Take a REST!

Nature will always be a wonder to us as each organism works together to form a perfect ecosystem. Ahead of you, we have an area that floods when the lake levels rise, abundantly filling with wildlife like plants, beavers, ducks, fish, and other animals that rely on the water for life.

The American Beaver (Castor Canadensis), builds dams along the banks of streams and rivers. They are the largest rodent in Kansas and can weigh up to 60 pounds. Ahead of you there may be a dome shape made of logs, which could be an active beaver dam.

Russian-Olive Tree (Elaeagnus angustifolia)

This tree originates from Europe and was introduced in the United States in the late 1800s as an ornamental tree because of its silvery color. Because it reproduces easily, this tree can be found in all but 10 states and is considered an invasive species by the NPS. This tree tends overrun native plants. On the other hand, over 50 different species of mammals and birds utilize this tree for food.

Common Cattail

(Typha latifolia)

Cattails are found in most bodies of water, including rivers, ponds, marshes or lakes. Their roots , called Rhizomes, embed themselves in water. The thick, brown cylinder holds the seeds, which fluff out to carry seeds long distances when released. They are edible and were used for baskets, pillows, and glue by Native Americans. Many animals rely on cattails for food or shelter including deer, muskrats, and turkeys. The most commonly associated animal would be the

Red-Winged Black Bird (Agelaius phoeniceus) which can be seen perched on top of the stalks. There are four different types of Cattails found in the U.S. Here on the Coyote Trail we have two different types, which can be distinguished by the number of heads on the stalk.

Smooth Sumac (Rhus glabra)

Smooth sumac is very important to deer and other browsing animals during cold months when other plants are not available for food. Scientists have even found antibiotic and antifungal components in smooth sumac, which correlates to the medicinal uses by Native Americans. Sumac was even used for beverages, dyes, and salads.

NATIVE GRASSES

Big Blue Stem (Andropogon garardii) - This grass can grow up to 10 feet tall. It is distinguished by its height and three-parted flower cluster on top of the stalk that look like a turkey foot. They are called Blue Stem because of the bluish color found near the base. Root systems can grow up to 10 feet under ground.

Little Blue Stem (Andropogon scoporius) - This grass looks similar to Big Blue Stem, although it only grows up to 3 feet and puts off a purplish hue at the base. Little Blue Stem is the most abundant prairie grass and is found in clusters.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) - This grass ranges in height from 3 to 5 feet. It differs from Blue Stem by the seed head at the top of the stalk, which is open and has multiple stems. Switchgrass is a preferred plant for hay and cattle grazing, although some consider it a nuisance.

Golden Currant (Ribes aureum)

Named for the golden color found in the leaves, Native
Americans though that snakes feared this plant and used it as a deterrent and snakebite remedy. It is also used for its seeds in making jam, jelly, pie and ice cream. The fruits found on it are a vital source of food for chipmunks, ground squirrels and songbirds.

Hackberry Tree (Celtis tenuifolia)

This tree provides homes and shelter to many animals including birds, deer, rabbits and other smaller animals. Birds tend to feed on the fruits. The tallest in Kansas stands 94 ft tall and 15 feet around. Hackberry trees are often used for Bonsai cultivation.

Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus )

Native to Europe and Asia, this plant has been considered an ecological threat because of its rapid growth which can overtake native plants. Common Mullein is also known as Wooly Mullein because of its velvet-like petals. The stalks can grow up to 10 feet tall that produce a yellow flower. When over crowded by other grasses, the plant will die and leave behind a dried stalk, which you can see birds resting on most times.

Eastern Red Cedar

(Juniperus virginiana)

Also known as a Red Juniper, this tree is very common throughout the state. Used mostly as an ornamental tree for hedges, the Eastern Red Cedar is important to deer, birds, squirrels and raccoons for food and shelter.

Bromegrass (Bromis inermis)

The majority of the grass you see is Bromegrass, a non-native from Hungary that some see as a nuisance because it crowds native grasses like Switchgrass and Big Blue Stem. Others use Bromegrass for cattle grazing and soil erosion prevention. It is also mixed with alfalfa for hay.