Audubon of Kansas Sanctuaries

Audubon of Kansas implements high standards of stewardship on the lands we manage as part of our sanctuary system, a Great Plains system uniquely unbounded by state lines. Fellow prairie enthusiasts Ed and Sil Pembleton from Minnesota toured Kansas in late 2009 as they develop a plan to lead a tour of this area’s prairies and
wetlands. Of all the areas visited, they declared that they were most impressed with the flora at our 50-acre Mt. Mitchell Prairie Heritage Park/Preserve south of Wamego. Within a few months we hope to have the purchase agreement paid off on the 15.5-acre addition we added to the original gift of historic land. We are greatly indebted to the contributions of funds and work provided by a friends group, the “Mt. Mitchell Prairie Guards,” coordinated by Michael Stubbs. They are helping to make this property a showplace for prairie management and a site for interpretation of the historic antislavery efforts of local settlers.

Sharp-tailed Grouse responded remarkably well – with a dramatic population increase – to grassland management practices we launched at our spectacularly scenic 5,000-acre Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Bobolinks, Long-billed Curlews, Upland Sandpipers and other grassland birds nest on the sanctuary. We offer a modern four bedroom sanctuary guesthouse supported with guest donations, available year round.

When considering estate planning, some folks may want to keep in mind that Audubon of Kansas considers gifts of land, either as trade lands or as additions to our future expanded sanctuary system – when the ecological mission and dedicated financial resources make a new sanctuary possible.

Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie
In cooperation with local community partners, Audubon of Kansas manages and protects Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie--30 acres of native prairie that overlooks the Wabaunsee County countryside and holds a rich history involving the Beecher Bible and Rifle Colony, the underground railroad and early military expeditions.

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
Located along the scenic Niobrara River near Bassett, Nebraska, Audubon of Kansas manages a 5,000-acre wildlife sanctuary and working ranch preserving the wishes of the late Harold and Lucille Hutton. Expanses of Sandhills prairie interconnects with wet meadows, wooded ravines and gallery forests along the meandering river. Audubon of Kansas combines wildlife and grassland conservation practices begun by Harold Hutton with responsible cattle grazing, and plans to develop a visitor center and recreational opportunities for public education and enjoyment.