Travertine Nature Center at Chickasaw National Recreation Area/NPS

Fifty years ago a nature center and environmental education facility was built at Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma. With architecture inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Travertine Nature Center that straddles its namesake creek is an iconic facility in the park system. In September, NRA staff will rededicate the facility in honor of its half-century of service.

The rededication, on September 21, will begin outside the center at 10:30 a.m. on its flagstone patio. The local high school band will play while a local scout troop presents the colors, followed by the keynote and other speakers. After the ceremony, a public reception with refreshments will be held in the Travertine Nature Center auditorium. If inclement weather prevents the ceremony from taking place outside, the event will be moved indoors to the nature center auditorium

If weather is favorable, a short nature hike will follow the reception. The hike to Antelope and Buffalo Springs will serve to highlight the environmental education focus of the facility. An architectural tour of the building is also planned.

The Travertine Nature Center was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011. It is one of very few NPS visitor centers that features live animal exhibits. The Travertine Nature Center has served as a visitor and education center for a half century, and continues to play an important role in interpreting park natural resources and encouraging environmental stewardship. Each year approximately 70,000 visitors utilize the Travertine Nature Center to learn about park resources and services.