5,292,458

Conservation Program Expenses $3,491,374 Conservation Land Aquired/Capital Expenditures $540,000

Total Conservation Activities and Actions $4,031,374

General and Administrative Expenses $375,279 Fundraising Expenses $658,647

Total Administrative & Fundraising $1,033,926

Total Expenses & Purchases of $5,065,300 Conservation Land & Easements

Net Result - Support & Revenue over Expenses & $227,157Purchases of Conservation Land & Easements

Conservation Land and Easements $52,035,878 Investments Held for Conservation Projects $3,238,154 Endowment Investments $21,628,793 Property and Equipment (net of depreciation) $2,745,227 Current Assets $93,957 Other assets $202,078

Total Assets $79,944,087

Total Liabilities $5,263,827

Total Net Assets $74,680,260

Total Liabilities & Net Assets $79,944,087

support & revenue

expenses & purchases of

conservation land and

easements

asset, liability & net asset

summary

dues & contributions by donor type

Foundations

Bequests

Individuals

Memberships

Corporations

20%

14%

11%

31%

24%

total programmatic efficiency

Conservation Programs

Fundraising

General & Administrative

77%

8%

15%

16 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

Anonymous (3)Dr. & Mrs. David BaileyBrandy M. BalniusDr. Susan C. Barber & Dr. David P. Nagle Jr.Reverend Brian BarkerMs. Judy BartoMr. Stan Beair & Mrs. Marva BeairLynn BelcherMr. Van BentonMr. & Mrs. Dennis BiresElizabeth & Brian C. BlancherMs. Belynda BlandMr. Bob BollingerMs. Kristy BooneMs. Jonni E. BoothMrs. Donna BoydDr. Kristy K. BradleyMiss D. P. BrownMs. Lisa A. BrownTeresa J. BrownMr. Robert Burkett & Mrs. Teresa BurkettSandie BusbyMrs. Rebecca Carlberg & Mr. Deane CarlbergDr. William A. CarterMrs. Karen Cruce & Mr. Steven CruceMr. Robert CurrinMr. Patrick DalyMrs. John DetrickLisa & Chad Dillingham*Mr. Doyle D. DowMr. Ford Drummond & Mrs. Vanessa Drummond*Ashley & Nicholas Dubriwny*Ms. Kimberly Elkin*Mr. Roy Fritze

Mr. & Mrs. Mike Fuhr*Dr. Pamela GenovaDr. Rose C. GideonMr. William GideonMr. George C. GillDr. Harriet GleatonMs. Amanda GordonMr. David GorhamMr. & Mrs. David HairstonMr. Rod Harwood & Mrs. Lisa HarwoodMr. & Mrs. Gerald Hatfield*Mr. Rudy J. Herrmann & Mrs. Deborah J. Herrmann*Mrs. Linda F. Quering-HillDr. Marielle Hoefnagels &Dr. Doug GaffinMrs. Helen L. HoffmanMr. & Mrs. Stephen B. Holton*Mr. Robert Horine & Mrs. Jan HorineMrs. Janet L. HotubbeeRon R. HuebnerMs. Deanne D. Hughes & Mr. Dow R. Hughes*Christopher J. HuntMr. Julius Johnson & Mrs. Caroline JohnsonMr. Jenk L. Jones, Jr.*Mr. Ron JonesW. Douglas JonesDr. Helen E. JordanDr. George H. Kamp & Mrs. Martha B. KampMr. David Key & Mrs. Lori KeyMs. Elise Kilpatrick & Mr. Gary KuckMr. Fred Kirk & Ms. Elaine SpencerMs. Barbara J. Klein

Ms. Mary KorthaseLeslie & Rick Kutz*Mr. & Mrs. William LaRue, Jr.Mr. Charles S. LewAllenMrs. Ruth M. LowellMs. Bernadine E. MadoleMs. Ardis A. ManningDr. Kurt J. Marfurt & Dr. Stephanie MarfurtMr. Stan G. MartinMs. Doris B. MayfieldMrs. Deirdre McArdleMr. & Mrs. Stephen C. McGuffin*Ms. Iris L. McPhersonGail MeredithMr. James N. Khourie & Ms. Wanda MeyerMs. Cindy Miller-HuffMr. James Mitchell & Mrs. Anita MitchellDr. David R. Morgan & Mrs. Carolyn MorganMs. Margaret K. MorhartDr. Beth MurphyMs. Cynthia A. NaylorMr. John T. Nickel & Mrs. Julie Nickel*Ms. Reatha OliverMr. Joseph L. Parker, Jr.*Ms. Peggy Ann ParkerCaroline & Guy Patton*Jennifer S. PayneMr. Martin E. PeersonMs. Robin S. PeronaMr. Allan W. PerryMrs. Elizabeth RasmussenMr. & Mrs. Sylvan ReynoldsMr. Bryan E. Reynolds & Mrs. Laura B. ReynoldsMs. Ruth E. Richards

George RiddleMrs. Nancy Rimassa & Mr. John RimassaDr. Henry P. RobersonMrs. Beth Rooney & Mr. Martin RooneyMr. Larry SandaMrs. Kimberly Schlittler & Mr. Bill SchlittlerMs. Connie L. ScothornDr. E. Nan ScottJohn & Rita Seldenrust*Mr. Aric Senters & Mrs. Brandee SentersMs. Paula SevierMs. Kathryn M. SiftarMr. Jeff SmailDr. Donna D. SmithMs. Debra A. SmothermanSusan & Larry SteeleRobyn C. StroupChris Suit & Sally Benfield SuitMrs. Carol H. Tillman & Mr. Roderick W. TillmanMr. Miles Tolbert & Mrs. Mary Tolbert*David E. TowersMr. Charles J. TransueAmanda & Jeremy Tubbs*Mr. Preston Van Hanken & Mrs. Barbara Van HankenDr. Stephanie J. Vogel*Ms. Mary E. VogtMs. Cherie WescottMr. Murrel B. Wilmoth Jr.Janet WilsonMs. Helen E. Wolford

* denotes trustee or staff

Gifts by beneficiary designation are among the simplest ways to include The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma in your long-termfinancial planning. When you name TNC as a full or partial beneficiary of your retirement fund, insurance plan, bank account or brokerage account, you ensure that your legacy will preserve Oklahoma’s natural resources for future generations.All you need to make a lasting gift is a change of beneficiary form from your plan administrator.

BENEFITS• Enables you to provide a larger gift than you might otherwise be able to make• Costs you nothing now• Does not require a visit to your lawyer• Helps you maintain control of your assets during your lifetime• Enables you to change your gift/beneficiaries at any time• Qualifies you for Legacy Club membership

meet our legacy club members

GET STARTED!For more information, contact

Stephanie Vogel, CFRE atstephanie.vogel@tnc.org

or (405) 445-5500.

THERE ARE MANY WAYS TO GIVE

let’s talk beneficiary designationcontinue the vision

JOIN THE LEGACY CLUB

CONNIE SCOTHORN, OKLAHOMA CITYI traveled to Africa in 2013 and marveled at the unspoiled open

land and free animals that remained. I wondered how long it wouldcontinue to be open and free in the years ahead. When I returnedhome two things happened: I read that The Nature Conservancy

was one of the best run non-profits in a magazine article. And, Ibegan doing estate planning, as recommended by my family. Those

things together led me to consider including TNC in my estate. Itwas much later that the importance of preserving land and animalsin my own state seemed as important. And so, my gift is designated

to be split between Africa and Oklahoma. In more recent years,I’ve learned more about TNC and some of the ways that they workto conserve and I am proud that I can be a small part of that. I like

that TNC will continue to preserve land, water and animals longafter I’m gone and I can’t imagine a better organization to support.

FRED KIRK AND ELAINE SPENCER, TULSAAs members of The Nature Conservancy, we are proud to support their efforts to protect and preserve the natural environment for future generations of all living things on our planet. On a personal level, we strive to “walk the talk” and live sustainably by not using pesticides or fertilizers, replacing turf grasses in our yard with native planting for wildlife habitats, and adopting a plant based diet. We hope this will be an inspiration to others as well.

The Legacy Club is a special group of supporters who have included The Nature Conservancy as part of their long-term financial planning. Whether by making a specific bequest, designating a

gift from an IRA or establishing an annuity or remainder trust, there is a vehicle to suit everyone’s circumstances. Legacy giving isn’t just for the wealthy; every gift makes a difference!

OKLAHOMA 2019 YEAR IN REVIEW 1918 A FUTURE FOR NATURE AND PEOPLE

EXECUTIVECOMMITTEEChairmanFord DrummondBartlesville, OK

Vice Chair,GovernanceBrian BourgeoisCollinsville, OK

Vice Chair,ConservationLeslie KutzArdmore, OK

Vice Chair,PhilanthropyChad DillinghamEnid, OK

MEMBERSJohn D. GroendykeEnid, OK

Mark HelmOKC, OK

Rudy J. HerrmannTulsa, OK

Steve HoltonPoteau, OK

Deanne HughesTulsa, OK

Jenk Jones, Jr.Tulsa, OK

John LindsayTulsa, OK

Neal McCalebEdmond, OK

J. Larry NicholsOKC, OK

John NickelTulsa, OK

Joseph L. (Jody)Parker, Jr.Tulsa, OK

Caroline PattonOKC, OK

John PoarchTulsa, OK

David RiggsTulsa, OK

John SeldenrustEdmond, OK

Miles TolbertOKC, OK

Usha TurnerOKC, OK

FOUNDERS

Dr. Jerry J. CrockettStillwater, OK

FrederickDrummondPawhuska, OK

Leonard J. EatonTulsa, OK

William G. KerrJackson, WY

John Kilpatrick*OKC, OK

Robert E.Lorton, Jr.Tulsa, OK

Frank A. McPhersonOKC, OK

George J. RecordsOKC, OK

C.J. (Pete) Silas*Bartlesville, OK

Dr. G. RaineyWilliams*OKC, OK

Joseph H. (Joe)WilliamsSpring Island, SC

*Deceased

STATE FIELD OFFICE, TULSA

Mike FuhrState Director

Katie GilliesDirector of Conservation

Ashley DubriwnyDirector of Operations

Nancy HatfieldAssociate Director ofPhilanthropy

Traci RostamoFinance Manager

Amanda TubbsOperations Specialist

Meghan RaleighPhilanthropy OperationsManager

OKLAHOMA CITY OFFICE

Steve McGuffinDirector of Philanthropy

Katie HawkDirector of Marketing andExternal Affairs

Melissa ShackfordDirector of Land Protection

Stephanie VogelDonor Relations Manager

Larissa BalzerCommunity OutreachCoordinator

FOUR CANYON PRESERVE

Chris HisePreserve Director

J.T. NICKEL FAMILY NATUREAND WILDLIFE PRESERVE

Jeremy TubbsPreserve Director

Jake BodleyLand Steward

Taylor DealeyLand Steward

PONTOTOC RIDGEPRESERVE

Jeanine LackeyBlue River Arbuckle PlainsProject Manager

Kimberly ElkinFreshwater ConservationProgram Director

Andy SchofieldLand Steward

Zach CastroLand Steward

JOSEPH H. WILLIAMSTALLGRASS PRAIRIEPRESERVE

Bob HamiltonPreserve Director

Harvey PayneCommunity RelationsCoordinator

Tony BrownAssistant Director ofScience & Stewardship

Kay KrebbsAdministrative Assistant

Carmon BriggsGuest Services Coordinator

Joe Bob BriggsRanch Hand

Kevin ChouteauRanch Hand

Perry CollinsRanch Hand

Eugene Big SoldierLand Steward

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

OKLAHOMA STAFF

$100,000 AND ABOVEChickasaw NationMr. John D. Groendyke and Mrs. Virginia GroendykeSunderland FoundationThe Helmerich Trust Dr. David B Waters Estate

$50,000 - $99,999ConocoPhillipsMs. Vera Gatch EstateH. A. & Mary K. Chapman Charitable TrustSarkeys FoundationStone Family Foundation

$25,000 - $49,999BancFirstCherokee Nation Business CorpDevon Energy CorporationDolese Bros. Co.David W. GorhamDavid and Kirsten GriffinKirkpatrick Foundation, Inc.The Pauline Dwyer Macklanburg and Robert A. Macklanburg, Jr. FoundationJanice and Michael TalbertWilliams Companies

$10,000 - $24,999AnonymousAbbott Dermatology, P.C.Bank of OklahomaBrian and Linda BourgeoisChesapeake Operating, Inc.Dobson Family FoundationE. L. & Thelma Gaylord FoundationDelores and Jerry EtterHelmerich & PayneRudy and Deb HerrmannDr. George and Martha KampMr. J. L. Nichols and Mrs. Polly NicholsElizabeth Y. NickelOGE Energy Corp. Foundation, Inc.Oklahoma Zoological SocietyCaroline and Guy PattonPaul E. Rowsey John and Rita SeldenrustSuperior Linen Service

The Anne and Henry Zarrow FoundationThe Conservation FundRobert and Mary Jane TritschUnit CorporationCharles and Renate WigginYOT Full Circle Foundation

$2,500 - $9,999K. S. Adams FoundationArvest FoundationBank of AmericaRoger and Susan BeyBrinkley Family FoundationCoca-Cola Southwest BeveragesCrowe & DunlevyDr. Paul and Adrienne Martin-DeAngelisDillingham InsuranceEnable Midstream PartnersEnvironmental Management, Inc.Kenneth and Susan FahrenholtzGroendyke TransportJulia L. HallMark and Roxanne HelmGary and Patty HimesDr. Marielle H. Hoefnagels and Dr. Doug GaffinCharles and Sharon JohnsonMr. Jenk L. Jones Jr.James and Melinda KempKatie L. Thomas and Richard G. Lawrence Jr.John and Christy LindsayMarjo Operating Midcontinent, LLCNextEra Energy, Inc.Oklahoma City ZooONEOKOptronics International, LLCPaycom Payroll, LLCBarry and Melanie RedlingerConnie L. ScothornDr. E. N. ScottDr. Brook and Paula ScottShawnee Milling CompanyThe Gelvin FoundationThe Meinders FoundationThe Oxley FoundationThe Thomas & Sally Wood Family FoundationThe University of Tulsa

Third Branch Engineering, LLCWells Family Charitable TrustWestern Farmers Electric CooperativeSusan Wood AthensBradley HigginbothamZEECO, Inc.

$500 - $2,499AnonymousAmerican Heritage Bank & TrustAnchor Stone CompanyAnn E. BartoloniTeed G. BishopBrittany BolerjackRobert and Karen BrowneCloseBend, Inc.James C. BuchananRobin BuergeBurgess Building Company, LLCCentral National Bank of PoteauSteven CopleyCox Communications, Inc.Dr. Jerry and Mary CrockettJames M. CrutcherBarbara A. CunninghamMr. Ben CurtisSamuel P. DanielWilliam and Margaret DavisDell IncDr. Nancy Hiatt DilleyJohn DillinghamKelly S. DillowKathryn H. DooleyDoyle D. DowDowntown Oklahoma City, Inc.Frederick and Janet DrummondFord and Vanessa DrummondLeonard and Patty EatonMatt EppersonDr. Joseph and Martha FerrettiMegan M. FitchDr. Andrew and Diana FrostGaddis & Gaddis Wealth Management, LLCRobert L. GarbrechtJohn and Linda GibbsDavid GlennGrand BankGreen Country Energy, LLCGreenleaf Nursery Co.Teena G. Gunter

Harvard Avenue Christian ChurchMarkland and Tammy HeadleyChristopher HillStephen and Pam HoltonRobert and Cathy HowellPaul and Jean HullJohn Steele Zink FoundationMr. & Mrs. W. D. JonesDavid and Arleen RiggsKathouse LLC.Garret and Regina KingJudy and Tom KishnerJordan MalwickSteve and Jo McGuffinSusan and Philip MoldenhauerKevin L. MooreMichael and Brooke MurphyMustang Fuel CorporationSteven and Malisa NellJohn and Julie NickelOklahoma Bar AssociationONE GasPaddlesports Retailer, LLCMartin E. PeersonScott E. PhillipsDon and Cheryl PowellBethlyn and Martin RooneyDr. Lucinda Rosenthal and Dr. Jim RosenthalRuth Nelson Family FoundationMatthew S. SanstraDaniel ScottRonald and Mary SegalSteven and Debbie Smith-BerlinSomers Woods Development, LLCSouthwood Landscape & NurseryAnthony StancampianoTapstone Energy, LLCThe Community State BankThe Fred Jones Family FoundationThe Jean I Everest FoundationThe Robert S. & Grayce B. Kerr FoundationMiles Tolbert and Mary TolbertTulsa Mens ClubWaller & Company Public Relations, Inc.Helen WolfordDenver and Yvonne WoolseyKeith and Patty WrightEmma YeungZarrow Families Foundation

CONSERVATION VISIONARIESThe Nature Conservancy of Oklahomais honored to recognize the followingindividuals, corporations, foundations and organizationswhose contributions have supported our work betweenJuly 1, 2018 and June 30, 2019. We deeply appreciate everygift and regret that space constraints prevent us from listingall donors. Thank you for your generous contributions.

The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma10425 S. 82nd E. Avenue, Suite 104Tulsa, OK 74133(918) 585-1117

NONPROFIT ORG.US POSTAGE

PAIDOKLAHOMA CITY, OK

PERMIT NO. 1379

THANK YOU TO THE AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHERS WHO BRAVE THE WILDEST PLACES TO CAPTURE OUR WORK IN OKLAHOMA!

About the Cover Photograph and The Person Behind the Lens: The front cover photograph was taken at Four Canyon Preserve in western Oklahoma by Ryan West, a native Oklahoman and aspiring environmental photographer. Ryan has volunteered his photography skills and talent for The Nature Conservancy of Oklahoma since 2016.

Photo Credits: Cover & back cover photo: Ryan West; Pg 2: Mike Fuhr/ TNC, Pg 3: (top row L to R) Bryan E. Reynolds, TNC, TNC, TNC, Mike Fuhr/TNC, TNC, (bottom row L to R) TNC, Mike Fuhr/TNC, TNC, Donald T. McKnight, TNC, TNC; Pg 5: (top left) David Smith, (top right) Katie Hawk/TNC, (bottom) Katie Blunk, Pg 7: (top) David Jennings, (bottom) TNC; Pg 9: (top-left) Katie Hawk/TNC, (top right) Kimberly Elkin/TNC, (bottom) George Bogaski; Pg 10: (map) TNC, (bottom) Jeanine Lackey/TNC; Pg 11: Ryan West; Pg 13: (top) Larissa Balzer/TNC, (bottom) Ryam West; Pg 19: Katie Hawk/TNC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR WORK TO CONSERVE THE LAND AND WATERS ON WHICH ALL LIFE DEPENDS.

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