The cottonwood tree is a member of the poplar family and grow only in wet soil which is why they are seen growing along river or creek bottoms, lakes and ditches. These trees grow quite tall and can live well over 100 years. The green triangular leaves turn a beautiful gold in autumn.

The cottonwood is considered a native tree to the prairie and was a reliable indicator of water and shade to early explorers like Lewis and Clark and also to the prairie pioneers.

Photo Credit: Annette Casados, USFWS

During the Army presence here, other trees were planted around buildings that have since been removed. The trees remain. Primarily ornamental species that include:

• blue spruce
• Rocky Mountain juniper
• green ash
• lilac
• oak
• occasionally plum, chokecherry and Siberian peashrub

RUSSIAN OLIVE trees have invaded along the First Creek corridor. This tree is very invasive along riparian corridors, crowding out native trees and shrubs. The Service is currently implementing a removal plan for them.

For a complete Refuge sp1/14/09For in-depth plant information
connect with the U.S. Dept Agriculture Plant Data Base

Most trees at the Refuge were either planted by someone or established as the result of man's past activity here.

Former homesteaders almost always planted some type of "windbreak or "shelterbelt" to protect and shade their farm buildings from the elements.

Trees commonly planted by farmers were

• Siberian elm
• New Mexico Locust
• Cottonwood
• Occasionally, white poplar.