The entrance to the Bristow Nature Trail will soon be teeming with color and pollinators, thanks to a collaborative effort led by the Bristow 4-H Club.
On Tuesday, local 4-H members joined forces with community sponsors, the Creek County OSU Agricultural Extension Educator, and a representative from the Oklahoma Conservation Commission to establish a new wildflower habitat.
Elias Braden, the Bristow 4-H Community Service Leader, spearheaded the project. Braden exemplifies the 4-H motto of “making the best better,” demonstrating remarkable initiative at a young age to improve his community and environment.
The volunteer team planted 12 pounds of the “Okies for Monarchs” native wildflower blend across half an acre of the park. The club purchased 11 pounds, with an additional pound generously donated by Johnston Seed Company. To ensure even coverage, volunteers lined up across the field and broadcast the seed by hand using a “feeding the chickens” motion.
Visitors to the City of Bristow Park can expect blooming from April through October. The mix includes sunflowers, yarrow, the state flower (Indian Blanket), and several varieties of milkweed crucial for Monarch butterfly populations.
The habitat is expected to reach its full potential within two years. The club is currently working with the City of Bristow to implement a delayed mowing schedule, waiting until after the first freeze in late 2026 to allow the flowers to reseed naturally.
The Bristow 4-H Club extends sincere gratitude to the sponsors who made this project possible: Creek County Conservation District, Creek County OSU Extension, Farmers Feed Store Sapulpa, Fisher Ag & Eggs, JHJ Farm, Toothman Family Farm, Varner’s Pasture Spraying, and Witty Ideas.
About Bristow 4-H: Bristow 4-H club meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 pm at the Trinity Baptist Church Event Center (420 West 4th, Bristow). Specialized project areas include Cooking, Crafts, Livestock, Science, Public Speaking, Community Service, and Leadership.
Follow us on the Bristow 4-H Facebook page.
