Trail signs

Get Out There: Lawrence Nature Park

If you are looking for a quiet nature walk close to home, check out the secluded 100-acre Lawrence Nature Park. It’s located on S. Folks Road between 6th Street and Peterson Road.

The park, which is managed by the City of Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, includes a 37-acre oak-hickory woodland, and a savanna on top of a limestone ridge.

The land features steep contours, limestone out-croppings, and a wide variety of trees. Abundant species of native grasses and plants grow in the woods and savannah.

A large number of animals and bird species rely on the woodland for habitat.

The park features four interconnected, natural surface trails. A trail map is at the entrance.

Lawrence Parks and Recreation partnered with the Kansas Land Trust (KLT) to create this large natural preserve, which includes 40-acres donated by the Lichtwardt family. The family stipulated that the donated land must be protected by a conservation easement that would limit the land use and types of facilities permitted.

The park, open daily from 6:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m., has hiking trails but no rest rooms or other services.

Photos courtesy of the Kansas Land Trust