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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
2010
JANUARY 30, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. to noon, 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, the
Center can loan you a pair.
FEBRUARY 6, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. to noon, EAGLE WATCH
The eagles are here all winter, so if you missed the first watch, here
is your opportunity to join in on the fun.
MARCH 5, FRIDAY, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. WOODCOCK WALK & NIGHT HIKE
The American Woodcock is a fascinating and uncommon bird that performs
an intricate courtship display at dusk.
Although difficult to see, we will be able to identify this bird by the
unusual sounds made by its wings during flight. After visiting the
woodcock the group will continue down the trails without flashlights to
listen and learn about other nocturnal animals. Dress for the outdoors
and wear sturdy shoes.
APRIL 4, SATURDAY, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. SPRING CLEAN-UP
Help get the Chaplin Nature Center in shape for the coming 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 for you to help, no
matter what your skills are.
JUNE 19, SATURDAY, 8:00 a.m. BIRDS, BUTTERFLIES AND BREAKFAST
After breakfast on the porch, we'll look for the resident birds and
butterflies (and wildlflowers, too.) Please RSVP to Shawn at least 2
days in advance so we'll have enough breakfast.
JULY 12, SATURDAY, 8:30 a.m. BUTTERFLY COUNT
Help count and identify butterflies as part of a North American
Butterfly Association official count. Meet at the visitor's center at
8:30 a.m. We'll split into teams to cover the area
 | 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.
For a Google Map of this site,
click here. |
Ownership:
The entity responsible for management of Chaplin Nature
Center is the Wichita
Audubon Society. Contact them at (620) 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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