As you may have seen, heard, or read about in the latest ONCA newsletter, there is a breach in the Lake Sherry Dam resulting in loss of water in Blackbird Marsh, Blue Heron Swamp, and Lake Sherry. In an effort to preserve these important wetlands, the City of Tulsa Parks Department and ONCA are working together on a solution. While the Parks Department will cover the majority of the cost of the repair, ONCA has set a goal to raise $35,000 to contribute to the project.
Many of you have supported the day-to-day operation of Oxley through your membership dues, but now, under these extraordinary circumstances, we are asking you to give a little bit more to repair the dam, put water back into our wetlands, and insure that the wildlife that call Oxley home have the water resources they need.
If you would like to donate
Oxley’s 2024 Artist in Residence: Sasha Martin
Sasha Martin is an award-winning author and poet who explores the relationship between oneself and the world and how humans develop a sense of belonging despite adversity. In her work, she emphasizes nature as a healing influence.
Martin plans to create a series of poems that will explore human needs such as love, belonging, wholeness, and harmony. The collection will be called "Trail and Terminus" and will consist of interactive visual poems related to stops along the trail system of Oxley Nature Center. The goal of these poems is to deepen the hiker's connection with the environment and themselves. The project will also include an art book that serves as a trail guide, containing Martin’s original poetry and space for hikers to write their own reflections.
“Nature is where I go to understand myself and the world, and my poetry attempts to give voice to the healing and wonder that so often happens on the trail. As Oxley Nature Center'd artist-in-residence, I look forward to developing a new poetry series drawn directly from Oxley's unique ecosystem, as it relates to our primary emotional needs and mental wellness, while inviting visitors to join me on this journey of self-discovery through monthly Wild Voice workshops.”
Martin's memoir, "Life From Scratch" was published by National Geographic and named "Best New Book" and "Book Club Pick" in People Magazine. She has received several fellowships, residencies, and awards and teaches workshops and classes across the country. Martin holds a B.A. in English and French Studies from Wesleyan University and attended the Culinary Institute of America, where she was an MFK Fisher scholar and editor of the journal La Papillote. Her work has been featured on NPR, Food & Wine, O: The Oprah Magazine, and others. She lived in France and Luxembourg for six years before making Tulsa her home.
“Home”
I have been searching for home
longer than I dare say;
house after house, ill-fitting,
someone else's borrowed dress.
It is high noon and I am
just now shifting
these outstretched hands
over my own heart;
just now realizing
everything, everything
is a child of soil and sky's romance;
every horizon, an embrace.
At fifteen, shattering
in an abandoned house,
the long night a blindfold,
I could not see Great Mother
I could not see Great Father;
A steady horizon, unimaginable
—but even then, there was the River Seine,
shushing: soft, the home that never breaks.
Now, Oklahoma storms do the singing:
Hail, damaging winds, tornadoes.
But not always.
I have stopped running
every time it rains.
Now, I stand on the shore,
shoulders drenched.
Now, Lake Sherry offers her lullaby
of light and wave and wing.
It is high noon and I am just now
listening, hands over heart
I am held, I am held
I make the home
of myself
softer
We’re implementing a new online registration system. Initially you will use it to register for the following programs: Forest Bathing, Little Seedlings, and Full Moon Walks.
https://tulsaparks.recdesk.com/Community/Member/Login
PLEASE NOTE: If you are an ONCA Member, please call Oxley ahead of registering to receive your member discount.