Cross Timbers State Park, Kansas
Research Natural Area

Aerial Photograph

This stand of old-growth Cross Timbers is near the northern limits of the ecosystem. Escarpment woodlands are found on the long narrow slopes of a dendridic drainage network cut into the level uplands. The uplands between the drainages were originally covered with prairie vegetation, and the escarpments are still mostly wooded. The valley below the escarpment is now occupied by Toronto Reservoir. The associated species by rough order of importance include post oak, blackjack oak, northern red oak, sumac, rusty blackhaw, serviceberry, dogwood, and green ash. Increment core samples were collected in Nov. 1982 by Dave Stahle and Graham Hawks. Twenty-six mature and old-growth post oak were sampled, and 18 of these sample trees were at least 200 years old. The five oldest trees have inner ring dates of A.D. 1727, 1724, 1736, 1737, and 1740. The park superintendent, Mr. Doyle Niemeyer, has installed an interesting hiking trail through these old growth woodlands, and has posted signs with interpretive information for some of the oldest trees. The old post oak tree illustrated above is located near the state park.