Oklahoma celebrates natural beauty with special month

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Those who have resided in Oklahoma are well aware that outdoor activities are highly valued. From fishing in any of the state’s over 200 lakes, observing wildlife at nature preserves, to camping at favored state parks, Oklahoma’s natural resources and ecosystems are deeply embedded into the local culture.

Governor Kevin Stitt has proclaimed April 2024 as “Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Month,” continuing a tradition that began in 2016. This month coincides with the global celebration of Earth Day on April 22, emphasizing the importance of protecting Oklahoma’s natural treasures. The initiative behind Keep Oklahoma Beautiful Month is to empower residents to maintain and enhance the state’s beauty, ensuring a healthy and sustainable environment for both present and future generations.

In 2023, participants of the Great American Cleanup were able to collect over 2.3 million pounds of trash, which effectively saved Oklahoma taxpayers approximately $6.5 million in cleanup expenses. This effort saw participation from every one of the state’s 77 counties. The 2024 Great American Cleanup, which runs through the end of May, sees numerous local businesses, schools, and civic groups actively contributing to the effort. To mark Earth Day, the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation is organizing activities throughout the state to encourage visits to state parks and engagement in conserving Oklahoma’s natural resources.

As stated by Shelley Zumwalt, the secretary of Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage, and the executive director of the Oklahoma Department of Tourism and Recreation, a significant aspect of the agency’s mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance Oklahoma’s natural assets for future generations. To support this mission, events are being hosted at five state parks on April 21. Keystone State Park, Sequoyah State Park, Great Plains State Park, Lake Eufaula State Park, and the Bernice Area at Grand Lake State Park will all offer a variety of activities including park cleanups, educational crafts, seedling giveaways, and environmental education sessions with park naturalists.

Residents are encouraged to spend a weekend at the nearest park and participate in these enriching activities. As spring brings people outdoors to enjoy the state’s recreational offerings, Zumwalt urges everyone to take time this month to reflect on and contribute to preserving the beauty of Oklahoma for generations to come.

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