Great Salt Plains Continued from Page 30
geese and wading birds fi nd the shallow waters of the lake and marshes at- tractive. White pelicans fl ock to the lake in spring and fall. Resident songbirds and migrating species are abundant. There are plenty of wild turkeys and you might even spot a roadrunner. Sandhill cranes stop here in fall and spring and occasionally a whooping crane makes a landing.
The refuge has several walking trails, which lead to bird blinds or platforms for observation. Though the usually watery marshes along the two-and-a-half- mile auto-route are mostly dry now, you may still get a look at interesting wildlife. Deer graze in fi elds and you might spot a shy armadillo groveling for grubs.
Walking one of the refuge trails, Nickel talked about why people come to the area.
“We have people come from all over the world for the birding and the crystals. But there are other reasons as well. This is an amazing place at night— a real dark spot far from city lights. It’s great for stargazing,” Nickel said. “The area offers a great environment for families to enjoy one another. There’s no Internet, so parents and children actually talk to one another. We take this resource for granted but the park and refuge give people a way to escape the hustle and craziness of the world and to get in touch with nature. One of the big mistakes people make today is, we don’t slow down enough to enjoy life and realize what’s around us.”
Can You Dig It?
Crystal digging on the salt fl ats is allowed between April 1 and October 15 in designated areas only. There is no charge for digging but there is a 10-pound limit on the number of crystals which can be removed.
You’ll need: • old clothes • small shovels • jugs of water • bucket • towels for clean-up • sunscreen • paper towels, newspapers or egg cartons for drying crystals.
Selenite crystal. Photo by Elaine Warner
Great Salt Plains State Park 580-626-4731
Just dig a small hole, swish it with water and feel for the crystals. Careful, they’re soft when wet.
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