![]() |
Land and Natural Resources Government | History | Businesses | Education | Land/Natural Resources | Historic Photos | Home |
LandThe St. Edward area is part of a transition zone between the low plains that extend to the Appalachians to the east and the Great Plains that rise west into the Rocky Mountains. St. Edward lies in the valley of Beaver Creek at about 1,750 feet above sea level. Another creek, the Bogus Creek, begins northwest of town and flows into Beaver Creek three miles southeast of St. Edward. The two creeks combine to form a wide valley south of town. Above the valley, the land turns to rolling hills, once flat, then eroded by millions of years of wind and weather. Later, a layer of siltlike loess blew in during the Ice Ages. St. Edward was not covered by glaciers in the most recent Ice Ages, unlike parts of the state just 30 miles to the east. The Sand Hills start about 20 miles northwest of St. Edward.
WaterThere are only two creeks that flow year-round near St. Edward: Beaver Creek and Bogus Creek. Many other small creeks flow into these two creeks, but none of these smaller creeks flow year-round. Around St. Edward, Beaver Creek is between 15-25 feet wide and about 5-14 feet deep. Bogus Creek at the end of its run ranges between 1-7 feet wide and 1-5 feet deep. There are many small man-made dams in the area and a few larger sand pits.
Plant LifeA wide variety of plant life can be found near St. Edward. The dividing line between the long-grass prairie to the east and the short-grass prairie to the west was once located in the St. Edward area. Today, the most abundant plant life found is the crops grown by local farmers. The most commonly grown crops in the area are: corn, soybeans, oats, sorghum, and wheat. The soil also supports a wide variety of trees including: cottonwood, elm, oak, cedar, and apple.
Animal LifeMany different species of animals inhabit the land surrounding St. Edward. The largest wild game in the area is the white-tailed deer. Other local wild life include: coyote, fox, bobcat, beaver, raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, and many varieties of mice and other small rodents. Birds, including a variety of ducks, geese, pheasants, quail, and songbirds, can be found in the area. The most common reptiles and amphibians are garter snakes, bullsnakes, box turtles, snapping turtles, bullfrogs, and toads. Species of fish that can be found in the creeks and ponds around St. Edward include: catfish, largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, and sunfish.
|| Top of Page ||
Copyright ©2002 Nebraska Public Power District. All rights reserved.