Norman museum offers Escape during spring break
The Oklahoma Fancy Dancers performed traditional American Indian dances for visitors to the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History, as part of the museum's Spring Break Escape offerings. The dancers on Friday closed out the week's activities, which also included a dig for dinosaur relics, an interactive bird show, face painting, crafts and scientific projects.
The Oklahoma Equestrian Trail Riders Association, the state’s trail riding association dedicated to trail advocacy, is encouraging individuals and families to join this year.
OETRA was established in 1974 as a trail riding association with the mission of promoting good stewardship toward Oklahoma’s trail system, according to a news release.
Since 2009, OETRA has donated $39,566 to equestrian trail systems through membership dues and fundraisers. OETRA’s trail ambassador program, initiated in 2012, designates an OETRA member to serve as a liaison between the club and the trails’ facility manager.
Last year, OETRA donated $3,246 for six equestrian trails across the state. Arrowhead State Park at Lake Eufaula received $639 to buy corral panels so campers could have a secure place for their equine partners to stay overnight. Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp at Hodgen received $180 for trail signage.
Foss Lake State Park received $800 for equestrian trail markers. Liberty Lake in Guthrie received $720 for gravel for the equestrian parking area and trail markers. Prague Lake received $600 for screenings to be placed in the horse corrals at the park.
Robbers Cave State Park in Wilburton received $400 to purchase trail markers. Duncan Lake Horse Trails was awarded $720 for gravel for the equestrian parking/camping area.
The association also hosts work weekends at trail systems to mark and clean trails, among other projects. Members receive free camping while they volunteer at the work weekends.
Membership is based on the calendar year. The cost is $25 for individuals and $35 for families. OETRA will sponsor eight pleasure rides this year. Members receive a monthly newsletter with upcoming rides, important news concerning equestrian trails and ride reviews. The club publishes a membership directory in the spring.
“Even if you never have the chance to participate in any of our activities, joining OETRA gives you an opportunity to become a member of the most active equestrian group that supports equestrian trails and parks in Oklahoma,” said Teri Wyatt, of Edmond, OETRA president.
"Membership dues help us continue our efforts of maintaining and enhancing our trails systems.”
Activities this year include the March 24 through April 2 Robbers Cave State Park Work Week in Wilburton; the April 28-30 Roman Nose Hills Trail Ride in Watonga; the May 13 Just For Fun Ride at Foss Lake State Park; and a June 2-4 National Trails Day Family Ride, Robbers Cave State Park.
Also the July 1-4 Just For Fun Ride, Ponderosa Campground and Horse Trails, Pineville, Missouri; Sept. 29-Oct. 1 Robbers Cave State Park Fall Ride; Oct. 14-15 Just For Fun Ride, Duncan Lake; Nov. 10-12 Fall Color Ride, Cedar Lake Equestrian Camp, Hodgen; and Dec. 9 OETRA Christmas Party, site to be determined.
For more information and details about joining OETRA, go to oetra.com. A membership application can be downloaded from the website or dues can be paid via PayPal.