The Oxford Society

The Oxford Society is dedicated to land conservation and environmental education.

Mission Statement

The Oxford Society is committed to conserving the Earth’s remaining wild and semi-wild lands—both in the United States and abroad—for the benefit of wildlife and human communities alike. Because we believe that environmental education is the best way to promote effective, long-term conservation, we also support projects that connect people, particularly children, with nature.

History of The Oxford Society

The Oxford Society was borne of the land. Forty-five minutes southwest of Oxford, Ohio, in southeastern Indiana’s Franklin County, lies the Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary. Formerly a hill farm, it was purchased by Don and Pat Kaufman in 1983, and it has not been cultivated since. In the ensuing decades, the old farm has reverted to a wild, natural state, and the sanctuary is now a 280-acre tapestry of mature woodlands and healthy fields. A pond, small creeks, and numerous vernal pools grace its gently rolling hills, sheltered valleys, and rugged ravines.

In 2003, the Kaufmans established The Oxford Society (TOS) to serve as an umbrella organization committed to land conservation. In 2007, they gave the Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary to TOS to manage it in perpetuity. They also established an endowment to provide TOS with management funds. The Board of Trustees of TOS makes all decisions concerning the management of the Sanctuary.

Core Programs

Salt Creek
Nature Sanctuary

A 280-acre preserve in Franklin County, Indiana, the sanctuary features a rich mix of woods, fields, meadows, streams, vernal pools, and a pond. Here, we work to preserve, restore, and create habitat for native species, to encourage pollinators, and to provide opportunities for nature study and contemplation.

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Kids in Nature

We support people and programs—both at the sanctuary and off-site— that connect children with nature, instilling in them a love for the world’s invaluable wild places and wildlife.

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Costa Rica Program

Since 2001, The Oxford Society has been active in conservation and education efforts in Costa Rica. Many of those efforts have taken place in Tortuguero—"place of the turtles"—which is in the country’s northeast corner. Dominated by wet tropical forest and a patchwork of wetlands and canals, Tortuguero is bordered on the east by the Caribbean Sea. Its black sand beaches provide invaluable nesting sites for green and leatherback sea turtles.

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