| Konza Prairie | |
| Protected Area | |
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Konza in spring with herd of bison in distance
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| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Kansas |
| Region | Flint Hills |
| District | Geary County |
| City | 10 km south of Manhattan, Kansas |
| River | 5 km south of Kansas River |
| Location | Riley / Geary counties, Kansas, USA |
| - elevation | 330 m (1,083 ft) |
| - coordinates | |
| Area | 34.9 km2 (13 sq mi) |
| Biome | Temperate grassland |
| Geology | Loess soils on Permian limestone |
| Plant | Native tallgrass prairie |
| Animal | Bison, White-tailed deer, Wild Turkey |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Management | The Nature Conservancy, Kansas State University |
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USGS Topo Map of Konza Prairie
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| Website: Konza Prairie Biological Station | |
The Konza Prairie Biological Station is a 3,487-hectare (8,616 acre, 13.5 sq mi) preserve of native tallgrass prairie in the Flint Hills of northeastern Kansas. It is located south of Manhattan, Kansas and its southern boundary parallels Interstate 70. A scenic overlook exists on the preserve's eastern boundary along K-177.
The Konza Prairie is owned by The Nature Conservancy and Kansas State University, and is operated as a field research station by the university's Division of Biology. It is one of 26 sites within the Long Term Ecological Research Network.
It has a continental climate characterized by warm, wet summers and dry, cold winters. Average annual precipitation (32.9 in, 835 mm) is sufficient to support woodland or savanna vegetation; consequently, drought, fire and grazing are important in maintaining this grassland. The site is topographically complex with an elevation range from 1050 to 1457 ft (320 to 444 m).[1] In addition to the dominant tallgrass prairie, Konza contains forest, claypan, shrub and riparian communities. Limestone outcrops are found throughout the landscape.
Konza Prairie is located within the largest remaining area of unplowed tallgrass prairie in North America, the Flint Hills. Konza supports a diverse mix of species including 576 vascular plants[2], 31 mammals[3], 208 bird species[4], 34 types of reptiles and amphibians, 20 kinds of fish, and over 700 types of invertebrates. A herd of approximately 300 bison[5] is maintained on the Konza, and native White-tailed Deer and Wild Turkey are often present in large numbers.
The public is allowed onto portions of the Konza Prairie through three loop hiking trails (approximately 3, 5, and 7 miles). The rest of the preserve is opened up for educational tours and for the Biennial Visitors' Day. The last Visitors' Day was held on September 27, 2008.[6]