This Land is Our Land

The largest Niobrara Chalk formation in Kansas hides like a giant treasure in a valley between Scott City and Oakley. This mile-long stretch of 100-foot-tall spires and badlands terrain has been private property since Kansas became part of the United States. The Nature Conservancy's Smoky Valley Ranch will soon open the natural wonder to the public, after prolonged negotiations with ranchers and private land owners. Explore the historically rich property and the nuance of conservation set in the heart of a region that's seen the likes of Wild Bill Hickok and "Buffalo Bill" Cody.