Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is well worth the thirty minute drive drom Hutchinson. Drive west on Fourth and keep going until you see a sign for Quivira. Then just enjoy the scenery.

Something like 95% of the migratory birds in the US pass through Quivira each year. More than 300 species of birds make their home there - you can even spot the endangered whooping crane at times. I'm not a bird watcher, but you must admit that's pretty darned cool.

You can see a lot from the comfort of your car, and there are plenty of places to pull over and get a better look. If you feel a little more industrious, I recommend the Migrant's Mile trail that takes you over a bridge that spans a marsh with zillions of cattails. Who doesn't love cattails? OK, maybe people who are fighting them from taking over. You can witness plant succession up close and personal there. And if you don't remember that phrase from your Biology 101, it refers to plants slowly taking over a marshland - and you can see it happening there.

When I've had a bad day or a bad week I head out into nature and Quivira is one of my favorite spots. It's also worth a trip if you've had a great day.

http://www.fws.gov/quivira/ for more info

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