Greenway of the Cherokee Ozarks

From I-40 on the South to Highway 412 on the North, the Ozarks Mountain bioregion juts into Eastern Oklahoma where once was Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory. Today the area is a mecca for locals and tourists flocking to the water features of Lake Tenkiller and the Illinois River, and to Sallisaw Creek and Brushy Lake south around Marble City and Sallisaw.

Stop and note just how many outdoor healthy living recreational opportunities exist, from hiking and hunting in the Cookson Wildlife Management Area to floating rafts, canoes and kayaks on the Illinois and camping in public access areas surrounding Lake Tenkiller.

This area is rich with wildlife, both usual and rare. It abounds with the plants familiar to our ancestors and used for baskets, fishing poles, food and medicine. Steve Woodall describes one aspect of the Greenway’s conservation and cultural tourism slant, “Over the centuries, we’ve managed to somehow harmoniously co-exist, preventing the loss of some unique habitat, and it makes this area just a special place to be. ”

Cultural learning, hiking, biking, boating, and exploring the treasures of local history are some of the reasons that Myra Robertson of Blue Sky Water Society at Marble City has a dream of connecting the dots thru the Ozarks to define the Greenway of the Cherokee Ozarks. When National Park Service’s Joy Lujan came to help, a clear picture began to emerge. Groups and organizations, cities and local governments have begun to find in common, ways to work together to strengthen and complete a big picture.

This is an open project, where communities can dream of the future they want for their children, and be mindful of that as we move forward. Blue Sky Water is hosting a one-day organizational conference at Camp Eagan beginning at 9 a.m. on September 29th. Facilitator Steve Woodall encourages everyone who is interested to attend and participate. The event is free, although reservations must be made in advance so lunch can be planned. To attend, RSVP by calling 918 696-3175. We’re hoping that civic-minded folks will come from as far away as Vian and Marble City, Salina and from along Brushy Lake, Sallisaw Creek, Tenkiller Lake and Illinois River and its tributaries. “We’d like to plan for a common future with outstanding family recreational opportunities, and keep the tourism economy strong. That will take work and volunteerism. Everyone can be a part of it.”

(Watch for this article in the September issue of  The Current, along with a small ad inviting readers to attend the Septmber 29th Greenway Conference at Camp Eagan, 9 a.m....  RSVP at 918 696 3175 if you would like to attend.)