USDA Forest Service Celebrating Wildflowers
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Rocky Mountain Region Viewing AreaLOCATION and PHOTOS
Toadstool Geologic ParkForest: Oglala National Grassland District: Pine Ridge Ranger District Description: This area is mostly characterized by native mixed-grass prairie with wooded streambeds and “badlands” – steep, eroded, sparsely vegetated formations created by water and wind erosion on layers of siltstone, sandstone, and clay. Toadstool Geologic Park is such an area, and is named for narrow clay pedestals topped with slabs of sandstone that look like huge toadstools, although many of the large ones have fallen. In addition to native prairie, the Oglala Grassland is the best place in Nebraska to view pronghorns and a popular place to view prairie dog colonies along the site’s northern border. Viewing Information: Stop at the district office south of Chadron to pick up a map of the grassland, get directions, and learn about any hazards or seasonal wildflower viewing opportunities. Many wildflowers await the visitor to this unique geological feature. Species encountered in the spring are Missouri milkvetch (Astragalus missouriensis), shell-leaf penstemon (Penstemon grandiflorous), gumbo lily (Oenothera caespitosa), and death camas (Zigadenus spp.). As spring moves into the summertime yellow evening primrose (Oenothera serrulata), ten petal blazing star (Mentzelia decapetala), slimflower scurfpea (Psoralea tenuiflora), and spiderwort (Tradescantia bracteata) dot the landscape. As autumn brings a close to the flowering year goldenrods (Solidago spp.), and broom snakeweed are commonly seen across the landscape. There is a small campground at Toadstool Geologic Park that makes a good launching point to explore the area. A one-mile loop trail from the picnic area highlights many examples of eroded clay/sandstone formations. Pick up an interpretive brochure at the trailhead to learn about the area's fascinating geology and paleontology. A reconstructed sod house provides a look into the past when homesteaders on the prairies used the only abundant building material available. A $3 per vehicle day use fee is charged from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Safety First: Roads in the Oglala Grassland vary from paved state highways to four-wheel drive only. Most of the roads are gravel and are passable except after a rain or a snowstorm. Trains run as frequently as every 7.5 minutes over the track you cross as you turn off of Toadstool Road. Be sure you look both ways before crossing the tracks! Directions: Go 4 miles north from Crawford, Nebraska, on Nebraska highways 2 and 71, turn northwest on Toadstool Road, and go 15 miles. Ownership and Management: U.S. Forest Service, Oglala National Grassland, Pine Ridge Ranger District (308) 432-4475. Closest Town: Crawford, Nebraska. For More Information: |
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U.S. Forest Service
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Location: http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/regions/rockymountain/ToadstoolGeoPark/index.shtml
Last modified: Tuesday, 24-Jun-2008 21:57:16 EDT