Marais des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge is celebrating its 30th anniversary with a new mile-long trail and new exhibits at its visitors center, in Pleasanton, Kan.

The name comes from the Marais des Cygnes River, which runs through the refuge acreage and is a dominant feature of the region. Marais des cygnes, pronounced “merduh-zeen,” is French for “marsh of the swans.” The new trail is accessible to people with disabilities under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Unique ecosystem

The refuge was established in 1992 to protect and restore bottomland hardwood forests, a unique ecosystem in Kansas. Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge has 7,500 acres of bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands and prairie, making it home to diverse flora and wildlife. Visitors can take advantage of its beauty and recreational opportunities by hiking, boating or by driving the refuge’s gravel roads.

About 5,000 acres of the refuge are available for wildlife-oriented activities including hunting, fishing and birding. The other 2,500 acres are used as a wildlife sanctuary and are not available for public use. The sanctuary provides a haven for wildlife, including many migratory birds that use the forest for food and shelter. The river floods regularly, which recharges the nutrients in the soil and provides ideal habitat for a variety of animals, such as otters and wood ducks. Some uncommon bird species you can find at the refuge are prothonotary warblers nesting in the summer, and numerous other warbler species in the spring and fall.

Visitors center opens

The grand opening party for the new visitors center will take place at the refuge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15. There will be guided walks on the new trail, unveiling of the new interpretive signage and visitors center exhibits, and activities for families. You can find out more event details at 913-352-8956.

Kansas Refuges Complex

Marais des Cygnes Wildlife Refuge is one of four locations in the Kansas Refuges Complex.

In Hartford, you’ll find the Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, a prime resting area for migratory waterfowl, This makes Flint Hills NWR a top destination for waterfowl watching and hunting.

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge in Stafford provides the perfect habitat for migratory birds on the Central Flyway due to its inland salt marsh and sand prairie. Listed as a wetland of international importance by Ramsar Sites Information Service, this refuge sees more than 300 species of migratory birds annually.

Wichita is home to the Great Plains Nature Center, a 240-acre urban oasis with 2 miles of ADA-accessible trails through wetlands, prairie and riparian habitats.

If you’re looking for getaway ideas, southeast Kansas is a hot spot for trail enthusiasts. This part of the state has some of the most popular trails with hikers, cyclists, horseback riders, off-roaders and curious wanderers. From the cavelike structures on Table Mound Hiking Trail at Elk City State Park, the Prairie Spirit Trail takes you 51 miles from Ottawa to Iola; from there the Southwind Trail takes you an additional 6 miles from Iola to Humboldt, to the 380 acres of off-road trails at Kansas Rocks Recreation Park.

Southeast Kansas is an outdoor recreation destination for all ages and levels of enthusiasts.

Sharples-Terry is public relations and communications manager for Kansas Tourism.

Kansas Tourism aims to inspire travel to and throughout Kansas to maximize the positive impacts that tourism has on the state and local communities. For more trip inspiration and to order a free Kansas Travel Guide, head to travelks.com.