Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, National wildlife refuge in East Central Kansas, United States
Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area in east central Kansas along the Neosho River Valley that brings together wetlands, hardwood forests, and grasslands. The landscape displays different terrain types with open meadows, wooded river banks, and marshy lowlands spread across the refuge.
The refuge was established in 1966 as part of a flood control project that transformed the land's past uses. Ancient seas once covered this region millions of years ago before it became the ecosystem visible today.
The refuge maintains traditional tallgrass prairie ecosystems through controlled water management, burning, and agricultural partnerships with local farmers.
The refuge offers an auto tour route on the south side that helps visitors explore and observe the different habitats. Vehicle access allows visitors to experience the landscape without requiring long walks across the grounds.
The area supports three distinct prairie types, each favoring different conditions and supporting different plants and wildlife. This diversity results from natural variations in soil and water availability within the refuge.
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