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Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve: A Living Ecosystem

Discover Oklahoma's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve: A vast, protected ecosystem teeming with bison, diverse wildlife, and stunning natural beauty.

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Explore the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, the largest protected tallgrass prairie on Earth, located near Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Witness diverse wildlife, including a large bison herd, and experience the beauty of this restored ecosystem.

A brief summary to Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

  • Monday 7 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 7 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 7 am-7 pm
  • Friday 7 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 7 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 7 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal wildlife viewing, especially for spotting bison and various bird species.
  • Drive slowly on the gravel roads within the preserve, as they can be dusty or rough.
  • Visit during the spring or early summer to witness wildflowers in bloom and bison calves frolicking in the prairie.
  • Check the Visitor Center's schedule in advance to ensure it's open during your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Pawhuska, Oklahoma, head north on Kihekah Avenue, which becomes Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Drive. Continue for approximately 17 miles to reach the preserve's headquarters and visitor center. The roads are gravel and can be rough, so drive carefully. There is no fee to enter the preserve.

Unlock the Best of Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

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Discover more about Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, managed by The Nature Conservancy, protects nearly 40,000 acres of a once-vast ecosystem. Once spanning 14 states, less than 4% of the original tallgrass prairie remains due to farmland conversion and urban development. This preserve represents a vital effort to restore and conserve this unique habitat. Visitors can explore the preserve via a 15-mile driving loop, offering excellent opportunities to observe the resident bison herd, which numbers around 2,500. The preserve is also home to over 700 plant species, 300 bird species, and 80 mammal species. Hiking trails near the headquarters allow for closer examination of the prairie's diverse flora and fauna. The Visitor Center provides educational exhibits and information about the preserve's history, ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts. The preserve's establishment began in 1989 with the purchase of the Barnard Ranch. Renamed in 2015 to honor Joseph H. Williams, the preserve stands as a testament to his leadership and commitment to conservation. Today, the Nature Conservancy works to maintain the prairie ecosystem through prescribed burns and bison grazing, mimicking the natural processes that shaped the landscape for millennia.

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