Frosty morning on the 1881 limestone ranch house
The 1881 limestone ranch house is beautiful in all seasons. Winter holds a special setting on the historic landscape.
Sunrise on the 1881 Limestone Ranch House
The sunrise on the front of the 1881 Limestone Ranch House.
modern photo of the Lower Fox Creek one-room schoolhouse
Modern photo of the 1882 Lower Fox Creek one-room schoolhouse
Barn dance in the historic 1882 limestone barn
One of the many cultural activities enjoyed by visitors to Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is an old-fashioned barn dance on special occasions.
1882 Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse
Historic photo of the Lower Fox Creek one-room schoolhouse. Public domain photograph of a church building, chapel, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Sunrise on the 1882 limestone barn
The three-level bank barn is massive, measuring 110 feet by 60 feet. Downstairs is a tack room and stalls for the draft horses and milk cows. The middle floor housed storage for hay and some equipment. The top ... More
Handmade quilts from the 1880s and 1890s on display
Very fragile quilts from the 1880s and 1890s were on display inside the barn over the Labor Day weekend. Quilts were made of wool scraps from coats and pants.
Welcome to Tallgrass Prairie NPRES
Image of Tallgrass Prairie NPRES welcome sign Picryl description: Public domain photograph of National Park, nature, free to use, no copyright restrictions image.
Christmas chains and snowflakes criss-cross the desks
The Lower Fox Creek School decorated for Christmas using local students' artwork and handiwork.
Kids Love Smokey Bear - Public Domain image, National Parks Gallery
Kids pose next to Smokey Bear and the large birthday card signed by visitors and staff at the preserve.
Kids Love Smokey - National Parks Gallery
Kids pose with Smokey Bear doll during his 70th birthday party celebration.
From the student's perspective looking toward the teacher's desk.
As a student at the Lower Fox Creek school, part of the curriculum was to make decorations and hold an annual Christmas party, in which parents were invited and the children put on a Christmas program.
Millions of bison once roamed the Great Plains
Once ranging in the millions, hunted down to less than 1,000, yet are making a come back. A herd of bison are once again on the landscape and make the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve their home.
Kids becoming Jr. Rangers - Public Domain image, National Parks Galler...
School group completed elements of the Junior Ranger booklet and Leave No Trace outdoor ethics Scavenger Hunt to become Junior Rangers at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Visitors Help Celebrate Smokey's Birthday
Rangers and volunteers give cake and lemonade to visitors during Smokey Bear's 70th birthday celebration.
It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas
Interior photo of the Lower Fox Creek schoolhouse decorated for the holidays. Children from local Chase County Elementary School created all of the decorations.
Winning quilt of the Favorite Quilt Contest
Visitors voted for their Favorite Quilt over the Labor Day Weekend. This Wildflower quilt was the winning entry. It has been a local favorite and winner before.
Tall grasses along the hiking trails in the fall
Tall in the Fall is the slogan as you hike among the tall grasses on the bottomland prairie hiking trails.
Sunset falls across the beautiful Flint Hills
Sunset falls across the beautiful Flint Hills as shadows cascade across the differential erosion terraces formed millions of years ago.
National parks: school1 - public domain image
Picryl description: Public domain image of a tavern, pub, or small restaurant, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Ranger Providing Information about Smokey Bear
Ranger providing information about Smokey Bear turning 70 years old and his new message of "Only you can prevent wildfires."
HFCA 1607_Mission 66_383.jpg - Public Domain image, National Parks Gal...
A view of a Prairie in Kansas at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
Quilts hanging in the historic limestone barn over the Labor Day Weeke...
Annual quilt display in the historic limestone barn. Local Chase County quilts made up this year's display with many favorite designs.
Classroom decorated for Christmas
Paper chains, snowflakes, artwork, and letters to Santa decorate the Lower Fox Creek School. Children are at recess.
Flint Hills Scenic Byway - Entrance to Tallgrass Prairie National Pres...
The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: Beckoning travelers into the national preserve, this entry sign hints of the scenic prairie and historic ranching experiences ahead. Lo... More
Flint Hills Scenic Byway - Strong City Kiosk
The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: The Strong City kiosk tells the story of the railroad's importance for the city, the Flint Hills Rodeo, and the Tallgrass Prairie Nation... More
Flint Hills Scenic Byway - Prairie Wildflowers at Tallgrass Prairie Na...
The original finding aid described this photograph as: Original Caption: Flowers soak in the sunshine at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve along Flint Hills Scenic Byway. Location: Tallgrass Prairie Nationa... More
Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch
Image of barn and house on faraway horizon with clouds in the sky and green wooded valley in foreground
Icy Bison, National Parks gallery
Bison grazing in icy pasture Public domain photograph by National Parks Administration, nature conservation, tourism, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
Icy uphill road into bison pasture
Icy uphill road into bison pasture
Snow covered bison grazing - Public Domain image, National Parks Galle...
Several bison grazing in snow covered pasture
Historic Spring Hill Ranch Barn
Image of large barn with grass and trees in foreground
Historic Spring Hill Ranch House
Image of three story stone mansion with red roof, surrounded by trees and stone wall in foreground
Tourist Attraction - Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse
Image of one room schoolhouse on top of hill, blue sky in background, field of tallgrass in foreground
Male ornate box turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata), Tallgrass Prairie Na...
The ornate box turtle is one of only two terrestrial species of turtles native to the great plains. It is also one of only two subspecies of Terrapene ornata. This relatively small turtle is of concern and prot... More
First American bison (Bison bison) calf of the 2013 year, Tallgrass Pr...
American bison are found only in North America. Sometimes historically referred to as 'buffalo', it is actually only very distantly related to the true buffalo. Due to their size, bison have few modern era pred... More
Nice photo opportunity of the prairie from inside the historic barn
Window on the prairie. Visitors use this space to make memories by taking photos out the west barn doors.
Fall wildflowers among the tallgrass prairie
Fall wildflowers among the tallgrass prairie.
The Preserve's Centennial quilt on display
Centennial quilt made by local quilters depicting the many natural and cultural elements of the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, also celebrating the 100th birthday of the NPS and also the 20th birthday of ... More
Bison in their prairie landscape
Between 30 and 60 million bison once roamed the Great Plains. They were hunted down to less than 1,000. Through the work of many, bison are making a comeback.
June 2006 rain on the prairie - Public Domain image, National Parks Ga...
Panoramic image of rain clouds in sky and large field of tallgrass and wildflowers in foreground
Snow Goose, National Parks gallery
Anser caeerulescens Public domain scan of print / book page depicting birds, ornithology, free to use, no copyright restrictions image - Picryl description
SOME OF THE STUDENTS CAMPED OUT WHILE ATTENDING THE SECOND ANNUAL TALL...
Picryl description: Public domain photograph of a tent, camp, free to use, no copyright restrictions.
Light fuels such as grasses burn faster and hotter. (35916eb2-0308-46f...
Flames twist upward behind a barbed wire fence on the open prairie. Light fuels such as grasses burn faster and hotter.
Fire destroys woody plants in the grasslands. Grasses have adapted to ...
Blistered stems of shrubs sprout from an ashen ground. Fire destroys woody plants in the grasslands. Grasses have adapted to survive flames with deep root systems.
Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) (a989456b-df30-4feb-b59f-b40...
A thin black snake with three pale lines on top and light belly with a dark checkered pattern. A very common snake species across North America. They prefer aquatic habitats such as ponds or freshwater wetland... More
Burning at sunrise. (2f549c7d-be33-4ed1-8910-34b3f51b86f2)
Fire line below the horizon of a rising sun. Burning at sunrise. Keywords: sunset; sunrise
Coyotes survive the winter with a thick layer of fur and keen hearing ...
A canine with thick tan and gray fur walks through snow-patched grassland. Coyotes survive the winter with a thick layer of fur and keen hearing to find prey. Keywords: coyote; canine
Historic Spring Hill Ranch House (0e7b3d52-bf41-47a9-8cc7-a298d11506a5...
Image of three story stone mansion with red roof, surrounded by trees and stone wall in foreground Keywords: ranching; history; house; architecture; tallgrass prairie
Historic Spring Hill Ranch Barn (e8e0dc3f-a941-4846-8d1f-55fa21ec344e)
Image of large barn with grass and trees in foreground Keywords: ranching; architecture; barn; history; tallgrass prairie
June 2006 rain on the prairie (0577e1ea-8448-4378-af63-74b6f60edeb3)
Panoramic image of rain clouds in sky and large field of tallgrass and wildflowers in foreground I was trying to capture the lightning, but I was too slow. I did a pan pic instead. Keywords: tallgrass prairie... More
Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata ornata) (a9f6513e-32c8-46b8-9e3b-7...
Yellow turtle with dark shell and yellow striation pattern and light red trim. This sub-species of the Western Box Turtle (Terrapene ornata) is the most visibly abundant turtle in Kansas. The official state re... More
Shortly from the ignition line, fire races to consume fuel. The subtle...
A jagged line of fire meanders to the grass horizon, leaving charred black swath. Shortly from the ignition line, fire races to consume fuel. The subtle inclines aid to preheating fuels.
Smoke lingers on prescribed burn days. (d979ad98-cef8-49ba-87a3-fc0cd1...
Sun shines through smoky, yellow air upon a dark landscape. Smoke lingers on prescribed burn days. Keywords: sunrise; sunset
Spring Hill Farm and Stock Ranch (45566f23-42f5-496d-827f-4fdbb30a9a6c...
Image of barn and house on faraway horizon with clouds in the sky and green wooded valley in foreground Keywords: ranching; architecture; scenery; tallgrass prairie
Fight Fire with Fire (06cf38a2-2858-4c6d-87f2-d9ecc551b9cc)
A landscape of dry grass with two lines of flame reaching to the horizon. When 2 fire lines get large or close enough, they feed towards each other. This backburn technique expends fuel ahead of a fire. Keywor... More
Fire reveals bare topography and features like this 19th century limes...
Scattered stone blocks stretch in a line to the horizon on burnt ground. Fire reveals bare topography and features like this 19th century limestone wall.
Firefighters create a fire line before commencing with a larger burn. ...
Firefighters stand on both sides of a black path through a grass field with a line of green trees. Firefighters create a fire line before commencing with a larger burn.
Firefighters create a wide blackline as a fire break. (e8900d00-9893-4...
Firefighters burn a wide swath of dry grass. Crew members stand by with water hoses dousing the edges. Firefighters create a wide blackline as a fire break. Keywords: firefighter
Firefighters stand clear as the burn gets under way. (45d14341-7b70-45...
Flames leap up in the middle of dry grass prairie. Firefighters stand on two sides of the fire. Firefighters stand clear as the burn gets under way. Keywords: firefighter
Fire Snake at Night (43693254-c778-45d2-a4a7-a3ca86fb0bb9)
A jagged line of fire stretches to a red sunset. Subtle changes of topography, wind, and fuel types allow sections of fire to run faster. Keywords: night fire; sunset
Firefighters get geared up for burn today. (da4c50f3-c58d-4531-8423-fa...
Three firefighters in nomex yellow and green stand in front of an ATV. Firefighters get geared up for burn today. Keywords: firefighter
Firefighters patrol with water tanks ensuring flames do not cross the ...
A firefighter patrols along a gravel road in an ATV. Firefighters patrol with water tanks ensuring flames do not cross the fire line. Keywords: firefighter
Firefighters use drip torches for ignitions while walking the line. (5...
A firefighter sets grass on fire holding a canister. Firefighters use drip torches for ignitions while walking the line. Keywords: firefighter
Firefighters stand by with water tanks. (c39c7d42-b0a6-4bdd-a40c-8847e...
Fire burns on the crest of a green grass hill behind two trucks. Firefighters stand by with water tanks.
Firefighters often ignite smaller sections on controlled burns. Using ...
A firefighter walks near a gravel road igniting long grasses. Firefighters often ignite smaller sections on controlled burns. Using two fire lines, they control the fire size by burning towards each other. Key... More
Grassfires quickly diminish near creeks and rivers allowing trees and ...
Three trees stand in a narrow rocky ravine amid low flames and smoke. Grassfires quickly diminish near creeks and rivers allowing trees and woody plant growth.
Great Plains Skink (Eumeces obsoletus) juvenile (231db126-91e3-4c60-97...
A small black lizard with blue tint is held by two hands. A ranger holds a juvenile skink. These lizards grow brighter tan scales as they mature. Keywords: skink; lizard; juvenile
Icy uphill road into bison pasture (9975ec60-05d5-482f-a779-7f50bf66dc...
Icy uphill road into bison pasture Keywords: bison; buffalo; nature
Lighting fires is no small task in grasslands. Flame lengths expand qu...
A wildland firefighter walks ahead of a large blaze surrounded by dry grassland and a few leafless trees. Lighting fires is no small task in grasslands. Flame lengths expand quickly in light fuels making prepa... More
Lower Fox Creek Schoolhouse (79748b9a-28a6-458f-860e-6a9fb30e5662)
Image of one room schoolhouse on top of hill, blue sky in background, field of tallgrass in foreground Keywords: one room schoolhouse; history; architecture; tallgrass prairie
Prairie Fire at Night (fdb9251e-2ea5-40cf-baf6-7e2de9c49ae3)
A low fire illuminates the silhouette of a tree. The ground gives a warm glow as fire creeps through fuels. Keywords: night fire
Prairie fires can run unchecked for miles in the open plains. Strong w...
A thick line of fire sweeps across grassy hills. Prairie fires can run unchecked for miles in the open plains. Strong winds can push flames forward over 50 mph. Keywords: prairie
Prairie Kingsnake (Lampropeltis calligaster) (a0b0d4bb-7d34-41f6-8b7e-...
A gray snake with alternating black spots on gravel road. Ranging through most of eastern Kansas, this kingsnake inhabits rocky hillsides with open woods, and prairie grasslands. It remains very secretive, ret... More
Prescribed fires have a small window throughout the year. Operations c...
Rows of flames silhouette a tree in the darkness. Prescribed fires have a small window throughout the year. Operations can go far into the night if weather is favorable. Keywords: night fire
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve Forward Into Light (a6bb7f88-9fe5-...
Large historic barn lit purple and gold at night The park illuminated the barn purple and gold on August 26, 2020, as part of the Forward Into Light commemoration for the 19th Amendment centennial.
The charred landscape is only temporary. As rain penetrates the root s...
A black landscape under a blue sky. The charred landscape is only temporary. As rain penetrates the root systems, fresh stems will emerge.
The Midwest is renowned for unpredictable weather. Even during optimal...
A firefighter watches the distant fire line as it turns the dry grasses to black ash. The Midwest is renowned for unpredictable weather. Even during optimal conditions, firefighters monitor fire behavior. Keyw... More
Eastern Red Bat (Lasiurus borealis) (a18d553d-104f-4893-b8c0-ab2a63cab...
A tan bat with white trim hangs under a long, green-leafed stalk. Normally found in tree roosts, this bat was spotted during a wildlife survey by a Nature Conservancy employee. August 19 11:23am Fox C... More
Western Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus) (a99a1f20-41ad-4455-ba9e-987...
Chubby beige snake with three brown mottled rows over most of the body. The middle row appears unfocused. This venomous rattlesnake is the smallest found in Kansas measuring just up to 33 inches. Three rows of... More
Eastern Gray Squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) (23342e6b-0b88-4d45-9e22-...
A black squirrel crouches on a sawn tree limb. Black squirrels are a subgroup of eastern gray squirrels. While prairies are mostly grasslands, there are enough taller plants to sustain a healthy population of ... More
Amer 0151 (9719144968)
Lower Fox Creek School in the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. This one-room school was built of locally quarried limestone in 1882. Image ID: amer0151, NOAA's Small World Collection Location: Kansas... More
Head Fire and Backburn (a596086a-5c00-4c1c-8fb0-cf8e5ef153f1)
Flames spread on either side of a smoldering black line in short grass. Larger flames burn on the far side. Fire burns in all directions. Wind feeds the larger flames of the head fire. Fire slowly burning agai... More
Ominous smoke from wildfires look larger than life from over 14 mile a...
Smoke fills the sky behind a large barn. Ominous smoke from wildfires look larger than life from over 1/4 mile away. Keywords: smoke