Niobrara Valley Preserve

Pines on bluffs of the Niobrara NSR

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

42269 Morel Road, Johnstown, NE 69214

Significance:

Preservation of Niobrara River Valley landscape and wildlife.

Designation:

Private Lands, with Public Access

MANAGED BY:

The Nature Conservancy

Amenities

9 listed

Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Picnic Table, Recycling, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Telephone, Trailhead, Trash/Litter Receptacles

The Niobrara Valley Preserve is one of the largest areas in the United States protected by the Nature Conservancy organization. 

Protecting over 581 plant, 213 bird, 86 lichen, 70 butterfly, 44 mammal, 25 fish, 17 reptile and 8 amphibian species, the Niobrara Valley Preserve strives to be a model for grassland managment on the Great Plains. 

Hiking Trails at the Niobrara Valley Preserve are open to the public, and are some of the longest on the Niobrara National Scenic River Corredore. There are both long and short loops on the property that showcase the Niobrara river and the diverse ecological crossroads of the region. 

The Norden Bridge and Norden Chute are also open to the public. The Norden Chute is the only hydrolic feature on the Niobrara National Scenic River and paddlers must portage around it becasue of its specific water flow patterns. This is a popular fishing spot and provides a unique opportunity for photography on the Niobrara River.

Information about the Niobrara River and the Nature Conservency's work can be found at the information kiosk by the parking lot at the Preserve. 

The Niobrara Valley Preserve is not only a place of preservation but a working bison ranch, and has cattle grazing leases, where researchers, students, and staff are exploring preservation and the prairie as an outdoor-laboratory.