Audubon of Kansas is proud to announce the release of the Tallgrass Prairie Parkway Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trail Guide, a map-size guide describing more than 45 sites of interest along a north to south trail through the Flint Hills and Chautauqua Hills of east central Kansas.

Beginning in the north with the only unaltered Pony Express relay station still standing on its original site, the Hollenberg Pony Express Station near Hanover, and traveling south to the official historic site of the “Little House on the Prairie” near Independence, the guide traces a path through inviting parks, lakes, preserves, wildlife areas, historic sites and scenic routes.

The trail connects impressive prairie landscapes with reminders of the area’s rich natural and cultural heritage and the succession of its exploration and settlement. Nearly 100 photographs of wildlife, scenic vistas, and cultural and recreational activities for visitors illustrate the travel and tourism opportunities available in our own backyard.

The guide also introduces the Kansas Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trails web site maintained by Audubon of Kansas. The web site (www.kansaswildlifetrails.org) contains a growing, in-depth description of sites throughout Kansas and also provides links to the web pages of agencies, organizations, communities, businesses and individuals that supply additional information on facilities, byways, events, guest services and experiential travel opportunities.

The Tallgrass Prairie Parkway Wildlife and Natural Heritage Trail Guide is the first of four planned publications covering the state of Kansas.

Copies of the guide are available at many visitor centers throughout the state or may be ordered by sending $3 for shipping and handling to: