• The setting sun over the Flint Hills casts shadows across the wide expanse of tallgrass prairie.

    Tallgrass Prairie

    National Preserve Kansas

  • Caution - Construction Zone

    Please use caution and follow signs as you enter the parking lot. Construction is nearly complete on the visitor center and restrooms. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 for most recent information.

  • We Are Relocating

    The preserve staff is in the process of relocating and previous phone numbers may not function. Please call 620-273-8494, 6034, or 7034 to reach the preserve. Contact station hours are from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Thank you for your patience.

Donate

Donations enhance programs and activities that protect park resources and provide visitor services. Philanthropic contributions continue to make a significant difference that can be felt and seen for decades to come by present and future generations yet aids in addressing immediate on-going needs at the Preserve. We welcome and are grateful for your support.

The National Park Foundation is managing the donation account specific for Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. The Helen and Howard Marr bequest provided the financial foundation that established the Preserve's donation account (RTPNP). The funds from the RTPNP account are fully for the benefit of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas. The RTPNP donations will support the conservation, protection of, and education about resources at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. A targeted list of priority needs is identified below.

If you would like to make a donation that benefits Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, you may do so by mail or online.

By Mail:

1. Make the check or money order out to "National Park Foundation - RTPNP."

2. Mail the check to:

National Park Foundation
1201 Eye St NW #550B
Washington, DC 20005

Online:

Click on the link below to make a contribution to the RTPNP fund.
Donate to the Preserve

While the RTPNP fund is unrestricted as to how it may be spent related to funcional needs at Tallgrass Prairie, the initial and most immediate priority focus will be given to prairie restoration and other natural resource needs. Bison management is one of the newest operational challenges to be found here. After 140+ years of absence, bison were reintroduced to the prairie at the Preserve in October 2009. There is much that is involved with the growing and management of an American icon species that is so integral to the environmental health of a prairie environment. The first calf was born on Mother's Day May 9, 2010. More are anticipated in 2011. The development and construction of bison handling facilities is an immediate need to ensure successful management of the bison herd.




Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

Priority Projects and needs:

  • Bison handling facility and herd management
  • Prairie restoration
  • Trail maintenance - over 41 miles of directional markers, mowing and gravel needs, and make trail improvements for erosion control
  • Topeka Shiner (endangered fish species) management
  • Barn and other historic structures restoration needs
  • Interpretive waysides, building/historic furnishings exhibits
  • Remote viewing (educational) equipment
  • ADA access via remote viewing to virtually visit the interior of the historic structures
  • Prairie viewing, bison watching, and prairie chicken lek observations to name just a few
  • Historic collections preservation needs
  • Interpretive and Educational Programs
  • Support park planning processes (NEPA and NHPA/106) required to protect the 10,894 acre National Historic Landmark (NHL) and as required to determine whether expanded interpretive, educational, and visitor experience opportunities can be allowed within the NHL.


Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Donation Recognition Policy

If you would like to learn more or make inquiries about making donations, you may contact the superintendent by phone at (620) 273-6034 or email. You may send written inquiries to:

Superintendent, Wendy Lauritzen
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
P.O. Box 585
Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845

 

If you would like to learn more about The Nature Conservancy, who is the primary land owner at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, and their donation policies please contact www.nature.org/kansas.

Did You Know?

Spring Hill Ranch at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

The Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a partnership between the National Park Service and The Nature Conservancy. Both work together to preserve and protect the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, while educating the public about its importance.