Owl Pellet dissection and Land Judging Training

PSO partnered with the Rogers County Conservation District and students in an owl pellet dissection and land judging training at the company's NES power plant site in Oologah. The project is designed to help the Conservation district develop the wildlife habitat and and establish an outdoor classroom at NES.

Land judging was invented by three Oklahoma conservationists in 1942. The event includes judging the quality of various soil samples using score cards to test competitor skills. The NES land judging effort is the first teaching event held at the plant site.

The group worked with an Owasso teacher to establish an owl pellet dissection learning module that the conservation district is integrating into their curriculum.

Land judging was created by three Oklahoma conservationists as a competitive sport. Students dissect owl pellets to determine what owls eat. Mostly it is field mice bones.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) - PSO consistently donates $10,000 per year to the TNC Oklahoma Chapter as a corporate

PSO has donated fiberglass buffalo statues to the cities of Lawton, Clinton and Cheyenne. The cities look for artists to decorate or paint the statues, which are part of a statewide project of The Oklahoma Nature Conservancy to bring about awareness of the environment.

council sponsor. In addition, PSO has sponsored other activities and programs such as the "Spirit of the Buffalo" and "Wild Spirits". Mark Gipson, Manager of Legislative Affairs for PSO, is a member of the organization's board in Oklahoma. PSO also donated $50,000 in 2004 to help establish a Science Fund in the Oklahoma Chapter of TNC. The Science Fund will help to fund research projects on TNC properties. PSO has asked TNC to have lesson plan development be part of the research so that local schools can be given the opportunity to integrate the research and lesson plans in their science curriculum.

The Metropolitan Trust (M.e.t.) - In Tulsa, PSO helps sponsor various activities such as America Recycles Day and the Recycle Olympics, which are annual events. Also, the company participates in M.e.t. quarterly hazardous waste collection events. PSO is currently providing land at its 36th and Sheridan location in Tulsa for the M.e.t. to build a recycling center. PSO donates $2,000 per year plus other in-kind donations.

Up with Trees - PSO helps fund the operation of the program in Tulsa. PSO donates $2,500 per year.

Clean Air Campaign - PSO has worked with an ongoing Lawton campaign to reduce ozone. PSO's Comanche Station sponsored a lawnmower giveaway as part of Clean Air Lawton, promoting and educating citizens on ozone-reducing alternatives. The lawnmower given away was an electric, environmentally friendly Robomower.

Mickie Taylor, PSO Environmental Coordinator, holds a baby barn owl while on a banding trip in southwest Oklahoma. Taylor put a tiny metal band around the owl's leg to track population numbers.

Barn Owl and Raptor Platforms - For many years, PSO has worked with Scout troops and 4-H clubs in western Oklahoma to build barn owl houses and raptor platforms in conjunction with a leading ornithologist. PSO has helped reestablish habitat for barn owls in western Oklahoma and has set poles and platforms to help reestablish raptors such as eagles and kestrels.

Wildlife Habitat Development - PSO's Northeastern Station has applied for certification with the Wildlife Habitat Council. Northeastern Station has installed raptor nesting platforms and boxes, as well as food plots; planted native trees and grasses and bat habitats; and the company is installing a nature trail on property adjacent to the power plant.

E-LAB - E-LAB is the Environmental Learning and Adventure in Bolivia and Belize program. PSO sponsored a group of Girl Scouts and teachers for a trip to learn about biodiversity, energy, and environmental and sustainability issues. A PSO employee accompanied the group.

Sutton Avian Research - PSO helps fund research and educational programs at the Tulsa-area Sutton Avian Research Center. The center is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to finding cooperative conservation solutions for birds and education. The Center carries out many projresearch, conservation and education projects about birds. Past projects include conservation-oriented, ecological field research on declining grassland birds, the reintroduction and monitoring of Southern Bald Eagles, captive breeding of endangered species, and raptor surveys worldwide. PSO donates between $7,000 and $10,000 per year.

Indian Nations Council of Governments (INCOG) - PSO works with INCOG on the Clean Air Task force and the Ozone Alert program. PSO has an employee on the task force and others who work on communications and program implementation. PSO donates $5,000 per year for the Ozone Alert Program.

Keep Oklahoma Beautiful - Keep Oklahoma Beautiful, Inc. is a statewide nonprofit organization whose mission is to encourage, promote and assist individual and group efforts in the areas of beautification, enhancement and preservation of Oklahoma's environment. PSO is also involved with Tulsa Beautiful, which has the same mission and goals. PSO donates $2,000 per year to each organization.

Tulsa Area Conservation Foundation - PSO supports the foundation through its annual sponsorship of $2000 for the annual Haikey Creek clean up event. The mission is to protect natural resources by providing assistance to Tulsa-area organizations, schools and conservation agencies that are restoring and protecting our natural resources.