Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge

06/06/2026

Good luck to Pedaling the Whooper Highway!

On May 27, Mike Forsberg and Dr. Andy Caven, biked through Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge with refuge staff and setup an informational table at Salt Plains State Park as part of their Pedaling the Whooper Highway journey.

On May 11, 2026 Mike and Andy embarked on a 2,500-mile, 50 day bike trip through the heart of the Great Plains. The journey started on the Texas Gulf Coast and will end in central Saskatchewan. Mike and Andy’s goal is to physically feel the distance that whooping cranes, along with hundreds of other migratory species, travel between nesting and wintering grounds. By traveling the corridor, they aim to reveal the habitats and threats they navigate, and experience the whooper highway in a whole new way.

Mike Forsberg is a Nebraska-based conservation photographer, and the co-founder of Platte Basin Timelapse. He has dedicated the last seven years to telling the story of these birds, and his efforts have been made into a book, podcast, and soon to be feature length film. Dr. Andy Caven is the International Crane Foundation’s Director of Central Flyway Programs. His work focuses on conservation policy, delivery, and research regarding whooping cranes, sandhill cranes, and their habitats.

To learn more and see where they are check out: https://whoopingcranechronicles.com/bike/

Photo: Refuge Staff, Andy Coven, Craig Davis and Mariah Lundgren biking on refuge, photo credit Mike Forsberg

06/04/2026

Free fishing weekend is this weekend!

06/03/2026

Did you know the salt flats are not always white?

It takes some time for the salt flats to dry out and be white after it rains. However, rain does make selenite crystal digging easier! Just be prepared to get muddy, extra cautious driving to the dig area and look out for lightning. Before you visit make sure to check the weather for Cherokee, Oklahoma. It will rain off and on all week!

Photo: View of the salt flats on the observation deck yesterday afternoon, USFWS

05/16/2026

Turtle time 🐢

Did you know that about 50% of turtle and tortoise species are endangered?

Help us protect them by slowing down and watching for turtles near roads. If you want to learn more, check out this website: https://www.fws.gov/story/how-you-can-help-turtles. Just a reminder it is illegal to collect turtles on refuge.

Photo: Ornate Box Turtle seen recently on refuge road, USFWS

05/08/2026

Apply to be an intern!

We are hiring two Invasive Species Strike Team Members and one Wildlife Biology & Management intern. Both are paid internships that offer a great way to gain a variety of experience working at our refuge! Please help share with people you think may be interested.

The Invasive Species Strike Team Members will start around June, are for 13 weeks, and are open until filled. They will focus on habitat restoration, invasive plant management, and biological survey points at our refuge and Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge. For more information and to apply https://usaconservation.applicantpool.com/jobs/1301377.

The Wildlife Biology & Management Intern will start in August, is for 18 weeks, and is open until filled. Priority will be given to applicants that apply before 5/21. The intern will focus on control and monitoring, wetland management, visitor services and refuge surveys. For more information and to apply: https://secure8.entertimeonline.com/ta/conservationlegacy.careers?ShowJob=721970048.

Photo: Two refuge interns from last year, USFWS

04/30/2026

Join Matt Cloyd for an Advanced Birding and Photography Workshop!

Next Saturday, May 9 local birder and wildlife photographer, Matt Cloyd will be leading a free Advanced Birding and Photography Workshop on Eagle Roost Trail from 8-10 am. This workshop is for adults and registration is required since space is limited.

Registration link: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=urWTBhhLe02TQfMvQApUlAYXJ6j299JAr8Lj4RQG2bdUNUtRN0YxUlVHSkI3OU5ROTNRVEs4VkVCRS4u&route=shorturl&fbclid=IwY2xjawRgTltleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETEyS0F1cGN4OTNrbDVHcnVGc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHrFimCkGOEgiCK7a3KpIfdYr12PMPOdlIMu8W3w0lT1jFrm5nKy9TdjDO6xS_aem_qoiesbvbm0T55MxatTpsfA

What to expect: A roughly 1 mile walk on mostly flat natural trail. He will discuss camera settings for wildlife photography, what birds we are seeing, and general tips and tricks . If you have any questions call the refuge at 580-596-6454.

Photo: Great Horned Owl with two owlets from spring, Matt Cloyd

04/24/2026

Come see us tomorrow at the Family Fun Fair!

At our booth we will be doing a build your own binoculars craft and bird scavenger hunt.

🎉 Family Fun Fair is THIS Saturday! 🎉

Join us from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the Fairgrounds for an afternoon full of fun — and it’s ALL FREE!

🌭 Enjoy a free hot dog lunch provided by Bar S Foods and United Supermarket
🎈 Nam & Pops Inflatables will be there for even more fun!
🎁 Tons of prizes to be given away, including bicycles, scooters & helmets
🎉Fun for the whole family!

It’s not too late to be part of the fun! If you’d like to host a booth, just contact the OSU Extension office at 596-3131 or stop by.

We are also accepting monetary donations to help make this event even better for our community.

We hope to see you there! ☀️

04/23/2026

Don't forget about Bonham Pond! 🎣

Bonham Pond is a catch and release fishing pond open during fishing season (April 1 - October 15) for kids and people with disabilities. It is located across from Eagle Roost Trail. Keep in mind it is only open from sunrise to sunset, and only one pole person is allowed.

For more information review our Fishing and Boating brochure: https://www.fws.gov/sites/default/files/documents/2024-03/salt-plains-fishing-8.5x11-03272024_web-508.pdf.

Photo: Adult and kid fishing at Bonham Pond, USFWS

04/21/2026

Four tips for first time selenite crystal digging! Share your tips in the comments.

First, make sure you understand the rules. It is free, no drones, pets are welcomed but must be on leash and selling crystals is not allowed. Walking, driving, digging for crystals, or accessing outside the Dig Area signs is not allowed. Each person can collect up to ten pounds and one large cluster per day.

Second, know where to go. The address to the Selenite Crystal Digging Area is 66003 Garvin Road, Cherokee, OK, 73728. You can use google maps to search for the selenite crystal digging area directly. Drive one mile through the gate to the Dig Area marked with bright orange signs.

Third, bring everything you need. Bring a shovel or something to dig with, protection from the weather, water to drink and clean up after.

Four, check the weather for Cherokee, OK. There might be some rain this weekend!

Photo: Three people digging for selenite crystals in the Dig Area, USFWS