Audubon of Kansas
Contact: Ron Klataske 
785-537-4385 

For Immediate Release
Press Release

Wildflowers Make Kansas Roadsides Spectacular in Mid-September 
Manhattan KS- Sept 16, 2008

As the summer travel season transitions to autumn, Audubon of Kansas is reminding Kansas residents to take mid-September opportunities to enjoy the state's spectacular display of prairie wildflowers and native grasses along roadsides and throughout the countryside.  Because of abundant rainfall this summer, 2008 is a banner year for a diversity of native sunflowers and similar species that are locally abundant along some of the state highways which have not been mowed.  The greatest array of showy fall wildflowers and native grasses are seen in the Flint Hills, Chautauqua Hills, Smoky Hills, Red Hills, and other landscapes with native prairies and woodlands adjacent to rural roads, according to Ron Klataske of Manhattan, Executive Director of Audubon of Kansas.


A roadside view of stiff sunflowers (a native perennial prairie species) and goldenrods along Highway 24 / 40 south of Tonganoxie.  This remnant patch of prairie plants is located near mile marker 399.  Photos made September 10, 2008 by Ron Klataske.

In addition to the annual sunflower crowned as the state's official wildflower, other perennial "sunflowers" in bloom during September include Maximilian sunflower, stiff sunflower, willow-leaf sunflower, sawtooth sunflower, ashy sunflower, ox-eye sunflower and Jerusalem artichoke.  Other prominent wildflowers adding to the Kansas roadside kaleidoscope at this time of year include several goldenrod species, gayfeathers, asters, plains coreopsis, tall thistle and Pitcher "blue" sage.  

Big bluestem, Indian grass, switchgrass, little bluestem and other native grasses are currently flowering.  As autumn progresses they turn to colors that resemble sorrel, bay and palomino horses.  Mature native grasses provide unique scenic opportunities in this "prairie state." These fall colors last for several months.

In addition to natural beauty, native plants along the state's roadways serve as effective filter strips for runoff and that helps to improve water quality. They serve as "living snow fences," hold snow and reduce drifting onto roadways, thereby improving safety and reducing snow and ice removal costs. Native plants in the outer reaches of roadsides provide some of the habitat needs for birds, butterflies, and other pollinating insects in areas where suitable habitat is a limiting factor.  The display of September flowers coincides with the migration of Monarch Butterflies. 

A diversity of seed-eating birds ranging from Bobwhite Quail to Goldfinches will benefit this fall and winter from this year's abundance of several sunflower species and many other wildflowers growing along roadsides and in other areas left unmowed.  In some places these areas provide the only food, escape cover, and severe weather shelter available to quail and seed-eating songbirds throughout the winter.

Tall thistle is a native plant prevalent in some roadside areas this year.  Tall thistle is not considered a noxious weed, but is similar in appearance to thistles that are a problem.  Those flower earlier in summer.  Recognition of the distinctions between native plants that are beneficial in many ways and introduced species that are classified as noxious weeds is important if we are to properly manage these areas, according to Klataske.  Herbicide spraying should be selective spot spraying, rather than broadcast spraying. And when possible, mowing should be accomplished between November 1 and April 15 in order to allow native plants to flower and reseed.

Changes in agricultural practices during the past half century have resulted in dramatic reductions in remnant prairies, brushy fencerows, and "odd areas" not farmed.  Sections of farmland that once had a mosaic of several different crops are often cultivated today as one field. Herbicide applications eliminate annual forbs and grasses from cultivated fields. The absence of weedy grasses and forbs eliminates cover and food (including insects for quail chicks and seeds throughout the year).  After fields are harvested, fall tillage often eliminates cover and buries scattered grain. As a result, many farm landscapes provide precious little cover during the winter. And an absence of residual standing grassland cover in the spring is a limiting factor for upland gamebirds and ground nesting songbirds.

The Kansas Department of Transportation, Kansas Turnpike Authority, county road departments, and private landowners can benefit wildlife throughout the state by implementing limited mowing policies--and allowing native wildflowers and grasses to flower, mature and produce seed prior to mowing in the fall or winter (assuming mowing is needed).  Most native prairie plants produce mature seed by early November.  Many areas in broad rights-of-way do not need to be mowed more than once every few years.  The costs (in millions of dollars statewide), potential savings in tax dollars, and reduced demand for fossil fuels are significant considerations. Other roadside areas, particularly shoulders and intersections, need frequent mowing for safety purposes.
For more information on roadside management in Kansas go to: http://www.audubonofkansas.org/RoadsideManagement/roadsides.html

Tallgrass "Prairie Parkway" Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trail Guide Available

Audubon of Kansas has a publication entitled the "Tallgrass "Prairie Parkway" Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trail Guide available for individuals interested in touring the Flint Hills and Chautauqua Hills.  It features 48 special locations extending from the Pony Express Station near Hanover to the Little House on the Prairie near Independence. Information on prairies, wildlife and other natural and cultural attractions are included, along with photographs highlighting the state's natural beauty and heritage.

More information is available at www.audubonofkansas.org.  Copies are available and can be requested by e-mail at aok@audubonofkansas.org, mail at P.O. Box 156, Manhattan KS 66505-0156 or phone at 785-537-4385.

About Audubon of Kansas Audubon of Kansas is a non-profit organization based in Manhattan, KS dedicated to Preserving and Promoting the Enjoyment, Understanding, Protection, and Restoration of our Natural Ecosystem. Audubon of Kansas can be reached at 785-537-4385 or aok@audubonofkansas.org or Visit us at   http://www.audubonofkansas.org