Kansas Herp Trip 2002

Introduction

In planning an extensive field trip over several months time, you have many challenges to face. Most are easy to overcome and schedule. The weather, however, is the one factor you cannot plan for. Not only do you need to plan for the season, but adjust to where you are going also. Why Kansas you ask? There are a couple of reasons.

The first reason is that Kansas has very diverse habitat for reptiles and amphibians. Without going into complex geological explanations there are generally four main areas. The east border has the forest and scrub that adjoins to Missouri. Into east/central are the Flint Hills and the Low Plains. Out further west you have the High Plains, and in the south central/southwest is a small area of Red Hills so named for it's red color. This is also the area of the Gypsum Hills. What does this mean for herps? It means to get a good cross section mix from east to west of the state and a good representation of herps from the region and states adjoining Kansas. As you read through the details for each day you can see county by county what is found where and there will be more in-depth explanation under the daily headings.

We had another reason for wanting to go to Kansas. The second reason is that Jim and I have been there a few times over the years and had a few places to start with and good memories of previous trips. Jim's wife Laura even went out while quite pregnant with their son Austin on one of our trips to Kansas. Now that's starting early, as Austin is now twelve and does of course like reptiles and amphibians. So sit back and enjoy our trip just this side of the rainbow!!

Saturday, April 27, 2002, Wabaunsee County, KS.

Sunday, April 28, 2002, Location: Barton and Stafford Counties, KS.

Monday, April 29, 2002, Location: Barber County, KS.

Tuesday, April 30, 2002, Barton County KS.

Wednesday, May 1, 2002, McPherson County KS. & Wabaunsee County KS.

Thursday, May 2, 2002, Wabaunsee County KS.

Friday, May 3, 2002, Linn County KS. and Miami County KS.

Some closing thoughts...