NPS Photo/Adam Gericke Area Description: This is a lovely stroll through the canyon that earned its name through the finding of Wind Cave. This trail beings a mile or so down the canyon from the cave entrance and visitor center. The trail is a two-track that services the park’s well. Visible Vegetation: Ponderosa Pine, Common Mullein, Smooth Brome, Chokecherry, Yellow Coneflower, Purple Coneflower, Echinacea, Western Wheatgrass Possible Animal Habitat: Mammals: Bison, Mule Deer, White-tailed Deer, Elk, Coyote, Mountain Lion, Prairie Vole, Eastern Cottontail Rabbit, Birds: Mourning Dove, Common Nighthawk, Says Phoebe, Eastern Kingbird, Cliff Swallow, Red-breasted Nuthatch, House Wren, Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Spotted Towhee, Chipping Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Brewer’s Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, American Goldfinch, Great-Horned Owl Geology: To the north of the trail you will see outcroppings of the Minnelusa Formation. This formation consists of alternating bands of limestone, sandstone, and shale. It formed approximately 320 million years ago. For Educators: Thematic Information: A fire burnt the south side of the trail in April 2015. This picture was taken July 21, 2016. The north side of the trail did not burn. In fires, most smaller trees are consumed while the others are left with more sunlight and water leading to healthier trees. It also leads to a greater diversity in vegetation. Recommended Student Activity: Observe signs of fire: Small trees burnt and dead Brown needles on lower branches of big trees You can mention how quickly the grass grows back after only a year and three months Compare and Contrast north and south side of trail. More mullein (non-native species) on north More Purple and Yellow Coneflower (native) on south South side is greener (perhaps because of more nutrients in the soil from fire) |
Last updated: September 22, 2016