NATURE PRESERVE

Red Ridge Study Center and Preserve

Red Ridge Nature Preserve is the only true Cross Timbers biome in Oklahoma City, marking the transition from Eastern forests to the Great Plains. This 134-acre landscape will become a critical refuge for local and migrating wildlife and pollinators, once it is freed from invasive species and restored. Red Ridge will also fill significant gaps in ecological and environmental science education for schools, adults, and teens while offering valuable green space with trails and wellness opportunities for local residents. Programming will address urgent conservation topics including hydrology, energy, and agriculture, which no other regional institution covers.

AK Cultural planning developed the concept for Red Ridge Nature Preserve and Study Center,

inspired by the property’s unique qualities and the philanthropic values of the Kirkpatrick Foundation and Kirkpatrick Family Fund. Working in partnership with the board, staff, and landscape architects Reed Hilderbrand, the project focused on “connecting the conceptual dots” of the Foundation’s vision, requirements for land and wildlife restoration, optimal uses for three extant buildings, programming opportunities, market demand, and financial model. The resulting presentation aligned stakeholders and provided a crucial platform for fundraising. Final deliverables addressed:

• Market Assessment, Trends and Opportunities, that includes insights from comparable/relevant national sites, programming inspirations and a gap analysis of local programming

• Concept that balances wildlife conservation, ecology, historic preservation, and art. It included:

• Governance, vision, mission, and impact goals

• Programming framework that synthesizes the vision, market opportunities, and site potential.

• Target audiences and partnership model

• Order of magnitude startup budgets and annual operating scale, including high level understanding of the financial resources that will be needed to launch and sustain the institution in its early years.

Our work informed and aligned with the site Master Plan, which articulated a phased restoration of both land and buildings, and a gradual opening to research partners as well as the public. The Foundation is currently focused on galvanizing stakeholders and civic support around the future of the property.