For five wonderful weeks in August-September, we lived at Sequoyah NWR south of Vian, OK and had the pleasure of commuting to Deep Fork NWR on three different days during this time to scan their historic files. Deep Fork did not have housing for us, so this arrangement worked well since these two refuges are approx 90 minutes apart. The arrangement worked well also because of the hospitality of the good folks at Sequoyah, who allowed us to stay there for such a nice, long (and comfortable) visit. During our trips to Deep Fork, we made efforts to get out on the refuge at the end of the day. These are some of our memories from this interesting and relatively young refuge, located about 40 miles south of Tulsa.
Deep Fork NWR has a long boardwalk that leads you right through their bottomland hardwood forest.
Deep Fork NWR was established in 1993 to protect and enhance the valuable fresh water wetlands and habitats along the Deep Fork River. It consists of a checkerboard of lands in and around the Okmulgee area totaling 9,700+ acres.
Since the 1980's over 80% of Oklahoman's bottomland hardwood forests have been cleared/timbered, making these protected areas all the more important.
The boardwalk stops at this wide open wetland area that in the fall and winter would be crowded with migratory waterfowl.
This is a passion flower - a unique flower that we had never seen before. There will be more photos of this interestingly beautiful vine blossom on the Sequoyah NWR post.
Hard at work in the conference room/kitchen at Deep Fork.
Oliver made a friend. The dragonflies are so curious and friendly. They seem to want to say hello to you as you are hiking along.
