A wide expanse of mixed-grass prairie in the Red Hills regions of the Southern Mixed-Grass Prairie. Located in Comanche County, Kansas this 17,000 acre ranch is managed under traditional cow-calf management.

This photo was taken from a distinctive part of the mixed grass prairie, the Central Rolling Red Hills. As you can see it is characterized by short to mid-height stature grasses with some tallgrasses in the lowland areas. Soil in this part of Kansas is typically red and white, indicative of iron and gypsum. Scattered trees dot the landscape, mostly Eastern Red Cedar, however hardwood species are present.

The red dirt seen here is the basis for the name of this mixed-grass prairie region: the Red Hills. Exposed soil is a typical site throughout the Red Hills and is either an indicator of high grazing pressure or a particular ecological site (e.g., Eroded Red Clay).

Old outhouses built to accommodate guests during a celebration on the ranch.

Tree rows like this were commonly planted by land managers for controlling wind erosion and to protect livestock from the driving wind.

After clearing woody vegetation that has encroached into a range pasture, a typical practice is to pile it into large brush piles and either let it sit or burn it in a safe manner.

Oil and Gas Development

Wells like these provide access to drinking water for livestock.

Riparian Zone in the southern mixed-grass prairie usually consists of elms, cottonwoods, soapberry, and a variety of willows. Many of these creeks/streams are invaded by saltcedar.