The Kansas Pioneer Nature Trail at Council Grove Lake has recently been designated by the National Park Service as a National Recreation Trail. The 1.3-mile trail has two loops and features upland woodlands, tallgrass prairie and remnants of buffalo wallows. LASR.net reports the following about Council Grove Lake:
Council Grove Lake is located in the famous Flint Hills region of Kansas. The lake is one mile northwest of the historic town of Council Grove and within walking distance of the Santa Fe Trail. Located on the Neosho River, the lake is in a very aesthetic setting with the rolling bluestem hills trimmed with hickory, oak, walnut, and elm along the streams.
“...within walking distance of the Santa Fe Trail...”? According to my map, the Santa Fe Trail is approximately 45 miles north of Council Grove Lake; but it could be within walking distance of the Santa Fe Railroad, which actually crosses a part of the lake. — The Web Geek
To view photos of trail users celebrating National Trails Day on the Landon Trail, click on Special Event Photos. There are other photos on Trail Pictures, that show, among others, Kansas' first bicycle roundabout and a waterfall near the whistle stop of Swissvale along the Landon Trail in Osage County. Kanza Rail-Trails Conservancy manages the waterfall area and may establish picnic grounds. To do this, the Conservancy needs to create a trail group (division) in Osage County (Overbrook). If you know of anyone who might be interested in helping to develop the trail in that area, contact Landon Trail Division Superintendent John Purvis.
The Giving USA Foundation annual survey reveals that grant-making by foundations was up three percent in 2008. However, corporate giving decreased 4.5 percent and individual giving declined 2.7 percent. Environmental and animal welfare groups received 5.5 percent less in 2008. Adjusted for inflation, total giving was down 5.7 percent, the largest drop ever recorded by the foundation.