Wildflowers are still kicking in Kansas City
Here’s where to see them.
By Roy Harryman
Publisher
Wildflowers are bursting in spring and summer, but there’s still plenty alive and kicking in the fall. While you can see them along roadsides, you can get a more concentrated and diverse view out on the trails.
What kind of flowers are still popping? According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, there’s still time to see goldenrod, ironweed, thoroughwort, sunflowers, asters, crownbeard and rosinweed.
If you look carefully enough, you can view wildflowers in almost any natural setting. But there are some locations in Greater Kansas City where you can experience them in abundance. Some of our favorites include:
Jerry Smith Park in South Kansas City is home to the largest remaining tract of native prairie on the Missouri side of the Kansas City area.
Burr Oak Woods, in Blue Springs, is a 1,000-acre refuge with diverse landscapes. Prairie areas are home to many wildflowers.
James A. Reed Wildlife Area, in Lee’s Summit, is generally characterized by gently rolling pastoral beauty. It’s 3,000 acres are home to a dozen lakes.
Kill Creek Park in Olathe features 12 miles of trails amid 900 acres of prairie and forest. It’s native prairie is recognized in the book “Kansas City Wildlands.”
Prairie Center Natural Area in Olathe contains about 300 acres of native prairie and land that is in the process of restoration. There are about six miles of trails.
Got other favorites? Let us know!
Roy Harryman is the publisher of Kansas City Hiker.