Places We Protect

Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

Kansas

A few strands of tall grass wave above rolling fields.
Tallgrass Prairie Of the 170 million acres that once covered the North American heartland, less than 4% is left, and most of that is in the Flint Hills of Kansas. © Dave Bryan (Timeless Changes)

Coming Soon!

For the first time in 50 years, this preserve will open to the public. Stay tuned for the opening announcement in late spring 2023.

Overview

Description

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 preserve that was purchased in 1972 and 1973 with funds provided by the late Katharine Ordway.

This preserve contains healthy populations of big bluestem, little bluestem, Indian grass, switch grass and other plants typical of the tallgrass prairie.

Here, we also protect grassland birds like greater prairie-chicken and Henslow's sparrow which require a large and diverse area of healthy prairie for habitat. Coyotes, deer and bobcats also roam this prairie.

Flint Hills Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Cassoday, Kansas is not open for visitation. Trails will open in late spring 2023, but the exact date has not yet been determined.

Access

CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC

Location

Butler & Greenwood counties, KS

Highlights

Topeka shiner—a small, endangered minnow that was once common throughout the state but is now mostly found in the prairie streams of the Flint Hills

Size

2,188 acres

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