Volume 7, Number 4,
May 1961:
The F.B. and Rena G. Ross
Natural History Reservation

Text-only version

ISSUE HOME PAGE

ABOUT THIS ISSUE

IN THIS ISSUE
- Introduction
- History of the Area
- Description of the Area
- Aerial Photograph
- Accumulation of Field Data
- Weather
- Conservation Practices
- Animals of the Reservation
- Nature Trail
- Cover Picture
- Ross Message

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This page was last modified:
February 24, 2008

This page was originally posted:
June 14, 2005

The F.B. and Rena G. Ross Natural History Reservation
by John Breukelman, Thomas A. Eddy and Emily L. Hartman

The F.B. and Rena G. Ross Natural History Reservation
by John Breukelman, Thomas A. Eddy and Emily L. Hartman

On November 17, 1958, the use of a 1040-acre tract of land in west-central Lyon County and northeast Chase County was made available to the Kansas State Teachers College of Emporia by Mr. and Mrs. F.B. Ross, residents of Emporia. The area is known as the F.B. and Rena G. Ross Natural History Reservation. Located approximately four miles west of Americus, or 14 miles northwest of Emporia, the Reservation is primarily rolling bluetstem prairie, broken by several shallow ridges and limestone outcrops. A small seasonal creek and several other drainages cross the area.

In January, 1961, Mr. and Mrs. Ross gave to the College the 200-acre tract shown on the map on pages 8 and 9. The gift was accepted by the Board of Regents and the Kansas Legislature. The 200-acre portion of the Reservation is therefore the property of the State of Kansas and officially a part of the campus of the Kansas State Teachers College.

The purpose of this issue of The Kansas School Naturalist is to summarize the history of the area in which the Reservation is located and to suggest briefly the future of the Reservation in terms of teaching, research, service, and conservation. The objectives of the F.B. and Rena G. Ross Natural History Reservation are threefold: to aid in the teaching of biological science, to provide an area for research and field study, and to preserve in as nearly as possible its natural state a segment of the Flint Hills-Bluestem grassland.

Of particular interest to elementary and high school teachers and others interested in teaching is the educational objective. Since the Reservation is within easy accessibility of the college campus, field trips and projects may be carried out in conjunction with classroom learning. The Reservation is, in essence, an outdoor classroom or laboratory. Actual field contact with subject matter gives the student and potential teacher of biology, a deeper understanding and appreciation of lasting service to him and the community. Similar benefits derived by the students can be extended the public in general. Field trips conducted over certain designated areas can acquaint non-college groups with some representatives of the flora and fauna. The importance of land management and conservation can also be pointed out. By such service, public cooperation, appreciation, and support will be enhanced.

Figure 1