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Kensington
Eden Index
Climate
7.9
•
Recreation
1.7
•
Community
1.7
•
Safeguard
4.2/10
Kensington, Kansas is a charming small town situated in Smith County. The region experiences a continental climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers in Kensington are typically hot with temperatures averaging in the mid to high 80s°F (around 30°C), while winters are cold, with temperatures dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall.
Located near the Solomon River, Kensington enjoys a relatively stable hydrology system. The river provides a source of water for the town and supports local agricultural activities. The area is also known for its rich soil, making it a favorable environment for farming.
Outdoor enthusiasts in Kensington have a variety of recreational opportunities to explore. The nearby Kirwin National Wildlife Refuge offers nature lovers a chance to witness diverse wildlife species and enjoy birdwatching. The refuge also provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping.
For those seeking more active pursuits, the surrounding countryside offers hiking and biking trails that showcase the area's scenic beauty. Additionally, Smith Center Reservoir, located a short drive away, allows visitors to engage in water activities such as fishing and boating.
In summary, Kensington, Kansas provides a picturesque setting with a continental climate, stable hydrology, and numerous outdoor recreation opportunities, making it an attractive destination for nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts.
What is the Eden Index?
The Snoflo Eden Index serves as a comprehensive rating system for regions, evaluating their desirability through a holistic assessment of climate health, outdoor recreation opportunities, and natural disaster risk, acknowledging the profound impact of these factors on livability and well-being.
Climate Health Indicator (CHI): 7.9
Kensington receives approximately
636mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 82%
and air temperatures averaging around
12°C.
Kensington has a plant hardyness factor of
5, meaning
plants and agriculture in this region thrive during a short period during spring and early summer. Most
plants will die off during the colder winter months.
By considering the ideal temperature range, reliable water supplies, clean air, and stable seasonal rain or snowpacks, the Climate Health Indicator (CHI) underscores the significance of a healthy climate as the foundation for quality living.
A healthy climate is paramount for ensuring a high quality of life and livability in a region, fostering both physical well-being and environmental harmony. This can be characterized by ideal temperatures, reliable access to water supplies, clean air, and consistent seasonal rain or snowpacks.
Weather Forecast
Streamflow Conditions
Smoky Hill
Area Rivers
Smoky Hill
Snowpack Depths
Smoky Hill
Reservoir Storage Capacity
Smoky Hill
Groundwater Levels
Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI): 1.7
The Recreational Opportunity Index (ROI) recognizes the value of outdoor recreational options, such as parks, hiking trails, camping sites, and fishing spots, while acknowledging that climate plays a pivotal role in ensuring the comfort and consistency of these experiences.
Access to outdoor recreational opportunities, encompassing activities such as parks, hiking, camping, and fishing, is crucial for overall well-being, and the climate plays a pivotal role in enabling and enhancing these experiences, ensuring that individuals can engage in nature-based activities comfortably and consistently.
Camping Areas
| Campground | Campsites | Reservations | Toilets | Showers | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ravenna Lake State Rec Area | None | 1,986 ft | |||
| South Outlet - Harlan County Lake | 60 | 1,886 ft | |||
| North Outlet - Harlan County Lake | None | 1,920 ft | |||
| Hunter Cove - Harlan County Lake | 160 | 1,970 ft | |||
| Windmill State Rec Area | 89 | 2,055 ft | |||
| Fort Kearny State Rec Area | 110 | 2,110 ft | |||
| South Park Municipal Campground | 6 | 1,850 ft | |||
| Gremlin Cove - Harlan County Lake | 100 | 1,968 ft | |||
| Union Pacific State Rec Area | 5 | 2,199 ft | |||
| Bassway Strip State Wildlife Area | None | 2,090 ft |
Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI):
The Catastrophe Safeguard Index (CSI) recognizes that natural disaster risk, encompassing floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, can drastically affect safety and the overall appeal of an area.
The level of natural disaster risk in a region significantly affects safety and the overall livability, with climate change amplifying these risks by potentially increasing the frequency and intensity of events like floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes, thereby posing substantial challenges to community resilience and well-being.
Community Resilience Indicator (CRI): 1.7
The Community Resilience Indicator (CRI) recognizes that education, healthcare, and socioeconomics are crucial to the well-being of a region. The CRI acknowledges the profound impact of these elements on residents' overall quality of life. By evaluating educational resources, healthcare accessibility, and economic inclusivity, the index captures the essential aspects that contribute to a thriving community, fostering resident satisfaction, equity, and social cohesion.