Bixby, Oklahoma — The Environmental Protection Program recently organized a field trip to the Euchee Butterfly Farm, offering students an immersive experience in one of nature’s most delicate ecosystems. The farm, nestled on a historic 160-acre allotment in present-day Tulsa County on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reservation, serves as both a sanctuary for native species and sustainable environmental practices.
Owned and operated by Jane Breckinridge, the Euchee Butterfly Farm carries a family legacy that dates back to 1899,when Breckinridge’s great-grandmother, Neosho Parthenia Brown, was granted the land by the U.S. government shortly after the Dawes Act of 1887. It was more than just a piece of land—it was a lifeline, providing a way of living and shelter for Neosho’s community. Over the years, the land has been carefully preserved, becoming a sanctuary for plant species that have all but disappeared from the rest of Oklahoma.
During the visit, students had the opportunity to observe the life cycle of butterflies up close, gaining a deeper understanding of the critical role these pollinators play in our ecosystem. The farm’s experts led interactive sessions, guiding the students through hands-on activities that highlighted the importance of habitat conservation and the specific challenges faced by environmental change. The students were able to connect with the material in a meaningful way, learning not just about the science, but also about the broader implications of biodiversity loss and the need for conservation efforts.
This field trip is just one example of the Environmental Protection Program’s ongoing commitmenttoeducatingthenextgenerationtofosteradeeperappreciationforthenaturalworld and inspire future environmental leaders.Through experiences like this, students are encouraged to think critically about the impact of human activities on the environment and to consider how they can contribute to a more sustainable future.
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