Haskell-Baker Wetlands facts for kids
The Haskell-Baker Wetlands, also known as the Baker Wetlands, is a special nature area. It's a large, protected wetland located south of Lawrence, Kansas, in the United States. This amazing place covers about 927 acres (3.75 square kilometers). It's connected to the Wakarusa River and kept healthy by special levees and flood controls built in the 1990s.
Contents
Who Cares for the Wetlands?
Several groups help look after the Haskell-Baker Wetlands. Baker University owns the biggest part, about 573 acres. Haskell Indian Nations University has 27 acres. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and the University of Kansas each own 20 acres.
Long ago, settlers used this land for farming. Later, Haskell Indian Nations University bought it. They used it to teach students about farming and to grow their own food. When the school's needs changed, the land was given to Baker University in 1968.
Why are the Wetlands Important?
The Haskell-Baker Wetlands are very important for nature. In 1969, the National Park Service officially called them a National Natural Landmark. This means they are a nationally important natural area.
Many different kinds of plants and animals live here. Scientists have found 413 types of plants with veins (like trees and flowers). There are also 265 different kinds of birds. Plus, 61 other types of animals with backbones, like mammals and reptiles, call the wetlands home. It's a busy place full of life!
Building a Road and Protecting Nature
A few years ago, there was a plan to finish a highway called the South Lawrence Trafficway (SLT). This highway is an extension of state highway K-10. Part of the planned road would go through a section of the Baker University campus, affecting some of the wetlands.
To make up for the wetlands that would be lost, a special plan was created. This plan was approved by several important groups, including the US Army Corps of Engineers. About 380 acres of new, man-made wetlands were built right next to the existing ones. This helped replace the lost natural areas.
As part of this plan, a new paved trail was also built. This trail is part of the Lawrence Loop, which is a 22-mile path that goes all the way around the city of Lawrence. This new trail gives people a great place to walk, run, and bike alongside the highway.
See also
