Washita Battlefield National Historic Site - Nature and Science

Located within its borders one can find upland mixed-grass prairie, wooded "benches" rising above grassy historic floodplains, a biologically significant riparian corridor, and dramatic outcropings of pink gypsum. The viewscape immediately north of the park is even more dramatic, being comprised of deep red shale outcroppings set against the western Oklahoma sky.

The perennially flowing Washita River winding through the quiet grasslands of the now peaceful battlefield makes the park a haven for wild creatures. Though most are secretive in their activities, among the most noticeable inhabitants are birds. Raptors, such as the American kestrel, the red-tailed hawk, and the Swainson"s hawk are often seen gliding overhead scouting for one of the park"s many mice or rat species. Other distinctive birds, such as the western meadowlark, the northern bobwhite, the scissor-tailed flycatcher, and the wild turkey are usually found closer to earth.

Some animals are more likely to be encountered only indirectly. For example, a badger or armadillos" burrow, a beaver"s lodge, or a racoon"s tracks may be as close as one gets to these mammals. On the other hand, a white-tailed deer may burst from the brush, startling you as much as you have surprised it!

Still other grassland denizens are best experienced from a LONG way away, like the prairie rattlesnake. This and other less inviting park residents, such as ticks and chiggers, make it a good idea to stick to the trails.

The most obvious biological component of Washita Battlefield is the plant community. The park is fortunate to be located in an ecoregion that straddles both tall and short grass prairie ecosystems. In addition, it is also a meeting ground for arid southwestern species and plants from the eastern deciduous forests. Hence, one can find great plains yucca and prickly pear cactus growing in very close proximity to American elm, eastern redcedar, and black walnut.

The most prominent plant species at the site are the grasses, particularly little bluestem, switchgrass, and indiangrass. These native bunchgrasses, when growing over large swaths of ground, ripple like ocean waves as afternoon breezes pass through.

Lending color to the grassy palette are numerous wildflowers, which create unexpected splotches of color here and there throughout the landscape. Depending on the season one will be certain to spy heath aster, silver golden aster, Indian blanket, prairie sunflower, Ohio spiderwort, or silky prairie clover. Adding to the color in the fall months, when the little bluestem turns a resplendent rust color, are the deep red of the smooth sumac and the bright yellow of the eastern cottonwood.

While not known as a "natural park", it is the natural resources one notices at Washita Battlefield. It is these resources that set the scene and provide the backdrop for the tragic story of what occurred at the site 135 years ago. Perhaps the resiliance of these natural resources are in part a testimonial to the resiliance of Native cultures and the human spirit, which are so linked to the land that is Washita.

Environmental Factors
Natural Features
Mollusks
Trees and Shrubs
Disturbed Lands
Fire Regime
Hydrology
Lightscape / Night Sky
Nonnative Species
Soundscape / Noise
Water Quality
Flood Plains
Forests
Ground Water
Prairies and Grasslands
Rivers and Streams
Soils
Wetlands