Woodland Development - The trail moves through timber strands of Green Ash, Hackberry, and American Elm, along with evergreens, and Eastern Red Cedar. These areas provide habitat to cottontail rabbit that may surprise you at their quickness – also watch for wild turkey which are common here. (Map #2)
Native Grasses - Prairie grasses common to this area 100 years ago still grow well here. Big and Little Blue Stem, Indian grass, Switchgrass, and Sideoats Grama can be found. these warm season perennial grasses grow in clumps and reach as high as 6 ft. Their seeds are valuable to birds and small animals. (Map #8)
Glacier Rocks - This area of Nebraska is where the last Glacier Sheet ended. When it melted it left quartzite and granite boulders that can still be found along the trail. The ice sheet also left sand and gravel deposits below the soil surface that still provides ground-water resources for the area. (Map #3)
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Pioneer Wagon Trail - 100 Years ago, Yankton and Green Island, was the center of trade and
travel. Nebraska pioneer families rode horses and wagons down this bluff to get there. If you study the landscape you can see where the trail was although it has become overgrown with trees now. (Map #1)
Sleepy Hollow - The young stand of Green Ash provides habitat for multiple species of birds
including House Wrens, Sparrows, Morning Doves, Cardinals, American Yellow
Finch, and others. (Map #4) |
Woodland Bluff Vista - Admire the view of the valley. These wooded Bluffs formed along the original Missouri River banks centuries ago and stay much as they were then with solid stands of Bur Oak and Eastern Cedar. (Map #5)
Yucca Ridge - Wild Yucca, also known as small Soapweed is found here at its most eastern
presence for the great plains. The stiff bayonet leaves are sharp to the angles but provided many uses to the American Indians for basket weaving and sewing. Root juices were used for soap lather, and young fruit was cooked and eaten. (Map #6)
Shrub Sanctuary - Dense stands of bushes provide homes for birds and animals. American plum, chokecherry, and smooth sumac can be found along the trail. Sumac thickets can grow to 8 feet tall and turn bright red in the fall. American Indians used it for the makings of tea, flour, salve, die, and drinks. Today you can find sumac walking sticks and canes in our gift shop along with home made plum and choke cherry jelly. (Map #7)
Sandy Flats - The large Cottonwood trees provide rustling summer shade as the Nebraska state
tree. The understory here features a shady delta formed from runoff upstream. The woodland area provides habitat to tree squirrels, badgers, skunks, and other mammals as well as home for owls and raptors. (Map #9)
Blubird Hill Vista - The Eastern Bluebird likes open areas near grassland where it can find
food. We have several bird houses for these beautiful birds. They like to hide so watch for their rust colored breast and bright blue back through out the summer months. (Map #10)
You will end the trail near the Trail head just east of the center. Stop in the center for refreshing drink of water and share with us what you experienced.
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