November 16, 2005
For Immediate Release
Heather Brown, 620-273-8494

Backcountry Day Hiking Program Extended

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve announced today that the backcountry day hiking program will be extended for weekends through April 23, 2006. Visitors may continue to hike the three backcountry day hiking trails on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. when the preserve is open. Free hiking permits and maps must be picked up on the back porch of the ranch house. Daily backcountry day hiking will resume on April 29, 2006. For more information, go to the preserve website at www.nps.gov/tapr.

Since its beginning on August 15, 2005, the backcountry day hiking program has increased in popularity and visitors have voiced an interest for a longer hiking season. Visitors will now have the opportunity to experience the tallgrass prairie ecosystem throughout the winter and spring months. Backcountry day hiking will be cancelled during times of adverse weather conditions and controlled burns in the spring.

Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a public/private partnership with the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Kansas Park Trust. Located two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (Flint Hills National Scenic Byway), Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day. For more information or to make group arrangements, e-mail: tapr_interpretation@nps.gov or call the preserve at (620) 273-8494.

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