Gunbarrel Hill Property

Why it is Important to Be Good Stewards of the Land

It’s important to be a good Steward of the land because you have to help care for the environment, animals, and habitat so future relatives, plants, and animals will have it to enjoy.

The ecosystem could be harmed and it will be hard for the animals to survive there. Some things that will appear on the trails if no one is caring for them, are trash, plastic bags, plastic containers, or even more. A way you can prevent this is making signs to prevent littering.

Another thing you have to keep in mind is to not get too close to the animals there or it might disturb them. Make sure to stay on the right trails because you can harm some of the natural environment, which is important to the animals.

Native Americans also care about this land and so we should continue their legacy of protecting and helping the land. Another thing we can do is play our part and try to reduce global warming.

My experience at the Gunbarrel Hill Site was that it was very exciting to see the nature and hear it both at the same time, as well as learning about many of the species there, like for example the Prairie dogs. Did you know when they make new homes and abandon the old ones, other animals use this chance to take shelter in their old homes? This makes prairie dogs a very important creature in the prairie. Other members of my class are going to share their experiences below. I hope you learn some ways to enjoy nature while being a good steward of the land.

Roma Hsu

Why It is Important to be Good Stewards of the Land

Why We Should Protect the Prairie

by Eden Stuhlbarg

Threatened Birds

For the safety of the ground-nesting birds, please stay on the trail. Gunbarrel Hill has the largest population of Grasshopper Sparrows in the county. There are a lot of birds that nest on the ground, like the Grasshopper Sparrows, the Western Meadowlarks, and the female Lark Sparrows. Their nests are small and hard to see. They have very few nests because they are easily damaged. People and dogs walk off the trail and destroy their nests by accident.

When we went on a 4th grade trip to Gunbarrel Hill near our school, I heard a Westen Meadowlark, and I saw a bald eagle. I will never forget that day. I have never had an opportunity to be in nature like that. I love having the chance to walk to Gunbarrel Hill that is in the Heatherwood neighborhood and seeing and hearing all the prairie animals. Gunbarrel Hill is only 5 minutes away from our school so this means so much to the Heatherwood neighborhood and me.

Hannah Steven

Threatened Birds- Hannah Steven

The Importance of Trails

When my class went to Gunbarrel Hill we got to design a trail using string. We were asked to think about where animals might be living on the ground and to make the trail to avoid their habitats. We were also instructed to decide where animals might be in trees and make the trail pass near the trees, but not too close. It was interesting to learn about all the things to think about when you make a trail in nature. I had no idea there were birds that nest on the ground! So it is important that you stay on the right trail not go off the trial. You might harm or stress the animals.

Please stay on the right path because birds like the ground nesting birds need space For example, one of these birds is the Grasshopper Sparrow. When we come near the nest. The grasshopper sparrow leaves the nest. Imagine if you were taking a nap and your home got stepped on by a giant. How would you feel? The trails have a purpose and people need to stay on them.

James Steven

Threatened Animals

I’ve seen the prairie dogs since I was a kid. I have seen them on the side of roads and across from Heatherwood. The prairie dogs are the keystone species on the prairie. The ecosystem depends on the Prairie dog.

One hundred years ago there were 5,000,000,000 prairie dogs, now 98% of them are gone. People off trail and birds, like the hawk, are affecting prairie dog population. Hawks are natural predators but hard to control. Telling people to “stick to the trail” will help protect the prairie dogs and other prairie animals.

As I said the ecosystem depends on prairie dogs. For example, the hole the prairie dog makes can lure other animals there like the burrowing owl. You can make a difference. Help the prairie dogs!

Kevin Day