List of National Natural Landmarks in Oklahoma facts for kids
National Natural Landmarks are special places in the United States. They are chosen because they have amazing natural features. These features could be unique plants, animals, rocks, or landforms. Think of them as natural treasures that are important to protect!
Oklahoma is home to three of these incredible National Natural Landmarks. They show off the different kinds of nature found in the state.
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Oklahoma's Special Natural Places
Devil's Canyon: A Green Oasis
Devil's Canyon became a National Natural Landmark in December 1974. It is located in Canadian County. This special place is privately owned.
What makes Devil's Canyon so unique? It's like a hidden green oasis! You can find many different kinds of plants here that love moist environments. These are called mesic plants. The canyon has a mix of tall prairie grasses and oak woodlands. It also has parts that look like an eastern forest with many different trees. This blend of environments makes it a very diverse and interesting place for plants to grow.
McCurtain County Wilderness Area: A Forest Gem
The McCurtain County Wilderness Area also became a National Natural Landmark in December 1974. You can find it near Broken Bow in McCurtain County. The state of Oklahoma owns and protects this area.
This wilderness area is huge, covering about 14,087 acres (about 57 square kilometers). It has been a protected nature preserve since 1918. It is a fantastic example of an upland forest. This forest is made up of oak and pine trees that are used to drier conditions. These types of forests are called xeric forests. It's a great place to see how these trees thrive in their natural setting.
Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge: Home of the Whooping Crane
The Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge was named a National Natural Landmark in June 1983. It is located near Jet in Alfalfa County. This refuge is owned and managed by the federal government.
This refuge is a very important place for wildlife. It covers about 32,000 acres (about 130 square kilometers). It is especially critical for the endangered whooping crane. A huge number, about 75%, of all whooping cranes depend on this refuge for their habitat. This makes it a vital spot for protecting these rare birds.
