The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

This tallgrass prairie is set among low rolling hills of limestone strata that cover layers of sandstone, flint and chert. The headwaters of the South Fork of the Cottonwood River run through the property.

Size

2,188 acres

Location

The heart of the Flint Hills, east of Cassoday in eastern Butler County and western Greenwood County

Why the Conservancy Selected this Site

To restore a functioning tallgrass prairie ecosystem, The Nature Conservancy purchased the preserve in 1972 and 1973 with funds provided by the late Katharine Ordway.

What the Conservancy is Doing

The Flint Hills typifies our commitment to large-scale projects that preserve the natural ecosystem and the human culture connected to that ecosystem, both of which are equally threatened.

Things To Do

What to See: Plants

Originally used for grazing because the underlying limestone made it unsuitable for plowing, this preserve contains healthy populations of big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, switch grass and typical forbs of the tallgrass environment.

What to See: Birds

Management practices are underway to protect a number of target species, including the greater prairie chicken, the short-eared owl, and the Henslow's sparrow. These species have large area requirements, but tolerate or require a variety of habitats within their home ranges. All of these target bird species have experienced significant population declines due to the loss of suitable habitat.

What to See: Animals

Coyotes, deer and bobcats roam this tallgrass prairie. Another threatened species, the Topeka shiner, is a small minnow that lives in the headwaters streams of the Cottonwood River. Nearby grazing introduces silt into the stream waters and harms shiners' nests.

Plan Your Visit

Tours and visits of Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve are available by appointment. Please contact the Kansas Chapter for more information.

Directions

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

Read our guidelines on posting comments