Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Pawhuska, OK

Posted byChristi IfferganPosted inOklahomaTags:, , , , , ,
The preserve is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on earth. It contains 39,650 acres which is only 4% of its original size.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve

I had a perfect day for my trip into the preserve. It was 70 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. I was only one of several cars there, so I was able to take my time.

Tallgrass Prairie Preserve originally spanned 14 states and was over 142 million acres. It was one of our major ecosystems. Today, most of the prairie has been converted into farmland.

Entering the preserve

The preserve had lots of warning signs at all of the gates you cross. But unlike other places I have visited in Oklahoma & Kansas, you are able to stop and get out of your vehicle.

If you want to learn more, click here to visit the preserve website.

Tallgrasses in the preserve include bluestem, Indian grass and switchgrass. They can grow up to 8 feet tall.

Information kiosk at the trail.
This video is of the wind blowing the tallgrass while on the trail.

There are over 2,300 bison in the preserve. Other wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bobcats, armadillos, beavers, woodchuck, badgers and armadillos.

Sand Creek
Change of Seasons by T.D. Kelsey
This bell reminded me of the school bell on Little House on the Prairie TV series.

I loved watching the show and read all of the books, too.  Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder was the first book report I ever wrote and I still have it today. 

The other book I was reminded of was Tallgrass by Sandra Dallas. It takes place in Colorado at a Japanese internment camp. Sandra Dallas is an author I follow and she has a great variety of historical fiction novels.

Published by Christi Iffergan

Hi! I am Christi, a full-time RV traveller since August 2021. I have always loved to travel, but COVID-19 put a stop to that. I was fast approaching 50, my condo was being placed up for sale and I was ready for a major change. Originally from a tiny town in rural Southwest Virginia, I am the mother to one son and a rescue Shih Tzu, Cappy. For the last 20 years, I worked in public library systems around the Charlotte & Myrtle Beach areas. I met some amazing people and made great friends along the way. Follow along on my adventures as I travel the US. I hope that our paths will cross one day!

8 thoughts on “Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, Pawhuska, OK”

  2. You are so lucky to be able to travel and see the United States! It’s something we all wish we could do. So happy for you!

    MaryEllen

    On Mar 3, 2022, at 12:38 PM, Camping with Christi <comment-reply

    
    ciffergan posted: " The preserve is the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on earth. It contains 39,650 acres which is only 4% of its original size. Tallgrass Prairie Preserve I had a perfect day for my trip into the preserve. It was 70 de"

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    1. Pets aren’t allowed most places & I worry about them in the car. I almost always leave the dogs at home when I go out for day trips. Cappy will be doing lots of traveling in a couple of weeks!

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