Schnell

The 2,000-acre Schnell Recreation Area was once a working cattle ranch that the Schnell family owned and operated for 80 of its 120 years. In 1993, the land became public property through the combined efforts of the Bureau of Land Management, the Conservation Fund, the Richard King Mellon Foundation, and the Schnell family.

The native mixed-grass prairie, hardwood draws, and former pasture land provide a variety of wildlife habitats. You might see duck, ring-necked pheasant, sharp-tailed grouse, Hungarian or grey partridge, white-tailed and mule deer, turkey, rabbit, squirrel, porcupine, and migratory birds such as bluebirds, warblers, and flickers.

Schnell is a non-motorized area with good opportunities for wildlife viewing, nature photography, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, camping, and environmental education. Dispersed primitive tent camping is allowed on the property except along an established 1.5 mile nature trail.