The McPherson Valley Uplands Outdoor Life Center recently opened as a place, in the words of its mission statement,“for McPherson County and Kansas youth to learn and develop outdoor skills and an appreciation for Wildlife and natural conservation.”

The center, located 5.5 miles west of McPherson on Limestone Road between Seventh and Eighth avenues, is a joint project of the McPherson Area Chapter of Pheasants Forever and the National Cooperative Refinery Association.

Designed to serve as a 46-acre outdoor laboratory,McPherson Valley Uplands offers nature trails through prairie and wetland terrains, according to Brett Reber,board president.

“It’s a place for youth-oriented activities,” Reber said, noting that the area’s park shelter often is used as an openair classroom for environmental edu- Cation and hunter safety courses. “It’s a place where kids can go to get dirty.” It’s also a place where members of the general public can walk a dog or immerse themselves in the Kansas landscape. For maps or additional information, visit the McPherson Valley Uplands website: www.mcphersonvalleyuplands. org.

On the opposite side of McPherson County,Maxwell Wildlife Refuge offers tram rides through 2,800-acres of prairie land and rolling hills. The tram allows “city folks” to mingle with bison, elk and other native wildlife. Tours are available year-round by reservation. Scheduled events include spring and fall wildflower tours, a “Mountain Man Rendezvous” in early October and a buffalo auction in November.

McPherson State Fishing Lake lies on the western boundary of the refuge. The area offers basic camping facilities as well as picnic tables, grills and docks.

From McPherson,Maxwell Wildlife Refuge is 10 miles east on Highway 56 to Canton and then 7 miles north on Canton’s Main Street, which is also 27th Avenue. For tour reservations, call (620) -628-4455. For more information, visit the Maxwell website: www.cyberkraft.com/maxwell.

Wetlands, ideal for hunters and bird watchers

Adjacent to the McPherson Valley Uplands lies the McPherson Valley Wetlands Wildlife Area, a 4,455-acre complex of marshes and lakes preserved primarily for in-season hunting of waterfowl and off-season viewing of wildlife. Binoculars, spotting scopes and zoom lenses are recommended for optimal viewing and photography.

Operated by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the complex includes three units: the Big Basin, the Chain of Lakes and Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake, according to Brent Theede, public land manager.The Big Basin unit is located approximately 4 miles west and 2 miles north of McPherson. The Chain of Lakes lies 2 miles directly south of the Big Basin, and the Little Sinkhole/Farland Lake unit is located 1 mile south and 1 mile east of Inman.

“Currently, the area is managed intensively for waterfowl,”explained Theede. “However, a strong pheasant population provides great supplemental opportunity for area sportsmen. Virtually all species of waterfowl found in the central flyway can at some time be found at McPherson Valley Wetlands. Along with waterfowl species, great varieties of shorebirds are present for public viewing,especially during the spring migration. Pheasants, quail, rabbits,and furbearers can also be found in huntable numbers.”

During the summer months,Theede said, the area’s main attraction is bullfrogs. “Seasonally, many area sportsmen come out to take part in ‘froggin’’ to enjoy these tasty amphibians,” he said.

The wetlands are open to the public yearround. Headquarters are located at 967 Mohawk Road. For more information, call (620) -241-7669. Links are available at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks website: www.kdwp.state.ks.us.