McCurtain County Wilderness Area facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McCurtain County Wilderness Area |
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 McCurtain County Wilderness Area
Location in Oklahoma
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| Location | McCurtain County, Oklahoma |
| Nearest city | Broken Bow |
| Area | 14,087 acres (5,701 ha) |
| Governing body | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation |
| Designated: | 1974 |
The McCurtain County Wilderness Area is a huge nature preserve in Oklahoma. It covers about 14,087 acres (5,701 ha) of land. This special place is located about 25 miles (40 km) north of a town called Broken Bow.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation takes care of this area. In December 1974, it was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very important natural place in the United States. It's known for its amazing forest, which has many oak and pine trees that can live in dry areas.
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What is the McCurtain County Wilderness Area Like?
This wilderness area is found in the southern part of the Ouachita Uplift. This is a region with hills and mountains. The land here goes from about 575 feet (175 m) high to 1,363 feet (415 m) high.
It gets a lot of rain every year, about 47.5 inches (121 cm). This is the most rain anywhere in Oklahoma! All this rain helps many different plants and animals to live and grow here.
Amazing Wildlife in the Area
The McCurtain County Wilderness Area is a fantastic home for many creatures. It's especially great for birds.
Birds of the Wilderness Area
More than 110 different kinds of birds live in this area. Some of these birds are very special. For example, you might find the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. This means there are not many of these woodpeckers left in the world.
You might also see the majestic bald eagle flying overhead. The bald eagle is the national bird of the United States. In 2008, the Audubon Society said this area was an "Important Bird Area." This shows how important it is for bird conservation.
Plants of the Wilderness Area
Beyond birds, the area is also rich in plant life. There are over 359 different kinds of plants growing here. These plants make the forest beautiful and provide food and shelter for all the animals.
Visiting the Wilderness Area
If you want to explore this natural wonder, there are some things to know.
Exploring the Nature Trail
There is a short nature trail that is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. This trail is a great way to see some of the beauty of the wilderness area. It lets you walk through the forest and experience nature up close.
Permission for Further Exploration
If you want to go deeper into the east side of the reservoir, you need to ask for permission first. This helps protect the sensitive parts of the wilderness area. It also makes sure visitors stay safe.
