Welcome to Maxwell Wildlife Refuge
Welcome to the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge, where you can experience the beauty of nature up close and personal. Come and explore our stunning trails, observe majestic buffalo and elk in their natural habitat, and immerse yourself in a sea of colorful wildflowers. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
History of Maxwell Wildlife
John Gault Maxwell was born in Scotland in 1825. He came to America, arriving in New York and by 1859 at the age of thirty-four Maxwell had made his way to Kansas, and was immediately smitten with the Kansas prairies and with the immense herds of buffalo that still roamed them at that time. Whether because of the civil war or because of Indian troubles on the plains, records show Maxwell returned to New York for a time, where he married. Passage of various Homestead Acts brought him back to his beloved Kansas prairies.
in 1866 John Maxwell settled near the present town of Marquette, where two sons, John and Henry were born, possible some of the first white children to be born in McPherson County.
John Gault Maxwell became a farmer and businessman, but never lost his love of the Kansas prairie, and desired to preserve a piece of that prairie, complete with free-roaming buffalo, so future generations could experience the Kansas plains as he had first seen them. As a businessman, Maxwell served as Justice of the Peace for McPherson County, and started the very successful JG Maxwell Grain Co. in or near the present town of McPherson.
After his death in 1877, sons John and Henry continued to successfully operate the business. When son John died, his business interests went to Henry, and upon Henry’s death in 1940, $75,000 was set aside with explicate instructions to purchase three to six sections of Kansas prairie land to be placed in the care of the state, and devoted to educating people everywhere about the Kansas prairies, keeping their father’s dream alive.
In 1944, four sections, 2560 acres of rolling prairie land, comprised of tall, open, rolling bluffs, deep wooded creek bottoms and riddled with deposits of Dakota Sandstone were purchased in Battleship Township of northeastern McPherson County and were deeded to the then Kansas Fish and Game Commission. It took most of seven years to get the land fenced and ready to receive and hold stock, and in 1951 Maxwell Wildlife Refuge officially opened with a small herd of ten buffalo and six elk. One-half section of the refuge was set aside for a lake, and McPherson State Fishing Lake opened in 1956.
About Us
FRIENDS OF MAXWELL
The Friends of Maxwell is an organization that was established in 1993. Its primary purpose is to support and promote the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge and its mission of prairie stewardship and educational opportunities. The Friends of Maxwell work closely with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to present educational tours and events for visitors from around the world.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Friends of Maxwell organization is governed by a board of directors. The board members are responsible for making decisions, providing guidance, and overseeing the activities and initiatives of the organization. They play a crucial role in shaping the direction and priorities of the Friends of Maxwell.
VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are an integral part of the Friends of Maxwell. They contribute their time, skills, and passion to assist with various tasks and activities, such as leading tours, organizing events, conducting research, maintaining facilities, and providing support to visitors. The dedication and efforts of volunteers greatly enhance the organization’s ability to fulfill its mission.
MEMBERS AND SUPPORTERS
The Friends of Maxwell has a membership base comprised of individuals and organizations who support and align with the organization’s goals. Members may enjoy benefits such as access to exclusive events, updates on refuge activities, and the satisfaction of actively contributing to prairie stewardship. Supporters, whether they are members or not, provide essential financial and moral support to help the organization achieve its objectives.
MAXWELL WILDLIFE REFUGE
The Friends of Maxwell played a significant role in the establishment of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Located along the Kansas Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the refuge serves as a protected area dedicated to the conservation of prairie ecosystems and the preservation of natural, cultural, and historic resources. It provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal species and offers opportunities for research, education, and recreation.
KANSAS PRAIRIE TRAIL SCENIC BYWAY
The Kansas Prairie Trail Scenic Byway is a 56-mile route that traverses north-central Kansas. Starting from Canton, which is near the Santa Fe and Chisholm trails, the byway extends north to Roxbury, west to Lindsborg, and finally to Kanopolis State Lake and Park. The Friends of Maxwell played a significant role in establishing the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge along this scenic byway, highlighting the importance of prairie conservation and offering visitors a chance to experience the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
The Friends of Maxwell played a significant role in the establishment of the Maxwell Wildlife Refuge. Located along the Kansas Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the refuge serves as a protected area dedicated to the conservation of prairie ecosystems and the preservation of natural, cultural, and historic resources. It provides a habitat for diverse plant and animal species and offers opportunities for research, education, and recreation.
MWR Director
Trisha Smith
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