The Oklahoma Conservation Historical Society was proud to participate in the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts state meeting held in Norman, February 23rd-25th, 2025. We extend our sincere appreciation to the OACD leadership team for organizing another exceptional event that brought together conservation leaders from across the state. This gathering provided a valuable opportunity to connect with our members, partners, and stakeholders.

OCHS’s “Photographic History of Oklahoma Conservation” exhibit was on display throughout the weekend at the OACD state meeting in Norman.

Each year, OCHS holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the OACD state meeting. This year, we were excited to share with our members the highlights of our accomplishments in 2024, as well as our plans for 2025. As we approach the 90th anniversary of the "Black Sunday" dust storm and the establishment of the Soil Conservation Service in April 1935, we are preparing to host events in April to commemorate these pivotal moments in conservation history.

Group photo of OCHS board members (from l to r, Ed Casey, Sam Stalcup, Stan Rice, Harry Fritzler, Renee Mungle, Kim Farber, Larry Wright, and Ben Pollard) at the networking reception hosted by the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts.

We're especially proud to congratulate our board President, Ben Pollard, on receiving the prestigious OACD President's Award at the Partnership Awards Luncheon. This well-deserved recognition reflects not only his exceptional leadership of OCHS but also his lifelong dedication to conservation in Oklahoma.

OCHS Board President Ben Pollard speaks at the networking reception hosted by OACD for CARE Champions, the 2025 OACD Leadership Class, and OCHS.

Today, as conservation faces unprecedented challenges, OCHS stands with the dedicated professionals working on the frontlines to protect our state and nation’s natural resources. Our mission to collect, preserve, and share Oklahoma's rich conservation history connects the past to the present, honoring the generations of conservationists who came before us while inspiring those who will carry this vital work forward.

We invite you to join us in this important work by becoming a member, attending our upcoming Black Sunday commemorative events, or helping us share the conservation story. Together, we can ensure that the lessons of history continue to inform and inspire future generations of Oklahomans dedicated to protecting our land, water, and natural heritage.

To learn more about our upcoming events or to support our mission, please visit our website at https://www.oklahomaconservationhistory.org/ or contact us at okconservationhistory@gmail.com