As a wildlife photographer, I’m always on the hunt for places that provide great photo opportunities amidst natural beauty. On a recent trip, I discovered a real hidden gem – the J.T. Nickel Family Nature and Wildlife Preserve near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. This little-known 17,000 acre preserve is managed by the Oklahoma Nature Conservancy and has an incredibly diverse landscape perfect for wildlife.
Founded in 2000 thanks to a generous land donation by the Nickel family, the preserve consists of forests, grasslands, and wetlands. This variety of habitats makes it home to some incredible animals. The two stars are the elk and white-tailed deer. During my visit on March 7th of this year, I was amazed to see over 20 white-tailed deer grazing calmly near the office and visitor center. Although I didn’t spot any elk, I’ve heard that it’s also common to see large herds of them roaming the grasslands.
In addition to the elk and deer, the preserve also has black bears. As an avid photographer, being able to potentially capture these creatures in their natural habitat is a dream come true!
While wildlife is certainly the highlight, I also noticed the preserve staff conducting prescribed burns. These controlled fires are crucial for maintaining the health of the grasslands and promoting new growth and biodiversity. It’s great to see active land management in action.
The J.T. Nickel Family Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for any wildlife lover. The beautiful landscapes and plethora of incredible animals to potentially see in their natural habitat make it a hidden gem worth discovering. I can’t wait until my next visit to explore more and capture more incredible moments!