Williams' employees volunteer to clean up Crosstimbers Nature Preserve near Sapulpa

Dozens of employees at a Tulsa company are spending the week taking part in volunteer projects.

Wednesday, Williams’ employees cleaned up the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Nature Preserve near Sapulpa.

OUT OF OFFICE

Employees at Williams were out of the office and in nature Wednesday.

It’s part of the company’s annual Volunteer Week.

"Everybody looks forward to this each year, and then there is a variety of projects and opportunities that Williams gives us, and we're just really happy that Williams gives us the opportunity to spend some of our time out making a difference in the community,” said Kristy Grigas, one of the employees and volunteers.

WHAT THEY DID

Volunteers picked up trash along the side of the road and weeded out invasive species like musk thistle and cedar, throughout the nature preserve.

"We just don't want it to get out of control and so we're cutting those cedars down today,” said Jeanine Lackey, the Crosstimbers Preserve Manager. “It's just improving the habitat, reducing those impacts from invasives, and keeping them in check."

THANKFUL FOR THE HELP

Lackey is glad groups like the Williams employees want to spend the day helping them out.

"We are so appreciative of all these groups that want to come out and help us tackle all these problems,” said Lackey. “We only have two staff right now on the property, and so groups like this really help us get projects done that we won't be able to tackle on our own."

They are always looking for volunteers, whether you are by yourself or with a company.

A BETTER PLACE

Employees say it’s important to do what they can to make their environment a better place.

"It's just important to be able to give back and help strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Mark Gabbia, the Vice President of Environmental at Williams. “This one is super special because we celebrated Earth Day this week, and being able to be out in nature and help improve conservation land is just an awesome experience."

ABOUT THE PRESERVE

The Nature Conservancy says the Pearl Jackson Crosstimbers Preserve features tallgrass prairie and woodlands of post and blackjack oak, and some of them are 200 to 300 years old.

The preserve is not open to the public at this time.

RELATED: Bird watchers enjoy new nature preserve near Sapulpa

People can find volunteer events HERE:

For more information and how to reach TNC, visit HERE: