FALL FIELD MEETING

Saturday, October 3, 2026
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
Join the Oklahoma Academy of Science for our annual Fall Field Meeting at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. This is a single-day event and there is no cost to attend.
​Advance registration has ended, but you’re still welcome to join us! On-site registration and check-in will be available at the Corrals. See the schedule and maps below for details.
Meals and Water: To help keep the Fall Field Meeting free for participants, OAS will not provide meals or dining options during the event.
Please plan to bring:
  • A sack lunch
  • Any snacks you may want during the day
  • A reusable water bottle
Water will be available for participants to refill their water bottles.

What to Bring: Come prepared to spend much of the day outdoors. We recommend bringing:
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Sack lunch and snacks
  • Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • Clothing appropriate for outdoor conditions
  • Hat and sunscreen
  • Field guides
  • Binoculars
  • Any field or hiking equipment you normally use
  • Backpack or daypack for carrying your supplies
  • An adventurous attitude

Participants should plan for changing weather and outdoor conditions throughout the day.
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge
32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552​

​See the Schedule of activites and map locations below (or download a .pdf here)

Questions? Contact Adam Ryburn ([email protected])

​

2026 Fall Field Meeting Schedule

Saturday, October 3, 2026  |  Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Headquarters: 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552

Schedule of Events

6:30 – 8:30 AM
Registration Check-InAdam Ryburn, Oklahoma Academy of ScienceLocation: Corrals
7:00 – 8:15 AM
Bird WalkFelipe Chavez-Ramirez, Pawnee Nation CollegeLocation: Environmental Education Center near Quanah Parker Lake
8:30 – 10:15 AMchoose one
Botany WalkAbby Moore, University of OklahomaLocation: Environmental Education Center near Quanah Parker Lake
Bison Management TourQuinton Smith or Dan McDonald, Wichita Mountains Wildlife RefugeLocation: Corrals (start)
Historical Archeology TourJenn Haney, University of OklahomaLocation: Boulder Cabin
10:30 – 11:45 AMchoose one
Prescribed Fire on the Refuge TourTJ Lowder, Wichita Mountains Wildlife RefugeLocation: Corrals (start)
Aquatic InsectsMelissa Reed, Oklahoma State UniversityLocation: French Lake Dog Run Hollow Trails Parking Area
Herp WalkRichard Butler, Prague High SchoolLocation: Lost Lake Picnic Area
12:00 – 1:00 PM
Brown Bag Lunch & SpeakerTalk: “Oklahoma Bats: Myth vs Reality”Jason Shaw, University of Science and Arts of OklahomaLocation: Park Headquarters (east of Visitors Center)
1:15 – 2:30 PMchoose one
Entomology WalkJose Montalva, East Central UniversityLocation: Location details pending
Fungi WalkEthan Korn, University of Science and Arts of OklahomaLocation: Elk Trail, French Lake Dog Run Hollow Trails Parking Area
Geology TourBelkasim Khameiss, University of OklahomaLocation: Atop Mt. Scott
3:00 PM
Tour of the J.A. Manning State Fish HatcheryJ.A. Manning State Fish HatcheryLocation: J.A. Manning State Fish Hatchery (Medicine Park)

Where to Go

  • CorralsRegistration, Bison Management, Prescribed Fire
  • Environmental Education Center (Quanah Parker Lake)Bird Walk, Botany Walk
  • Boulder CabinHistorical Archeology Tour
  • French Lake Dog Run Hollow Trails Parking AreaAquatic Insects, Fungi Walk
  • Lost Lake Picnic AreaHerp Walk
  • Visitor’s Center / Refuge HeadquartersBrown Bag Lunch & Speaker
  • Mt. Scott (summit)Geology Tour
  • J.A. Manning State Fish Hatchery (Medicine Park)Hatchery Tour

Reminders: No meals are provided, so bring a sack lunch and snacks. Water is available to refill bottles. Wear sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen; bring binoculars and field guides; and plan for changing weather.