Named a regional "Ten Best" Parks and Playgrounds in National Geographic's "The Best of Everything for Families: An Ultimate Guide for Families." - 2009

Martin Park Nature Center at 5000 West Memorial Road serves as an educational facility, a recreational area and a wildlife sanctuary.

Open 51 weeks a year, Oklahoma City's Martin Park Nature Center provides outdoor adventure right in the heart of Oklahoma City. Nestled on 144 acres in the city's northwest side, the park is home to many species of animals, including birds, butterflies, squirrels, fox and reptiles.

Fortunate visitors may catch a glimpse of a deer, coyote, owl or armadillo. Your powers of observation, the season of the year and luck contribute to observing these uncaged animals.

For the adventurous, 3.5 miles of gentle hiking trails curl through woods and grasslands of the park. One graveled trail is wheelchair accessible. Other trails are of gravel and packed soil, containing short stretches of moderate slopes and occasional steps. The trails make the perfect get-away for the casual nature observer or exerciser.

Trail maps and signs are available for visitors who wish to explore the trails on their own during park hours.

In addition to the outdoor grounds, Martin Park Nature Center houses a hands-on education center showcasing a variety of reptile and insect species, as well as an nature education library. School, home school and scout groups are welcome to visit the center for their meetings and classes.

The education center also boasts the city's first observation bee hive. Built by Canadian County 4-H Club members, with assistance of the Central Oklahoma Bee Keepers Association, the hive boasts over 8,000 active bees. The bees have open access to and from the park grounds, where they can gather pollen to take back to the hive to produce honey.

2012 Education Programs and Hikes

Get a printable April - May events calendar HERE.

May 5  1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Mother's Day Flower Pots
Bring your little one to help make a hand-crafted gift just for Mom's special day. Children will decorate flower pots, and plant them with native plant seeds. A great gift to celebrate the Mother of them all - Mother Nature. Cost: $8 per person (includes supplies)

May 6 Noon - 4:00 p.m.
Prairie Health and Productivity Study - Inaugural Event
Kids and parents will work together to survey the local vegetation populations on park grounds. Learn about the different species of native prairies grasses and other plants, as well as other environmental indicators. FREE

May 18  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
3rd Friday of each month
FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB
Shred off the work week and get back to nature with Martin Park's "Friday Afternoon Club," a new monthly after-hours event that lets you enjoy the park outside normal operating hours. Art workshops and exhibitors, nature displays and speakers will round out the monthly gatherings. May's speaker is nature photographer Dennis Corbin.

Click here for a full schedule of Friday Afternoon Club events.

May 19
Status of the Oklahoma Prairie Chicken with Dr. Dwayne Elmore
Join Dr. Dwayne Elmore of Oklahoma State University as he lends his knowledge about the status of the Oklahoma Prairie Chicken. These interesting birds are threatened by habitat loss. Park of our Nature Speakers Series at Martin Park Nature Center. FREE.

May 27
Bird Cafe  2:00 and 4:00 p.m.
Create your own bird feeder using single-serving yogurt containers. These fun and easy-to-make are the perfect way to give your backyard birds a protein-rich treat in the Spring. Warning: Feeders will contain peanut butter. Cost: $2 per person

VOLUNTEER

Flex your muscles and your nature know-how as a volunteer guide or education leader. Volunteers are needed to assist with nature programming and group hikes. Are you an avid bird-watcher? Share your love for all things avian by leading a group hike or discussion. Expert on trees? Come lead a group hike on an expedition through the Martin Park woods.  Great opportunity for nature enthusiasts or students. For more information, call 755-0676.

Group projects are available throughout the year for school, scout, home school and other community teams. Activities can range from basic park maintenance to special infrastructure projects suitable for Eagle Scout badges or 4-H clubs. To learn more about special volunteer programs, call the park naturalist at 755-0676. 

The Green Earth Gang is a nature appreciation program geared toward 9 to 13-year-olds. The "Gang" works on conservation projects in Martin Park throughout the year under the supervision of a park naturalist.  Projects include litter pick-ups, maintaining trails, restoring native plants and monitoring and repairing nest boxes.  It's a great way to teach kids about the role conservation plays in our environment.   There are no fees to participate, and old clothing is recommended.  The "Gang" meets 2 - 5 p.m. each Saturday during the school year, and each Friday from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. during the summer months.

Park Location: Martin Park Nature Center is in far northwest Oklahoma City at 5000 West Memorial Road, on the south side of Memorial between N MacArthur Boulevard and N Meridian Avenue. We're just west of Mercy Hospital. Since Martin Park is a protected wildlife sanctuary, pets, fishing, hunting, bicycles, swimming, camp fires and other activities that might be destructive to the habitat are not allowed.

For more information, call 405 755-0676 or email Emily Hiatt, Naturalist

@okcparks