Sunset Nature Trail
Wander these paths and observe how nature has sprung anew on former farmland
The Sunset Nature Walk is a set of paths just north of 11811 S. Sunset Dr. in Olathe, Kan. They are designed to encourage the enjoyment of nature and educate visitors on this area’s plants, animals, and ecosystems. These paths wind through woodlands located on property that was, from 18631 to the mid-1940s, the site of the Johnson County Poor Farm. After the farm was closed, and without ongoing human management, nature began the process of ecological succession.
To understand the magnitude of this change, check out the satellite images shown below. The image from 1954 shows very little vegetation compared to that of 2024. While walking the paths, you will see signs pointing out the many native plants that took part in the succession process.
Unfortunately, some invasive plant species have made this site their home as well. The EMNs are working to remove these to improve the site’s value as habitat for Kansas native plants and animals. Learn more invasive species and why we are eradicating them.
We encourage you to experience this project to learn more about the natural history of Johnson County, from former native prairie, to plowed farmland, to successional woodlands.
Nature is ever at work building and pulling down, creating and destroying, keeping everything whirling and flowing, allowing no rest but in rhythmical motion, chasing everything in endless song out of one beautiful form into another.
Attention: The western half of this project will be closed through March 2027.
1954 aerial view of Sunset Nature Walk site. (Courtesy Johnson County Museum)
2024 aerial view of Sunset Nature Walk site.