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Celebrating a History of Conservation
This year, the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge celebrates its 125th anniversary since being established as a Forest Reserve by President William McKinley in 1901. Brought into the National Wildlife Refuge System in 1936, it now stands alongside the nearly 600 national wildlife refuges that comprise the refuge system. This system protects some of America’s most iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.
To commemorate the historic anniversary of one the United States’ earliest conservation efforts, the refuge welcomed the public to an event in June to honor the past, present, and future of the refuge. The event was held at a newly constructed headquarters building and featured the unveiling of a 100-year time capsule, remarks by refuge leadership and special guests, and a screening of a new refuge film.
“It’s inspiring to see how many people came out to celebrate the Wichita Mountains,” said Refuge Manager Amber Zimmerman. “It really shows how much of an impact this natural area has on people, and how important it is for us, especially as refuge staff, to help preserve this land into the future.”
A Legacy Through Generations
In what may be a striking coincidence, stroke of luck, or a very timely act of fate, local historians Frank and Veronica Petty discovered a 100-year time capsule on the refuge that was slated for opening this year. Gifted by the people of nearby Lawton, Oklahoma, this time capsule was sealed in commemoration of Lost Lake Dam’s construction in 1926.
Grover Fuqua and Kaylon Fuqua, father and son and current refuge maintenance workers, helped unearth and unseal the 100-year-old artifact in May. Upon opening, they found a copy of the local newspaper that featured a front-page story about Comanche County Sheriff George Frampton, a name Grover immediately recognized.
“I was so surprised,” said Grover Fuqua, who recounted seeing the 100-year-old newspaper and reading the headlined story. “I read the name and realized, ‘that’s my great-great grandfather.’ I didn’t have the words.”
At the refuge’s celebration, Grover and Kaylon were accompanied by long-time refuge volunteer and Grover’s father, Ted Fuqua. Kaylon, Grover, and Ted, stood proudly near the displayed newspaper and time capsule contents, sharing their sentimental and captivating story. Together they have collectively contributed over 30 years of federal service and volunteer time to the conservation of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The time capsule seemed to encapsulate their deep-rooted connection to the refuge.
The refuge invited guests to submit letters station for inclusion in a new 100-year time at a “Mailbox to the Future” writing station during their event. The Fuqua family was one of many who wrote a letter highlighting their connection to this place for future generations. Among the other submissions were a collection of poems written by a frequent refuge visitor, accounts of school field trips and church visits from decades past, and stories of family reunions and weddings that took place on the same grounds.
A Legacy on Film
Refuge staff aren’t the only ones with an emotional connection brought forth by the landscape and wildlife of the mountains. Peter Schriemer, wildlife educator and filmmaker, recently completed his newest film, All Over the Map: Wichita Mountains. The documentary now plays for guests at the refuge visitor’s center.
“A lot of research and time went into this project, said Schriemer. “Spending every waking moment during filming out on the refuge, watching every sunset, looking for bison, looking for elk; doing all these things and seeing these magic moments you only get when you find yourself outdoors. These little moments that you miss if you’re not spending a lot of time out there, I got to have that here.”
Schriemer, originally from Ann Arbor, Michigan, now devotes his time to producing educational content for families with the goal of teaching more young people how to appreciate the outdoors and especially about the many wildlife refuges across the country. Though he’s not from Southwest Oklahoma, he said he shares the locals’ love for the Wichita Mountains.
“Even though I’m not from here and I do not live here, my heart is here.” said Schriemer. “And a little piece of me will forever live in the Wichita Mountains. I share that with you because it is such a special, special place.”
A Legacy in the Making
This year, the United States is celebrating 250 years of America’s rich natural heritage. Conservation has played a foundational role in shaping our nation’s identity. Since its establishment in 1901, many people and organizations have played a part in helping conserve the rich natural wonders of Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. From the efforts of the Civilian Conservation Corps in building and repairing roads, dams, and recreational facilities, to the millions of visitors who supported the park over the past century and a quarter, everyone contributed to the legacy of the Wichita Mountains. Zimmerman spoke of the shared commitment and influence that go far beyond the boundaries of the refuge.
“It is our communities and wide reach in the area that drive this place,” said Zimmerman. “We have volunteers, we have staff, and we have millions of people that come here for that connection. We’re all talking about the people who set out to move mountains. But in this case, we’re at the Wichita Mountains, and I can tell you that these mountains move people.
For untold generations the Wichita Mountains have been protected and honored by the communities who find solace and connection in the flowering prairies and granite hills. Alicia Nevaquaya from the Intertribal Buffalo Council reflected on the enduring connection to nature found in these mountains.
“What would the people who stood here in 1901 think if they could see this place today,” asked Nevaquaya. “They would still recognize these ancient mountains. They would still see buffalo grazing in the prairie. They would still hear the wind moving through the grasses, and the songs of birds overhead. They would know that this landscape endured because people cared enough to protect it. For tribal peoples, that idea of caring for future generations is not new. Tribes have long understood that our decisions today affect people we may never meet.”
Each of the several hundred guests in attendance at the commemoration event learned of the past legacy of the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It is now in everyone’s hands to carry it forward.
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