Bernice State Park in northeastern Oklahoma
has always been popular for families who enjoy camping and picnicking
along the shorelines of Grand Lake. Pebble beaches and gradually sloping,
shallow areas make it a favorite spot for swimmers and sun worshipers.
Although it is one of the smaller state
parks in size, Bernice now boasts a rather large distinction of having
something in its own right - the only nature center along the 1300 miles
of shoreline of Grand Lake.
Like other nature centers operating in the
parks, the purpose behind the new 3,000 square foot center is to educate
the public about the habitat and history of the area. With nature
providing the learning tools, “students” of all ages will reap the
benefits of the nature center.
“We want to provide school education
programs on-site,” says Naturalist Rebecca Lane. “Our goal is to format a
curriculum that meets the science standards for third through sixth grade.
We’ll also have an informational hike along the nature trail, and discuss
things that appear along the trail including animal tracks and plant
identification.”
Although the building has been completed,
it will be several months before all of the mounted animal displays are in
place, and there are plans for a full painted mural on one wall of the
center. An 800-gallon aquarium will be home to fish native to Grand Lake
such as bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, striped bass, paddlefish, panfish
and gar. Aquatic tanks with water turtles, and cases for lizards and
snakes are included in the live displays. Flight cages will be added and
future plans include a scout project to build rehabilitation cages for
songbirds.
A classroom provides an area for hands-on
teaching, activities, nature programs and presentations. In addition to
the naturalist, the park ranger will be available for programs.
“There’s a big need for a place like this,”
explains Park Manager Bob Kelly. “Because of all of the schools in this
area, and, we expect visitors from around the lake.”
The Bernice Nature Center will have a grand
opening in the fall, but plans are to open the center at the end of this
month, as work continues on the displays and nature attractions to make it
complete. Summer educational programs and nature trail hikes will be
available.
