City of Norman Invites Community to National Trails Day Stewardship Event at Saxon Park

The City of Norman Parks and Recreation Department and Division of Environmental Resilience and Sustainability (DoERS) invites residents to celebrate National Trails Day with a morning of hands-on environmental stewardship, outdoor education and community service at Saxon Park on Saturday, July 11, from 8 to 10 a.m.

Participants will have the opportunity to learn about invasive plant species, including what they are, why they threaten native ecosystems and how to identify them in the field. Following the educational portion, volunteers will help improve the park by removing invasive plants and collecting litter along trails and natural areas.

Attendees will also explore a prescribed burn site within the park and compare it to nearby unburned areas. City staff will discuss how prescribed burns support healthy native plant communities, improve wildlife habitat and contribute to long-term ecosystem management.

"National Trails Day is a great opportunity for community members to connect with nature while making a positive impact on one of Norman's beautiful parks," said Michele Loudenback, Environmental and Sustainability Manager for DoERS. "Whether you're interested in conservation, learning more about local ecosystems or just spending time outdoors, this event offers something for everyone."

Local favorite Beanstalk Coffee & Sno will be on-site during the event.

Volunteers are encouraged to register in advance at bit.ly/4gEdEXx and come prepared with:

• Boots or closed-toe shoes
• Long pants
• Water bottle
• Jacket or long sleeves
• Safety glasses or sunglasses
• Hat
• Sunscreen

The City of Norman will provide tools, cleanup supplies, snacks and water.

The event is free and open to all community members interested in supporting local trails, native habitats and outdoor recreation.

For more information about DoERS programs, visit https://www.normanok.gov/your-government/departments/utilities/environmental-services.