Welson Slough
Wetlands are areas frequently saturated by surface or ground water that support a prevalence of vegetation. Mission Creek used to run through the Iatan area keeping it moist year-round, but over time the water flow pattern changed and the wetland degraded. The first step in the process was a controlled burn of the site in mid-April. The burn cleansed the area of unwanted weeds and other destructive growth to allow native grasses and other flowering varieties to flourish. It also will allow for proper hydration, which is necessary for the wetland to mature. When the Iatan wetlands project is completed in about five years, travelers along Highway 45 will see a pristine and beautiful blend of native habitat. This habitat will provide ideal conditions for a wide variety of wildlife, including rare and endangered birds such as pied bill grebes, American bitterns and marsh wrens. |
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Contact KCP&L's Environmental Biologist if you would like more information about our environmental initiatives. |
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The wetland area is a 106-acre site along the Missouri River bottoms known since the days of Lewis and Clark (200-plus years ago) as "Welson Slough." KCP&L's goal is to restore the area to its original wetland state, which will attract a large and diverse population of birds and other wildlife, including some endangered species.