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Dingus Natural Area
This site includes old growth oak-hickory forest. The local name for the north-facing slope leading down to Little Sugar Creek is Fern Hill. The lush understory population of ferns here includes the rare and unusual purple cliff brake. Woodland wildflowers found here include trilliums, bloodroot, jack-in-the-pulpits and Dutchman's breeches. The uplands consist of mature oaks and hickories with a few remnant prairie glades. Visitors may encounter deer, bobcats, squirrels, and birds characteristic of mature woodlands. Birding can be excellent during migrations, with warblers, vireos, tanagers, orioles, and flycatchers abundant. Nesting species include black-capped chickadees, tufted titmice, northern parula warblers, Kentucky warblers, summer tanagers, and several species of woodpeckers. Wild turkeys are also found in the area. In spring great blue herons may be seen flying to a heronry located on private property to the south. During spring and summer an evening visit can be unforgettable. The woods echo with the sounds of whip-poor-wills, chuck-will's-widows, and barred owls. If there has been abundant rain and the roadside ditches hold standing water, the birds are joined by a chorus of amphibians. Vocal amphibians include Blanchard's cricket frogs, western chorus frogs, and gray treefrogs.
Ownership: The entity responsible for management of the Dingus Natural Area is the Kansas Ornithological Society. If you have specific questions about use or management of this site, contact them at (913) 795-2747. 166 acres
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No developed trails.
