Baldwin Woods Quick Facts: 15 miles S of Lawrence campus Designated a National Natural Landmark Adjacent to the Santa Fe Trail Directions & Maps

Local naturalists and university researchers have long recognized the significance of the Baldwin Woods. Beginning in 1965, three areas within Baldwin Woods were added to the KSR and afforded protection: Breidenthal Biological Reserve, Rice Woodland, and Wall Woods.

Permissible Research Activities. Baldwin Woods tracts are protected as natural areas. Only non-disruptive research and educational activities are permittted. Experimental manipulations are generally not permitted; however, certain small-scale manipulations may be considered, and fire may be used to maintain areas that were historically more open.

Baldwin Woods is an exemplary remnant stand of oak-hickory forest in the eastern Great Plains. The area is home to numerous plant and animal species at their western limits of distribution. The combination of shale, limestone, and sandstone outcrops, diverse topography, and a small stream provide varied substrates that support a rich biotic community.

National Natural Landmark Designation. In 1980, Baldwin Woods was designated by the Secretary of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark. This designation is given to sites that represesnt a significant example of the Nation's natural heritage. In the case of Baldwin Woods, it is described as "a unique remnant oak-hickory stand located at the western edge of the eastern deciduous forest."

Breidenthal Biological Reserve

The Breidenthal Biological Reserve was acquired mainly in 1965, with a small addition made in 1974 bringing it to its current 36-hectare (90-acre) size. The majority is relatively undisturbed eastern deciduous forest, although there are remnants of savanna habitats in dryer locations. A small headwater stream flows through the forest, providing habitat to many species of mosses and liverworts that are rare in the Great Plains.

Rice Woodland

The Rice Woodland was purchased in 1972 through the efforts of Raymond F. Rice and the Ethel and Raymond F. Rice Foundation. The majority of the Rice Woodland is relatively undisturbed eastern deciduous forest.

An extensive survey conducted in 1963 recorded the presence of 31 different species of trees and over 20 different shrubs and vines -- remarkably high species richness for native forests in the central United States.

Wall Woods

The 13-hectare (320acre) Roy and Eleanor Wall Woods was acquired in 1974 by Roy and Eleanor Wall. Wall Woods is high quality woodland.