Iris McPherson holding registry sign

Iris McPherson, Dr. McPherson's late wife, with the Registry sign at the McPherson Preserve.

Mike Palmer presenting registry plaque to Kim Shannon

Mike Palmer, manager of the McPherson Preserve, is presented the Registry plaque by Botany graduate Kim Shannon. Kim was the Conservation Specialist with the Oklahoma Biological Survey, having earned her master's degree at OSU working with Ron Tyrl. Read the article about the McPherson Preserve becoming part of the Oklahoma Natural Registry Area.

McPherson Preserve

Named for James K. McPherson, Professor Emeritus of Botany (deceased), the 180-acre McPherson Botanical Reserve is located 8 miles west of Stillwater. The preserve has riparian, prairie, cross-timbers, and oldfield habitat for field studies and experiments. The Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution is responsible for maintaining the Reserve; maintenance includes the use of prescribed fire.

Registered Natural Heritage Area

The James K. McPherson Preserve is a designated Registered Natural Heritage Area by the Oklahoma Biological Survey because it provides protection for the Oklahoma Beardtongue and for the Crosstimbers community.