Wilson SP Dakota Trail
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Yucca TThhee THE KANSAS Big Bluestem 9 Boat Ramp Cove Dakota Nature Dakota DEPARTMENT OF Trail Dakota 10 Indiangrass 8 WILDLIFE AND Lovegrass TTrraaiill Buffalograss Marina Cove 7 4 PARKS . 11 5 3 Drops …welcomes you to the Dakota Trail. The trail 6 2 12 consists of two loops. A 1-mile loop includes all the interpretative stations listed in this brochure and should prove to be a challenge. 1 The 1/2-mile loop contains four of the stations and is better for those looking for a milder hike. The interpretative stations are designed to help tchgrass you learn more about the features of the prairie Bike A Nature Trail Trail in Wilson State Park. at You are invited to return at different times of the year to witness the seasonal changes—the colors of fall, the bloom in spring, and other LEGEND exciting events. Feel free to keep this brochure, Paved Road but if you do not wish to do so, please return it Hell Creek Area WW ilsonilson to the trailhead for use by other visitors. Restroom Trailhead State Park We hope you enjoy your hike on the Dakota State Park Trail. Thank you for taking the time to learn Trail 1.0 mile about some of the unique features that make Trail 0.5 mile Wilson State Park this area special. General Area Map RR 1, Box 181 Trail Markers 00 Sylvan Grove, KS 67481 (785) 658-2465 (Park Office) (316) 683-8069 (Regional Office) Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs described herein is available to all individuals without regard to e-mail: race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or handicap. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to Office of the [email protected] Secretary, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, 1020 S Kansas Ave. Suite 200, Topeka, KS 66612-1327 12/03 Department Website: www.kdwp.state.ks.us Trail Features 8 LARGE SANDSTONE ROCKS The large rocks on this hillside are prime examples of Dakota sandstone, which is the same rock in the bluffs around Wilson Lake. You can see how the rock 30,000 to 40,000 miles of limestone fence lines 1 SKUNK BUSH 4 SMOKY HILLS is made of layers of sand, put down over time. were used in the Smoky This common shrub is found This high vantage point provides an excellent view of Sandstone is easily eroded by both wind and water; Hills of Kansas. statewide. Its proper name is Wilson Lake and the beautiful Smoke Hills of Kansas. eroded rock contributes to the naturally sandy beach- aromatic sumac, but it’s es found along the shores of Wilson Lake. Dakota known as “skunk bush” sandstone formations are the most common geologic because of the unpleasant 5 HACKBERRY feature in this part of Wilson Lake. Look for other odor of the crushed leaves. Hackberry trees can be found on demanding sites outcroppings in the area. These plants provide good wildlife habitat; small like this hillside. They prefer the rich soil of bottom- mammals and birds build nests here, while others eat lands but will grow almost anywhere. These trees can 11 SOUTHERN EXPOSURE the seeds and bark in winter. be recognized by the warty appearance of the back, 9 SOAPWEED This vantage point shows how plants respond to a the narrow oval leaves with tapered tips, and the A species of yucca, soapweed is common in western southern exposure. The hillside tends to be hotter small, dark fruits that mature in early fall. This Kansas and grows in dry, sandy, or rocky pastures. and drier than the north side, limiting the growth of 2 WORKING TOGETHER species is subject to the disease witches’ broom, Soapweed helps wildlife, providing shade and nesting many trees. Grasses, forbs, and small shrubs all grow The crusty, yellow-green material on the rocks along which forms small, dense clusters of deformed twigs sites for small mammals and birds. It has narrow, well. Without fire and grazing to hold them back, the trail are lichens. Lichens are actually two organ- along the branches. Hackberry is common all along straight, pointed evergreen leaves. In May and June, forbs, sandhill plum, soapweed, and scrubby trees are isms – fungi and algae – working together to survive. the trail. See if you can find it. soapweed has large, showy flowers that hang from a able to invade the prairie and out-compete grasses. The fungi maintains a moist environment for its tall stalk. The resulting This transition from grass to shrubs and small trees algae companion and supplies it with nutrients. The seed pod matures in is known as plant community succession. algae captures energy from the sun for both itself 6 AMERICAN ELM late summer and can and the fungi. The lichen wears away the rock, help- This tree is the most common elm native to Kansas last through the winter. ing to create soil. and is typically found along streams and rocky hill- The plant draws its 12 PRAIRIE HABITAT sides. While it can grow to a height of 60 feet or name from the fact that This rocky grassland is home to a diverse group of more, this rocky site usually limits growth to under Native Americans wildlife: mammals, birds, and reptiles are common in 3 NORTHERN EXPOSURE 20 feet. The large dark green leaves make elms a ground this plant’s prairie habitats. Take a moment to look around. You The north side of a hill tends to be cooler and wet- good shade tree, but it has brittle branches, a short roots to make soap. may see coyote, deer, cottontail rabbit, deer, mouse, ter, because of the lack of direct sunlight. Trees pre- lifespan, and is susceptible to Dutch elm disease meadowlark, dickcissel, kingbirds, and many different fer this to the hotter, drier southern sides. A hill’s (which threatens to exterminate the species.) snakes and lizards. (Remember – wildlife viewing north side is protected from the area’s southwesterly 10 STONE POSTS requires quiet.) winds. Shrubs and other woody plants tend to grow As the prairie was settled, area ranchers needed fen- and survive better on these protected slopes. 7 SANDHILL PLUM ceposts. Lack of trees for wood prompted them to While you’re waiting for something to come walking Sandhill plum is a common shrub resort to another abundant resource – limestone. or flying by, enjoy the prairie’s native grasses; blue in the sandy hills of Kansas. It has These posts were quarried from the limestone forma- grama and little bluestem. If you’re visiting in spring, showy, white flowers in April, usu- tions created by a prehistoric sea that once covered summer, or early fall, you should find yourself sur- Be Careful! This is poison ivy. It ally before the leaves come out. this region. After long hours of difficult labor, ranch- rounded by wildflowers. grows as a shrub of vine, but always has The fruit matures in June-July and ers produced the limestone posts that are still serv- 3 egg-shaped leaflets, with is readily eaten by many birds and ing their purpose today. either jagged or lobed mammals. People also gather the edges. In fall, it will have fruit for use in jelly and preserves. grape-like clusters of small This shrub normally grows in white fruit. Avoid touching any part of the plant; it may cause dense thickets, providing excellent severe skin irritation. wildlife habitat and soil erosion control. .