Advancing Science and Stewardship: Oka’ Institute Launches Summer 2026 Research Collaboration

This summer, the Oka Institute brings together partners, researchers, and students to better understand the natural systems that sustain our communities. In 2026, that work continues through a collaboration with the Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences at East Central University. Together, these teams are conducting a series of field based research projects across property owned by City of Ada, each contributing to a broader vision of sustainable, science driven stewardship in south central Oklahoma.

From pollinators and plant diversity to groundwater quality and wildlife monitoring, this year’s research efforts reflect the wide range of work needed to truly understand the land. While each project focuses on a specific area of study, they are all connected through a shared goal of building a comprehensive and data informed understanding of the natural resources that shape our region.

To explore each project in more detail, visit our Research page👉 [https://www.okainstitute.org/water-research]

Understanding Pollinators and Plant Life

Healthy ecosystems begin with strong biodiversity. This summer, researcher Jose Montalva is leading a study on native bee diversity across the property, documenting species presence and seasonal activity throughout the flowering season. This work will help identify important pollinator patterns and support long term conservation efforts. At the same time, Dr. Leah Dudley is documenting flowering plant species and developing a pollen reference library for the property. By tracking plant diversity and flowering patterns, her research also examines relationships between plants and pollinators, helping to better understand ecosystem resilience.

Using Technology to See the Landscape Differently

Technology plays an important role in understanding complex environments. Through the Oka VUE initiative, led by Eric Howard, high resolution drone imagery is being collected to create a detailed and georeferenced view of the research property. This dataset will support current and future research by providing a visual foundation for interpreting vegetation, water movement, and overall landscape conditions.

Protecting Water Resources Through Science

Water is at the center of the Oka Institute mission, and several projects this summer focus on understanding and protecting it. Dr. Hayden Hays is leading research on aquatic ecosystems connected to Byrds Mill Spring and nearby Blue River tributaries. By studying fish and macroinvertebrate communities, this work helps assess water quality and overall ecosystem health. Dr. Gilson Sanchez is also examining how land use may influence groundwater quality. His research focuses on how cattle grazing may impact microbial communities in well water, helping to better understand how agricultural practices affect this important resource.

Monitoring Wildlife and Ecosystem Interactions

Understanding how wildlife interacts with the landscape is another important piece of the work. Dr. Hayden Hays is leading a project that uses camera traps to monitor feral hog activity and document other wildlife species across the property. This research provides insight into habitat use, movement patterns, and potential environmental impacts.

In addition, Dr. George Wang is studying herbivorous insect populations on red oak trees. His research explores how seasonal changes and leaf chemistry influence insect diversity, contributing to a better understanding of forest health and ecosystem dynamics.

Building a Foundation for Long Term Environmental Health

To support all of these efforts, Dr. Harry Wang and Dr. Andrew Whitaker are developing a monitoring program to evaluate soil and water quality across the property. By integrating this data into mapping systems, their work will help identify areas of concern and guide future management decisions.

A Unified Approach to Stewardship

The Summer 2026 research collaboration reflects the power of partnership, shared knowledge, and a commitment to understanding the land. By bringing together expertise from East Central University and the Oka Institute, these projects are helping build a stronger foundation for informed decision making across our region.

Each project contributes a different piece of the story, from pollinators and plants to water quality and wildlife. Together, they create a more complete picture of how natural systems function and how they can be sustained.

As this work continues, the knowledge gained will help guide future planning, strengthen community resilience, and support the long term stewardship of natural resources in south central Oklahoma.

To follow ongoing updates and learn more about each initiative, visit our Research page👉 [https://www.okainstitute.org/water-research]