Tishomingo National Wildlife Refuge

09/24/2026

Did you know the refuge has not one, not two, but three hiking trails? Most people are familiar with the Craven Nature Trail and Prairie Pathways, but a lot of people don't know about the Eagle Lookout Trail. The trailheads are located at the East Field Observation Platform and Murray 23. Just look for the kiosk. The trail is 2.4 miles one-way and passes through East Field and along 5C D**e before ending at the Murray 23 parking lot. Remember to take plenty of water with you.

Photo: Kiosk at Eagle Lookout Observation tower with new trailhead signs.

09/17/2026

If you have been out on the refuge in the last couple of weeks, you have no doubt noticed the tractors in the fields. Cultivating crops has occurred on the refuge since its establishment in 1946. The purpose is to provide additional foraging habitat for wildlife and migratory birds, specifically during the winter migration. In the Spring of 1946, the refuge planted around 200 acres of corn, hegari, milo, cowpeas, and soybeans and began the never-ending battle with Johnson grass. Over the years, the number of acres planted has fluctuated from 50 acres to about 1,000 and the equipment has changed. Our fight against Johnson grass has remained the same. This year, with the help of the Chickasaw Nation, the refuge is on target to plant approximately 400 acres in wheat, clover, and cowpeas. If you are out on the refuge, give a wave to our equipment operators and cross your fingers that we get some much-needed rain.

09/11/2026

09/08/2026

Join us on Saturday, September 12th from 10 am to 5 pm at the Chickasaw Nation Cultural Center. Come learn all about monarch butterflies and their amazing migration. Learn all about these beautiful butterflies and what you can do to help them on their journey. There will be tons of activities. We hope to see you there.

Join us for the Chickasaw Cultural Center’s annual Monarch Butterfly Day event on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.!

Experience a day full of conservation awareness and family fun, including hands-on activities with expert conservationists, plant pollinators, caterpillar giveaways and more.

For more information, call (580) 622-7130 or visit ChickasawCulturalCenter.com!

09/04/2026

If you're in Tishomingo, OK today, stop by and see us at the Johnston County Fair. We're here hanging out with the ODWC Game Wardens, the Tishomingo National Fish Hatchery, and the Oklahoma Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office. They're doing demonstrations on making sourdough and buttermilk biscuits. Come say hi and see what's going on.

09/01/2026

The Eagle Lookout Tower has lived many lives. This historic structure served as a rugged family residence during the Wash*ta Farm Era. After being decommissioned, the tower underwent a series of transformations. In the 1950s, refuge staff bolted a set of steps and railings directly onto the roof of the old house, instantly turning a former home into an elevated public viewing platform. Over the decades, the tower has evolved into a modern refuge highlight. Today, it boasts a series of thoughtful upgrades: a protective canopy to shield visitors from the elements, an ADA-accessible ramp ensuring everyone can make the climb, interpretive panels full of information on native wildlife, and a picnic table for those looking to take a break from exploring the refuge. As a lasting testament to the resilient craftsmanship of the Wash*ta Farm Era, the tower remains a great vantage point for the refuge with panoramic views of East Flat, the Cumberland Pool, and the diverse wildlife that calls the refuge home.

08/30/2026

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is mourning federal wildlife officer David Taylor, 38 of Scio, Oregon, who is believed to have died while helping evacuate residents threatened by the Railroad South Fire.

Officer Taylor was going door to door alongside local emergency crews helping families get to safety. His last contact with dispatch came while he was helping a family evacuate their home. Evidence recovered from a structure where he was working to help a resident escape indicates that he died during the evacuation effort. Formal identification remains pending with the medical examiner.

Everything we know about David's actions reflects extraordinary courage, selflessness and devotion to duty.

Our hearts are with his family, friends, fellow officers and all who served alongside him. We will never forget his service.

08/24/2026

The end of summer kicks off the start to the fall migration. One of the most stunning travelers is the painted bunting. Did you know these gorgeous birds spend their breeding months in Oklahoma, filling fields and woodlands with their brilliant colors? As temperatures drop, they make their way south to wintering grounds in Central America, bringing their beauty to new landscapes. If you spot a painted bunting this season, be sure to share your photos and help others appreciate their beauty. Safe travels, feathered friends!

Photo: Mike Brewer. Painted bunting in the trees.

08/12/2026

Attention all youth hunters! Do you need to complete your hunter's education course? Do you prefer in-person instruction over online courses? Maybe you just want to hang out with our awesome game wardens! We have an opportunity for you. Join us on Saturday, August 22nd from 9 am to 4 pm at the refuge visitor center. For questions, reach out to ODWC Game Warden Zane Arnold.

08/08/2026

Have you ever watched a bird and wonder what it's thinking? My guess is this juvenile yellow-crowned night heron spotted a tasty crayfish in the water and was debating on if it was worth stalking.

This time of year, you may catch a yellow-crowned night heron perched along the edges of the wetlands on the refuge. They slowly stalk their prey or perch quietly on stumps and tree branches over water.

Photo: Mike Brewer