OGC Conservation Pilgrimage to Ouachita National Forest
About this Event
OGC Pilgrimage to Ouachita National Forest
Join OGC President Melanie Mason-Spence in this fun- and forest-filled conservation adventure, you “traveling conservationists"!!
Get ready for an awesome in-person adventure with Oklahoma Garden Clubs' Pilgrimage to the country's oldest/largest national forest in the South (and Oklahoma's only national forest) the Ouachita National Forest! This is your chance to explore Oklahoma's 363,000 acres of stunning nature, meet great folks, learn more about reforestation and conservation efforts and soak in the fresh forest vibes.
Save your spot, here, by Oct 13 deadline for $30 ea Pilgrimage registration AND lodging deadline! Registration includes lunch with our forest rangers AND a special treat!
Register here or mail check payable to OGC: OGC Registrar, PO Box 521003, Tulsa OK 74152-1003
Choctaw Landing booking link: https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/calendar/1180/choctaw-landing/OGC
Choctaw Landing is Choctaw Nation's newest property, and features--completely separate from gaming floors--resort entrance, guestrooms, shopping, restaurants, an Art Hike, and a beautiful campus surrounded by forest.
Transportation: carpool from your hometown. Leave plenty of time to stop and enjoy the sights from here to there!
11:30am Tuesday, October 27, Broken Bow Library, 404 N Broadway ST, Broken Bow OK 74728
· Lunch (classic southeastern Oklahoma fare!) and meet Oklahoma Ranger District Forestry Team:
- 12:30 – 1:15pm Diversity Explodes with Another Boring Burn
- 1:15 – 1:45pm Clean up and drive to USDA Forest Service Office in Hochatown just across the road from New Hochatown Lodge, 111 South State Hwy 259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728
- 2ish – 4:30pm-ish Tour of forest where new pine seedlings planted early 2026, and enjoy a native plant walk
· Dutch treat evening meal at local restaurant; stay Tuesday night at Choctaw Landing.
Wednesday, October 28, Beavers Bend Nature Center, Forest Heritage Center & Museum, Shopping, ohmy!
· After dutch treat breakfast at Choctaw Landing or restaurant of choice, we have trails to hike trails, history to explore, and—of course—treasures to locate in local shops and boutiques.
· Wrap up with lunch together at local restaurant. Your departure and return to the real world is open for you to choose.
Dress for Oklahoma's fickle weather and for walking in various terrains, i.e. comfy shoes/boots, raingear, sun hat, sunscreen, layers.
Bring:
- cash, credit card
- road trip snacks for your carpool
- binoculars
Take away:
- new/renewed friendships
- plants, tools, stuff 'n things one might "find" on any OGC Pilgrimage
Learn more: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r08/ouachita
FAQs
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event? Typically, participants in OGC trips are adults, ages 21+
Do I bring my printed ticket to the event? Yes, please. OGC will be in touch with you prior to departure, yet your printed ticket will be appreciated.
Yes, we will comply with local health and safety protocols! OGC cannot accept liability for exposures yet will abide by State, County, and municipality ordinances and recommendations for a healthy and safe experience.
What may I bring into the event? Dress for the Oklahoma outdoors. There is no rain date--the "Pilgrimage must go on" regardless of our fickle, wacky weather. Remember sunscreen, headgear, appropriate footwear for walking, potential elevation changes and unpaved, mulched or stone pathways.
Can I update my registration information? Log back in to your Eventbrite profile and update.
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable? Security and hospitality are key to a safe and enjoyable day trip. Please communicate directly with OGC Registrar of any changes to your reservation. You may add notes/update your Pilgrimage ticket purchase to share the names of those joining you, or receiving your ticket gift or attending in your place!
Is it ok if name on my ticket or registration does not match the person who attends? As noted above, it is best for everyone to know our ticketholders. Please add notes/update your ticket purchase to share the names of those joining you or receiving your gift or attending in your place.
What's the refund policy? This overnight trip is an educational gardening program presented by Oklahoma Garden Clubs (OGC). Arrangements must be made with deposits and payments up front. Partial refund before Oct 13 may be possible, after which time NO refund will be available. Oklahoma Garden Clubs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. While OGC makes every effort to present the Pilgrimage, it is not possible to offer a rain date.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 33.85
