Red Ridge Nature Preserve planning for future
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – It’s an Oklahoma oasis in the middle of the metro. Now, a team is working to keep it that way for future generations.
Just south of I-44 off Lincoln, and behind a metal gate, is the Red Ridge Nature Preserve.
“Where wildlife and pollinators and plants come first,” said Lance Swearengin, Deputy Director of the Red Ridge Nature Preserve.
In 1933, RJ Edwards, a broker, judge, and OU Regent, built the Red Ridge Mansion. You may have seen the tower poking out through the trees.
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“Red sand stone creates Red Ridge and that’s what this house was built on,” said Swearingen.
The area has been untouched for decades. Little pieces of the abandoned home are still scattered around the area.
Recently, the Kirkpatrick Family Fund bought all 133 acres and the mansions on top of them.
“That will eventually be restored to their historic prominence and used as nature preserve research and study areas,” said Swearengin.
Why buy the area? Swearengin said it’s a true representation of the Cross Timbers.
“Where the eastern deciduous forests meet, and the grass and the prairies of the west,” said Swearengin.
The deputy director said that’s apparent by the abundant Indian Paintbrushes.
“It’s really interesting that this is found this far west,” said Swearengin while pointing to the flower. “This is usually found out in the Eastern part.”
Swearengin said the land is prime for native wildflowers.
“They’re like the first pioneers,” said Swearengin. “They’re tough. They can withstand the environment and they they bloom no matter what.”
In the fields, you’ll find plants like the Primrose and Milkweed.
“It’s just starting to put out it’s little flower on top,” said Swearengin.
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“That is a scurf pea,” he said, while pointing to the purple flower. “Gaillardia Pulchella, Tickseed Coreopsis. This is a type of Larkspur.”
Swearengin said they’re only in the early stages of planning. The project and renovation will take years. Not to mention, they have to remove all the invasive species.
“Once we clear out this invasive privet, we’ll have a really great view of the capitol skyline and the rest of the preserve,” said Swearengin. “That really helps the ecosystem. It restores the Cross Timbers.”
It will be worth it, to have an urban oasis.
“It really is a historic treasure,” said Swearengin.
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