Choctaw Cultural Center Field Day

The Oklahoma Biological Survey is collaborating with the Choctaw Cultural Center and Okies for Monarchs to host an educational field day and mini BioBlitz! that highlights the cultural and ecological significance of the 100-acre prairie remnant located South of the Center.

Check out the iNaturalist Project documenting the Choctaw Cultural Center's biodiversity!

What to Expect from the Prairie in October

The photo above was taken in June of 2025. In October, the prairie's tall grasses will mature. Many of the flowering plants will be seeding, and the diversity will shift to prepare for winter. The prairie grasses, like Eastern Gamagrass and Big Bluestem, may have shifted from green to the bronze-reddish hues of autumn. Photos are encouraged to capture the prairie's seasonal beauty!

Learn More

About the cultural connections the Choctaw people have to prairie habitats.  "Culture on the Prairie"

What to Expect from Educational Field Walks:

Experts will guide attendees through a mowed path in the prairie. Plant identification, cultural importance, and ecological features will be discussed while walking the path.  Each walk should take about 45 minutes, and will be varying distances (under 2 miles). Water will be available at the OBS booth. Recommended attire is as follows: 

1. Reusable water bottle
2. Hat
3. Long pants
4. Long-sleeve shirt
5. Sturdy shoes or boots
6. Bug spray
7. Sunblock
8. Field notebook

Getting There

The Choctaw Cultural Center is located at 1919 Hina Hanta Way in Calera, Oklahoma. The main entrance road is located South of the Center. Parking is available at the Center, and is indicated by the red car icon. Event vendors will be located around the red pin-point, which is roughly 0.10 miles from the parking lot. Shaded seating, water, and a porta potty will be available at the event site. 

Google Map

Field Day Event Schedule

12:00 p.m. Welcome Remarks

12:30-1:15 p.m.  Why is Oklahoma so Important for Monarchs? presentation by Okies for Monarchs

Field walks:

• Cultural Significance of the Prairie with Ian Thompson, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Choctaw Nation
• Prairie Plants with Amy Buthod and Abby Moore, Botanists, Oklahoma Biological Survey and OU Bebb Herbarium
• Pollinators of the Prairie with Justin Bain, Oklahoma Biological Survey 
• Documenting BioDiversity with your Smart Phone with Priscilla Crawford, Ecologist, Oklahoma Biological Survey

1:30-2:15 p.m. What to Plant and How to Build? presentation by Okies of Monarchs 

Repeat of field walks

2:30-3:15 p.m. Milkweed Myths and Milkweed MythBusters presentation by Okies for Monarchs 

Repeat of field walks

3:30-4:00 p.m. Biodiversity Tally

On Going Activities

• Learn about Oklahoma's Biodiversity at the OBS activity table.
• Native wildflower and milkweed sale with Sanctuary Gardens and Mann’s Greenhouses.
• FREE* starter milkweed and seed packets from Okies for Monarchs.
• Educational Tables and Actitivities by Choctaw Historic Preservation Department, OG&E, Oklahoma State Parks, The Boggy Depot Chapter of Quail Forever and Oklahoma Biological Survey.
• Learn how to ID native grasses and shop native seeds with Johnston Seed.
• Monarch merchandise, habitat signs and nature books for sale with Okies for Monarchs, Oklahoma Native Plant Society, and Oklahoma Native Plant Network.
• Visit the beautiful Choctaw Cultural Center to explore rich Native heritage and enjoy a delicious meal at the Champuli Café.
• Bring your monarch & milkweed questions! Local experts will be on hand and giving presentations.