Established Sanctuaries
Audubon of Kansas (AOK) owns and manages three unique wildlife sanctuaries. More sanctuaries are planned for the future. These sanctuaries are made possible by donations of lands and contributions to support stewardship. The goal of AOK’s Sanctuary Initiative is to build an archipelago of sanctuaries that helps conserve land, preserve legacies, and provide opportunities for public enjoyment and education.
Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary
The Niobrara Sanctuary is a 5,000-acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary located along the Niobrara National Scenic River near Bassett, NE. It consists of spectacular scenery, including upland prairie, steep canyons, woodlands, and high bluffs that overlook meadows, marshes, and riparian forest along the river, which forms the Sanctuary’s northern boundary. Two guesthouse provide opportunities for visitors to experience the diverse wildlife and dark skies. To schedule a visit, contact AOK Sanctuary Manager, Amy Kucera, for complete details.
Related Information:
- Open to Visitors During All Seasons. Advanced Reservations Are Required.
- Location: 15 Miles North of Bassett, NE
- Three Days in July along the Niobrara by Elizabeth Dodd and Dave Rintoul
- A Green Emerald along the Blue Niobrara River by Paul A. Johnsgard
- Sandhill Crane Chicks, Woodland Restoration & New Trails
- Wildlife Viewing from the Kitchen Window
- Creation of a Wildlife Sanctuary: 1980 to 2011 by Ron Klataske
Click here to see photos of the refuge and of the animals observed at Hutton.
Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm
The Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm is a 240-acre property in Lincoln County Kansas. Creeks meander through substantial forest and diverse habitats that were once common on Kansas farms. AOK has planted filter strips of native grasses and wildflowers along the edge of every field. Pollinator habitat complements an eight-acre remnant prairie meadow. Brown Thrashers, Wild Turkeys, kingbirds, woodpeckers, and wrens are among the regulars. Visitors can enjoy a free, 1-mile hiking trail along Bullfoot Creek.
Related Information:
- The Hiking Trail is Open to Visitors 365 Days/Year from Dawn to Dusk.
- Get Directions in Google Maps
- AOK accepts opportunity to share stewardship responsibility for the Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm by Ron Klataske
- This is My Story by Connie Achterberg
Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie
The 47-acre Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie is located three miles south and a half mile east of Wamego, Kansas. This prairie remnant is associated with Captain William Mitchell, a key figure on the Underground Railroad prior to the Civil War. Changing arrays of wildflowers are in bloom throughout most of the growing season, and the historical nature of the property makes it a destination at any season. Trails extend to the summit of the prominent hill. Audubon of Kansas works with the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards to maintain this property as a public park and to restore the prairie habitat to the condition it would have been when it was owned by Captain William Mitchell.
Related Information:
- The Park is Open to Visitors 365 Days/Year from Dawn to Dusk.
- Get Directions in Google Maps
- Beneath and Before the Prairies: Geologic Events Near the Mount Mitchell Prairie Area of Kansas by Dort Wakefield, Jr.
- Mount Mitchell Prairie Heritage Sanctuary Snapshot
- Soaring Mount Mitchell: Where Raptors & Gliders Share the Skies