As Tulsa’s only nature preserve and wildlife refuge, Oxley Nature Center is the crown jewel of the Tulsa Parks system. In 1974, Tulsa Audubon Society approached the Tulsa Park Board and worked with specialists from the National Audubon Society to develop a master plan for a future nature preserve to be located on 804 acres within Mohawk Park. To aid in fund-raising, an independent organization of Audubon members and community leaders, then known as Mohawk Nature Center Development, Inc., (MNCDI.), was formed.

In 1979, through a challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation and another major gift from John and Mary Oxley, funding was provided for the construction of the Oxley-Yetter Interpretive Building. MNCDI contracted and oversaw the construction work. As the projects were completed, they were gifted to the City of Tulsa. Once the physical improvements were in place, the role of the MNCDI changed from that of fund raising and construction, to being a membership driven organization with the mission to support the Nature Center. At this point, the name was officially changed to the Mary K. Oxley Nature Center Association, Inc.

The Association (also known as Friends of Oxley), is an independent 501c3, which provides advisory services, expertise, and financial support to continue the growth and development of Oklahoma’s premier Nature Preserve and Nature Center.

For additional information, please consult the following documents: