Photo By Stacey Reese | Kaw Lake Ranger Hannah Piper stands next to a Jr. Ranger Challenge box she built to...... read more read more
TULSA, Okla. –Tulsa District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Kaw Lake Ranger Hannah Piper is challenging people of all ages to get outside and pay more attention to their environment with a fun, interactive program inspired by her visits to national and state parks.
Although Piper calls this a Jr. Ranger Challenge, the program encourages parents and children to work together and explore the surroundings while completing the five lake-themed challenges she designed.
“I’ve always loved getting people invested in their parks,” said Piper. “As someone who visits other lakes and federal properties pretty often, I feel more connected to the ones I know the most about and have spent the most time exploring.”
Piper hopes that completing the challenge at Kaw Lake will help people feel more connected to the lake and, by extension, make them want to take better care of it and even spend more time there.
There are five challenges for the participants:
• EAGLE VIEW TRAIL – encourages junior rangers to be aware of everything around them as they hike the trail.
• EAGLE EYED – encourages participants to look out for several species of birds commonly spotted near Kaw Lake.
• WILDFLOWER FRENZY – look out for different native wildflowers
• POLLINATOR INVESTIGATION - keep your eyes peeled to spot some of the fluttering and buzzing pollinators native to Oklahoma.
• CREEPY CRAWLIES – Watch your step! Be on the lookout for snakes, spiders and other slithery, crawly critters in this challenge.
Each challenge comes with a pamphlet, which participants can take as they explore the lake and its surroundings. The pamphlet includes a list of things to find, all connected to the theme of that particular challenge, and also offers fun facts related to the items on the list.
While it is easy and enjoyable to hike Eagle View Trail or admire a pollinator field, the program aims to get people to look closer and notice details. Instead of just seeing a nest in a tree, the challenge tells people to look closer and see if it is the nest belongs to a squirrel or a bird. Likewise, instead of just seeing a bunch of colorful flowers, the program wants people to learn to identify specific species and learn a little about them.
“I am not originally from this area,” said Piper, “so putting together the program has been a bit like completing the challenge for myself.” I had to explore different areas around the lake and take the time to identify and learn to recognize plants, animals and landmarks that were new to me.”
“I'm excited about many of the program elements,” says Piper, “but the idea that others could take that same feeling away from it probably excites me the most."
Participants can present their completed checklist to a park ranger or gate attendance to receive their Jr. Ranger badge.
Kaw Lake offers many recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy hunting, fishing, camping, boating, swimming and nature trails. The Eagle View Trail is located in Osage Cove recreational areas and has approximately 2.5 miles of maintained trails. The Five Fingers Trail runs south from the Sarge Creek Public Use Area and runs along the rock hills known to locals as Snake Hill. Be sure to bring plenty of water when visiting the trails and wear proper clothing.
| Date Taken: | 04.02.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 04.03.2025 08:46 |
| Story ID: | 494390 |
| Location: | OKLAHOMA, US |
| Web Views: | 30 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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