Natural Areas

The Natural Areas, owned and managed by Emporia State University, include five biological and one geological site. The Natural Areas are administered through the Departments of Biological Sciences and Physical Sciences by the appointment of a Director of Natural Areas, a Director of Johnston Geology Museum, and a faculty advisory committee to oversee and implement the mission of teaching, research, and preservation for each of the six areas. For access to the areas or arrangement of tours, call  341-5339 to contact the Director of Natural Areas, Departments of Biological Sciences.

Biological

The F.B. and Rena G. Ross Natural History Reservation is a 200 acre classroom-laboratory located approximately 15 miles northwest of the university campus. The area was deeded to the university in 1961 by Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Ross of Emporia. The site is predominately native and restored tallgrass prairie and woodland, including a stream, a large pond, and other habitats. Facilities include a classroom, sleeping quarters, and a computer lab with DSL internet access.

Reading Woods Natural Area is a 40-acre tract of upland and lowland deciduous forest, representing the westernmost penetration of eastern deciduous forest in Kansas. It is located near Reading, about 15 miles northeast of Emporia. Because of its unique flora, fauna, and geological features, it is kept as a preserve in a relatively undisturbed state. The university acquired the land in 1971.

Sarah Howe Natural Area (Howe Woods) is a 12-acre tract of forested land in eastern Lyon County. It is maintained as a Natural Area at the request of Miss Sarah Howe, who deeded the land to the university in 1982.

Campus Woods is a 10-acre tract of predominately riparian forest along the Neosho River. It is located at the far north end of the university campus.

Charles Coughlen Natural Area is a 44-acre tract located nine miles southwest of Emporia along the Kansas Turnpike. It consists of native and restored tallgrass prairie, a spring, a stream, and a small impoundment.

Geological

Hamilton Fossil Quarry is an 18-acre tract of land approximately 3 miles east of Hamilton, Kansas in Greenwood County. Formerly the location of a commercial rock quarry, the property includes numerous fossil sites that have yielded a large, world-famous collection of late Pennsylvanian age (300 million years) fossilized vertebrates, invertebrates, plants, and microfossils.

Last Updated March 6, 2008