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Menlo
Eden Index
Climate
9.2
•
Recreation
•
Community
•
Safeguard
3.7/10
Menlo, Kansas is a small rural town located in the western part of the state. It experiences a typical Great Plains climate, characterized by hot summers and cold winters. Summers are usually sunny and hot, with temperatures often reaching the upper 90s°F (mid-30s°C). Winters are cold and dry, with average temperatures in the 30s°F (around 0°C) and occasional snowfall.
Hydrologically, Menlo is situated in the Smoky Hill River basin, which provides a vital water source for the area. The river and its tributaries offer opportunities for fishing and water-based recreational activities.
Despite its small size, Menlo boasts several outdoor recreation opportunities. The Smoky Hill River and nearby reservoirs provide excellent spots for fishing, boating, and swimming. Nature enthusiasts can explore the surrounding countryside, which offers scenic hiking and wildlife watching opportunities. The area is also known for its hunting, with abundant game such as deer and pheasants. Menlo prides itself on its welcoming community and small-town charm, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a peaceful outdoor getaway.
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): 9.2
Menlo receives approximately
523mm of rain per year,
with humidity levels near 72%
and air temperatures averaging around
11°C.
Menlo 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):
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karrer Park | 14 | 2,483 ft | |||
| Red Willow Reservoir State Rec Area | 200 | 2,620 ft | |||
| Scott State Park | 150 | 2,825 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):
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.