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I told Larry, when we were in Iowa City, that I wanted to go the Tallgrass Prairie. I don’t know why. It just called to my imagination. Boy oh boy, did we like this place! Tallgrass Prairie is a gem in our book. This preserve was established in 1996 as a result of much collaboration and compromise between local ranchers and the Forest Service, according to our Ranger and Wikipedia.
“Legislation introduced in 1991 called for the creation of the Preserve, but local interests objected to the condition that the National Park Service would own it all. From 1991-1994, U.S. Senator Nancy Kassebaum-Baker convened a group of stakeholders, many with opposing views, to seek agreement on the formula for a tallgrass prairie park. The group began work in January 1992, and a different model for a national park emerged; it would be a public/private partnership, managed by the National Park Service, but the land privately owned.” – Wikipedia
It was wonderful to think that people with such opposing views and interests could come together and create such a gift.
So, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is what remains of the original tallgrass prairie, of which less than 4% remains today. The other 96% got tilled into farm lands and now feeds our country. This little parcel of land is intact today thanks to our friend, limestone! This area was saved from the plow due to the large deposits of limestone and flint which made it too difficult to plow. The prairie is in a section of Kansas called Flint Country.
The preserve has miles of walking trails and we enjoyed hiking on terrain that was very different from our home in New England. We had a lot of fun spying the magnificent Bison. We made sure to stay the recommended 100 yards away from them. They are the largest land mammal in North America. I did not know that!
We highly recommend that you add this Preserve to your bucket list. We greatly enjoyed our stay in Cottonwood Falls, but that, my friends, is another post!
Till next time, stay curious!
Love love love your posts! I feel like I am on your trip with you!,l
Sometimes we wonder if anyone is reading the blog. š
Thanks, Carol. Nice of you to say!
It looks like you’re not in New Hampshire any more. And…those bison sure are big guys, aren’t they? Glad you’re enjoying everything.
I always learn so much reading your posts! Thank you! The expansiveness must be such a trip for our crowded northeast perspective
Thanks, Annie. Yes, the expansiveness is liberating. And, at this time of year, the coloring is so muted and that just takes my eye even further. There are feel places to ‘anchor’ the eye. It’s hard to describe.
I read every one. Such a great adventure. Cheers!!
Thanks Brian.