Publisher's Synopsis
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). 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, 31 mammals, 208 bird species,
34 types of reptiles and amphibians, 20 kinds of fish, and
over 700 types of invertebrates. A herd of approximately
300 bison is maintained on the Konza, and native white-
tailed deer and wild turkey are often present in large numbers.
Members of the public are allowed onto portions of
the Konza Prairie through three loop hiking trails
(approximately 2.6, 4.5, and 6 miles).
