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Chaplin Nature Center
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Entrance to Chaplin Nature Center
- All photos by Jim Mason |
Chaplin Nature Center is located on the inner edge of a bend in the
Arkansas River. More than five miles of walking trails provide easy access to
bottomland timber & prairies, upland prairies, a spring-fed creek, and the Arkansas
River. You may pick up a trail map at the visitor center. |
The varied habitat has attracted 225 species of birds, including tree
sparrows, Harris' sparrows, rufous-sided towhees, cedar waxwings, and Carolina wrens. The
woodlands harbor a good diversity of tree species, including black walnut, pecan,
cottonwood, sycamore, red elm, and a showy springtime display of redbuds. Pileated
woodpeckers inhabit the bottomlands, along with wood thrushes, wild turkeys, bobcats, and
white-tailed deer. The rough green snake, a favorite of reptile lovers, is sometimes seen.
A popular wintertime activity is watching bald eagles from the riverbanks.
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Sandbar on the Arkansas River at Chaplin Nature Center |
The sandbar on the river is 1/4 mile long when the river is low.
During summer, it is alive with tiger beetles, dragonflies and killdeer. Look
for tracks of deer, coyote and raccoon as well as the occasional female water turtle
either going to or coming from her nest above the high water line. |
| The visitor center features wildlife
displays, a nature library, a gift shop, and a bird observation area located
on a second-floor open deck bordered by tree canopy and serviced with bird
feeders. It provides an ideal spot for bird photography or bird watching
from the comfort of the library. |
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In winter you may see white-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers,
red-bellied woodpeckers, American goldfinches, dark-eyed juncos, and northern cardinals.
In summer ruby-throated hummingbirds frequent the feeders and eastern bluebirds use the
nest boxes provided.
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The trailhead for exploring the area lies just behind the visitor
center. Since the building is located on the edge of a steep bluff, this boardwalk
stairway provides a handy means of descent. The view from the top platform of the
stairway is level with the bottomland tree canopy, making it a great spot to look for
warblers. |
For the wildlife watcher, a visit to Chaplin Nature Center guarantees
success!
UPCOMING PROGRAMS AT CHAPLIN
NATURE CENTER
- Saturday, September 20, 2008
Butterfly Tagging Nature Day
Don’t let your family miss this once a year opportunity to participate in the
Monarch migration. Once instructed on proper handling and capture techniques of
butterflies, adults and children will enjoy the challenge and sometimes humorous
hunt, as they search out these beautiful creatures. The butterfly tagging
program is part of on going research conducted by the University of Kansas. This
is an all day event so come early and plan to spend the day in activities like
children crafts, bird and reptile hikes. Early birders will have a chance to
shop the country store for home made products like jams, breads, and desserts.
Lunch will be provided for a fee or bring your own. Free admission.
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
- Saturday, October 25, 2008
Astronomy Program
Join the Kansas Astronomical Observers at the Chaplin Nature Center for night
under the stars. Learn about the planets, constellations and other heavenly
bodies. Participants are welcome to bring their own telescopes and join in on
the fun.
7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Saturday, January 31, 2009
Eagle Watch
Mid-winter is a great time to view Bald eagles in Kansas. Searching for open
water, many eagles migrate down to Kansas to spend the winter. The group will
take a 1.5-mile hike down to the Arkansas River to search for over-wintering
eagles. If you have binoculars, bring them, if not then the Center can loan you
a pair.
10:00 am to 12 noon
- Saturday, February 7, 2009
Eagle Watch
The eagles will be here all winter so if you missed the first one, here is your
opportunity to join in on the fun of eagle watching.
10:00 am to 12 noon
- Friday, March 6, 2009
Night Hike
Take a walk on the dark side! Participants will be hiking through the woods with
out the use of flashlights to learn about the five senses and how they can be
beneficial at night. The group will listen to the night sounds and learn about
some of the nocturnal animals while on the trail. Participants need to dress for
the outdoors and where sturdy boots. 7:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, April 4, 2009
Spring Clean-up
Volunteer to help get the Chaplin Nature Center in shape for the upcoming year.
Help is needed in all areas, from building clean-up to trail maintenance. Light
work loads or heavy, your choice. There is a place you can help out, no matter
what your skill.
10:00 am to 3:00 pm
 | Visitor center, restrooms
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 Camping not
allowed.
 Wildlife
Homes Trail (0.3 mile loop); Spring Creek Trail (0.5 mile loop); Lost Prairie Trail (0.7
mile loop), Bluff Trail (0.6 mile loop); Prairie Trail (0.8 mile loop); River Trail (1.9
mile loop)
Click the icon to find a birding list for Sumner County.
Click the icon to locate nearby Geocaches
For more Wildlife Watching sites in the Flint
Hills, click here
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Directions:
From the intersection of U.S. 77 and U.S. 166 in Arkansas City (50 miles south of
Wichita), travel 3 miles west on U.S. 166, then north 2 miles on 31st Road, which turns
west to become 272nd Road. Signs are provided for assistance.
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Ownership:
The entity responsible for management of Chaplin Nature
Center is the Wichita
Audubon Society. Contact them at (316) 442-4133
or by Email
if you have specific questions about use or management
of the site. 200 acres
Click here to visit their web site
for more information on seasonal hours and scheduled programs.
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Funded by the
Chickadee Checkoff Program
Click here for a brochure! |
The Natural
Kansas web site
©2009
by
the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.
Re-publication of site content in any form other than for personal use
requires written permission. If you are a Kansas resident, please
assist with this and other wildlife viewing and conservation programs
by contributing to the Chickadee Checkoff on your state tax form. |
Questions or comments about Natural Kansas may be directed to Jim Mason
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