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 AOK Guesthouses Will Benefit Niobrara Sanctuary--January 10, 2011 The Niobrara Sanctuary experience is incredibly inviting. There isn't anything exactly like it in this "neck of the woods". The opportunity to stay in one of two guesthouses in a wildlife sanctuary with access to 5,000 acres, miles of trails to explore, and view nature at its best in relative serenity is unique. The sanctuary's landscape includes bluffs overlooking the Niobrara River - a national scenic river and unit of the National Park System - with woodlands, wet meadows and wetlands paralleling the river, deep canyons with shady spring-fed streams, and upland prairies on Sandhills and plains. Audubon of Kansas has completely remodeled and refurnished the Hutton House to make it exquisitely attractive and comfortable, as well as energy efficient, and to serve as the centerpiece for visitation opportunities and educational outreach. From the bay windows inside, one can look out across meadows from within a grove of trees and hear Western Meadowlarks, Dickcissels and other grassland birds. This guesthouse has four newly furnished bedrooms, three bathrooms, a new kitchen, large combination living room and dining area, a fireplace lounge, office and two-car garage. A corral that will accommodate horses is planned for next spring. Other related sanctuary amenities soon to be established include wildlife viewing blinds and expansion of trails through the woodlands along the Niobrara valley and to bluffs overlooking the scenic river.  An addition to the Hutton House includes a gallery that will display Lucille Hutton's paintings, Harold's collection of Indian and western artifacts, copies of his published books, and educational materials on nature and conservation. Restoration and enhancement, and management of the land is guided by our commitment to make it a model for wildlife conservation, with a special emphasis on providing habitat for prairie grouse and other grassland birds. The second sanctuary guesthouse is referred to as the "Lazy Easy" Ranch House. AOK purchased a 160-acre addition to the sanctuary and the former owner referred to the ranch as the "Lazy Easy." This ranchstead is nestled in among huge Cottonwoods and other trees planted in shelterbelts dividing the property into a series of meadows and pastures at the headwaters of Willow Creek. The Lazy Easy guesthouse also has four bedrooms, two baths, a large living room, kitchen and laundry room - and a porch with a "porch swing" to add to the enjoyment of this pastoral setting. In addition to making the sanctuary available for the enjoyment of guests, lodging fees or donations will help to provide financial resources for operations, stewardship and improvements of the sanctuary and these facilities. Ryan Klataske is developing a website for the guesthouses. More information and photos can be viewed at www.niobrarasanctuary.org. |
We invite you to participate and contribute to our conservation efforts and keep Audubon of Kansas moving forward. Your tax-deductible contributions and volunteer efforts sustain our 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and are essential to all aspects of our work—from advocacy, legislative liaison, education, and support of wildlife-friendly landowners, to our office staff, publications and website. We need your commitment! |