Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Baker Wetlands, located just south of Lawrence, Kansas, encompasses approximately 927 acres of diverse and thriving ecosystems. This area plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem by serving as a filter for water that travels through its marshes, providing flood control, and acting as a critical habitat for over 278 species of birds, amphibians, insects, and mammals. The wetlands have a storied history, being a part of the Wakarusa River Valley and were managed by the Haskell Institute (now Haskell Indian Nations University) at one point for educational purposes. Today, the wetlands attract birdwatchers, ecologists, and students who come to study its thriving ecosystems. Key activities include hiking on established trails, bird watching, and photography, capturing the natural beauty of Kansas's prairie lands.
