Welcome to

Cedar Creek Prairie

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​​​To the best of our knowledge, Cedar Creek is the only HOA community in Kansas with acreage set aside for native grass, wildflower, bird & butterfly habitat.  

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Join our Facebook Group to view and share Cedar Creek nature by clicking here

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Click here for visitor info and Prairie map. 

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THE BASICS 

This unique habitat spans six acres of utility easement between The Crossings and Southglen I, stretching southwestward from College Boulevard to Clare Road. The habitat consists of four parts:  

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• a large interior section planted in native grasses and wildflowers;

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• a retention basin with a seasonal stream that supports native wetland plants;

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• several lengths of sidewalk (on north end of prairie) that provide nice viewpoints for some of the prairie's interior section;

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• a perimeter walkway planted in drought-tolerant turf fescue that provides a biological buffer between the interior section of the prairie and the adjoining yards, streets, and common areas. The width of this perimeter walkway is approximately 30 feet;  the linear distance of this walkway around the interior section of the prairie is about 0.8 miles. This walkway offers intimate spots for observing a wide variety of native prairie grasses, wildflowers, birds, butterflies, and other living things.​

MID-SUMMER NEWS

ISSUED JULY 17, 2026

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RAIN & DROUGHT: Except for a small part of the retention basin, the prairie is populated with native plants that thrive in dry soil conditions. The persistent rains this spring and summer have had several temporary impacts on the prairie.

• The rains have accelerated growth of several grass species which has given the prairie a pronounced clumping appearance. If we experience drier conditions for the rest of this summer and fall, other grasses and wildflowers should catch up and the clumped look should abate. Meanwhile, some wildflowers will be obscured by tall grass and may only be visible at short range.

• The rains have improved germination rates for many of the native wildflowers sown last fall and early spring. Under normal conditions, these new wildflowers bloom very little during the first year and take several years to reach their stride.  Due to the rain, they will develop even fewer blooms than usual this year, yet more foliage. In the long term, this situation points toward better than usual plant and bloom development.

• About the seasonal stream in retention basin: Here, the rain has benefited development of Rose (Marsh) Milkweed, Blazing Star, Rose Mallow, Joe Pye Weed, Tall Coreopsis, Early Sunflower, and Cattails. These wetland plants support a unique variety of butterflies, moths, and birds that are less common in Johnson County.

ENJOYING THE PRAIRIE THIS SUMMER/FALL:

• Hiking the grassed perimeter walkway and sidewalks is the best way to enjoy the show put on by birds butterflies, dragonflies, and other winged critters in the prairie. From the perimeter walkway and sidewalks, visitors may view most birds and other winged ctitters at eye and ground level, with hawks often observed on the towers above the prairie. Because of the rain and the young age of most wildflowers, most flowers (as of mid-July) are difficult to see from a distance, but may be easily observed at close range from the perimeter walkway and sidewalks.

By early August, the prairie should start to show a gradual increase in color, especially from several varieties of sunflower plus other wildflowers sown prior to 2025.

• The grassed perimeter walkway affords the best views but beware of uneven ground and take proper precautions to avoid tick and chigger bites. Don’t forget your water, camera, and phone. The best times for most birds and butterflies are typically before 9 am and after 7 pm.  Between 9 am and 7 pm can be oppressively hot, yet this is when you may find some species resting and easier to photograph.

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• Enjoying the retention basin: The wetland plants along the seasonal stream support a unique variety of less common butterflies, moths, and birds. The Red-Winged Blackbirds that nest in the cattails are a special summer treat, but keep your distance as these birds are quite territorial. If you bring a blanket, the slopes of the basin provide a nice setting for bird watching.

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• Specimen areas: Future enhancements are coming. Watch for more information this fall.

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