Ninnescah Reserve

The Ninnescah Reserve came to Wichita State from Ms. Louise Powell as two separate gifts. The initial 69.6 hectares (171.9 +/ acres) were acquired in 1984, with the remaining 65.1 hectares (160.8 +/ acres) in 1985. The late Ms. Powell’s generous donation came with the request that the property be restored to a prairie ecosystem and utilized for research and education. The entire area is fenced, except along the river, and has been divided into 33 permanent 10-acre plots marked by steel poles. The geology, depth of ground water and archaeological sequence of the site have been determined.

Explore field stations on interactive map

Biodiversity Research

As a result of BioBlitz activities and ongoing research, more than 530 species have been recorded for the Ninnescah Reserve, including 289 vascular plants, 168 birds, 33 mammals, 16 fish, 17 reptiles and 7 amphibians.

Students take samples in the Ninnescah River

Students take measurements of the prairies on the reserve

Hydrogeology site

Our 10-acre hydrology site has nine drill rigs for groundwater sampling. It allows accurate modeling and hands-on experiments, giving students practical experience in the critical field of hydrology. Hydrologists work to understand water resources, predict floods, manage water supply and address environmental issues related to water.

A controlled burn is performed on the Ninnescah Reserve

Prairie restoration

Through the tireless efforts of dedicated faculty and students, native mixed-grass prairie was restored on the reserve. The property now consists of nearly 75% (200 acres) restored and native prairie while about 25% (66 acres) of the property is comprised of riparian and woodland habitats.

Controlled burning, mowing and haying are the major management practices on the prairie segments.

Students lift a plank of wood to view the life living underneath

Reptile & amphibian field work

At Wichita State, students gain hands-on experience in herpetology by studying reptiles and amphibians that inhabit the wood board shelters. Through this practice, the small-mouth salamander was rediscovered after more than 20 years of absence on the reserve.

Ninnescah Field Station Building interior, with a large window to the reserve and a long table with multiple chairs on both sides

Biological Field Station Building

The WSU Biological Field Station Building, located on the Ninnescah Reserve, was completed in June 2010. This climate-controlled facility provides an excellent setting for biological research, education and outreach programs. In addition to the Field Station manager's office, there is ample laboratory space and a seminar/classroom as well as a collection of plant and insect vouchers and a library in the building. The Field Station building's unique location at the Ninnescah Reserve offers a direct link to the diverse habitats which serve researchers, students and visitors from WSU. In addition to WSU activities, the Field Station has also attracted the research and teaching efforts of eleven universities and several local high schools.

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Field Station Staff

If you are interested in utilizing the Ninnescah Reserve, or the Field Station Building, please contact the manager, Dexter Mardis, at (620) 584-6627.