Upcoming Events for May 20th to Jul 19th, 2012
Events added in the last week are noted by NEW
Shunga Bioblitz • Shawnee County
Felker Park • 2540 SW Gage Blvd. • Topeka, KS • Map
Fri, May 18th to Sun, May 20th @ 6am-11pm
A BioBlitz is a study where a group of volunteers conduct a one day intensive biological inventory, attempting to identify and record all species of living organisms in a given area. Some types of organisms we hope to inventory: Plants, Fungus, Insects, Spiders, Reptiles, Amphibians, Fish, Birds, and Mammals. You can participate for any amount of time on the day of the event.
The bioblitz will take place in a complex of parks along Shunga Creek in southwest Topeka. This Complex of parks includes Wells Park, Warren Nature Area, and Big Shunga Park. Shunga Creek runs through the south edge of the area. There is a wetland in the center of Warren Nature Area. Woodlands are mostly along the creek and grasslands are found north of the creek. The total area is estimated to be about 300 acres.The area is bordered by Gage Blvd on the west, the VA & KNI on the north, Macvicar on the east, and 29th Street on the south. Meet at the Felker Park Parking Lot, 2540 SW Gage Blvd. See the schedule of events and register on the Bioblitz website.
Contact: Jeff Hansen 785-806-6917
More Info: Shunga Bioblitz
Sponsor: Topeka Audubon Society
NEW Osage County Woodland & Prairie Walk • Osage County
16146 S Morrill Rd • Scranton, KS • Map
Tue, May 22nd @ 6pm
Vernon Montgomery is a very involved member of KNPS. He is inviting others to visit his property to share his native woodlands and prairie. This is private property. Directions: 2 miles S of Hwy 56 on Hwy 75 to 173rd St; 1 mile W to Morrill Rd; 1 ½ miles N to 16146 at curve. Call Vernon if you have questions.
Contact: Vernon Montgomery 785-640-3495
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
NEW Topeka Nature Walk • Shawnee County
Felker Park • Topeka, KS • Map
Wed, May 23rd @ 6-7pm
Take a one hour nature walk and learn more about birds, flowers, trees and insects from members of the Topeka Audubon Society and the Kansas Native Plant Society. Registration required. Call 785-580-4540 for registration, details and location. Limit 30 people. Sponsored by the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library.
Contact: Kimberly Sain 785-580-4540
Sponsor: Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library
Smoky Hills Prairie Exploration • McPherson County
Location avaiable upon registration • Canton, KS • Map
Wed, May 30th @ 6-8pm
Explore, identify birds and butterflies, and botanize "Buffalo Hill" in McPherson County near Canton. Witness beautiful vistas on this prairie gem in the Smoky Hills at its most glorious time of the year. Butterfly milkweed will be in bloom, the regal fritillaries will be in flight and the dickcissels, grasshopper sparrows, and meadowlarks will be giving a full serenade. Bring a sandwich and stay to watch the sunset if you would like. Lucky explorers may even see bison. This is private property that is only open to us on this day. Contact Brad Guhr (brad...@yahoo.com/316-217-4566) to sign-up and get directions.
Contact: Brad Guhr 316-217-4566
More Info: Become a KNPS member
Sponsor: KNPS
Hidden Valley Trail Maintenance • Douglas County
3420 W. Bob Billings Pkwy • Lawrence, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 2nd @ 8am-noon
Celebrate National Trails Day with us and join in our annual workday as we clear back encroaching brush along the numerous trails of Hidden Valley Camp, a 40-acre semi-wilderness area in the heart of Lawrence, KS.
Long pants and sleeves recommended, and sturdy, enclosed shoes a must. Tools and work gloves provided, as well as refreshments (ice water & trail mix). Sharp loppers and pruning saws optional. Any amount of time appreciated. Contact Durand for details. (Raindate: Saturday, June 9, 8am-noon)
Contact: Durand Reiber 785-865-4657
Sponsor: Friends of Hidden Valley
NEW Sabetha Prairie Wildflower Tour • Nemaha County
Casey's General Store • 105 S Acorn Rd • Sabetha, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 2nd @ 1pm
Holly Wilkens, Nemaha County Pheasants Forever Wildlife Biologist, will discuss the importance of pollinators and explain how important our native plants are to our local wildlife. Jeff Hansen, a KNPS guide, will be available as well to assist as we explore an undisturbed native area with wagon wheel ruts still visible from pioneer days. Discover a remnant prairie filled with blooming wildflowers, grasses, and more! Greg Newlin, Brown & Nemaha County Historian, will explain the history of the Lane Trail that pioneers and slaves followed through this area.
Meet at the Casey’s General Store on Old Highway 75 in Sabetha at 1:00 p.m. and we will caravan to the location just north of the Sabetha Golf Course. This is private property so please be respectful and avoid walking on the planted cropland or leaving trash behind. Contact Nadine if you plan to attend.
Contact: Nadine Champlin 785-284-2627
Sponsor: KNPS, Grimm's Gardens & Prairie Place Designs
Friends of Konza Prairie Annual Wildflower Walk • Riley County
Konza Prairie Biological Station • 100 Konza Prairie Lane • Manhattan, KS • Map
Sun, Jun 3rd @ 6:30pm
Wildflower walks of about one mile are led by Konza Environmental Education Program experienced docents.
This year we are adding slide shows and activities in the renovated barn (Konza Meeting Hall). Call 785 587-0441 for a reservation or goto the Wildflower Walk link. Please state the number of persons in your party. $10 for non-members/free to FOKP members. Join FOKP and enjoy other free events at Konza Prairie!
Contact: Valerie Wright 785 587-0441
More Info: Wildflower Walk
Sponsor: Friends of Konza
Butler County Wildflower/Hayrack Tour • Butler County
Raft Recreational Ranch • 13218 SW Tawakoni Rd • Augusta, KS • Map
Sun, Jun 3rd @ 3pm
The Raft Recreational Ranch is opening their annual wildflower tour to the public for the first time. The ranch has 240 acres of camping, golf, horseboarding, lake, etc. It looks much like a Monet painting the first week of June each year. The ranch is located 10 miles E of Rock Road and 1 1/2 miles North of 47th South or 150th in Butler County.
$10 includes hayrack ride, wildflower information, pink lemonade and home made cookies. The tour is being led by Mary Ann Fetherston. For more information contact Mary Ann.
Contact: Mary Ann Fetherston 316-993-1493
Sponsor: Raft Recreational Ranch
Earth Partnership for Schools Summer Institute • Harvey County
Dyck Arboretum • 177 West Hickory Street • Hesston, KS • Map
Mon, Jun 4th to Fri, Jun 8th @ 8am-5pm
This 40-hour institute for school teachers and staff will train you in the award-winning Earth Partnership for Schools (EPS) Program that you can share with your students and colleagues for years to come. Learn to engage your students in the process of prairie gardening on school grounds, earn three hours of graduate credit, take home an extensive curriculum, eat good food for a week, and have a fun and meaningful experience at the Dyck Arboretum!
Contact: Brad Guhr (620) 327-8127
More Info: Event Info
Sponsor: Dyck Arboretum
Grassland Heritage Festival at Cimarron National Grassland • Morton County
Morton County Historical Society Museum • 370 E Highway 56 • Elkhart, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 9th @ 9:30am
Join us for a wildflower walk at the Cimarron Grassland. Brunch & Slideshow at the museum, followed by Wildflower and Foliage tour led by Nancy Brewer. There will be a special emphasis on the wildlife of the grasslands. Vehicles will car pool from the Museum following brunch. Call the MCHS Museum (620) 697-2833 for tour reservations $5.00. See more info in the Grassland Heritage Festival link.
Contact: MCHS Museum (620) 697-2833
More Info: Grassland Heritage Festival
Sponsor: Morton County Historical Society Museum
Cowley County Wildflower Tour • Cowley County
Conservation District • 2118 E 9th St, Ste B • Winfield, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 9th @ 7:30am-1pm
Come join us as we explore the pastures on the Radcliff Ranch in eastern Cowley County. Native pastures provide a unique opportunity to enjoy native plants in their best possible environment. We will provide lunch and transportation to the ranch for a fee of $5 per person. Please come join us for a fantastic tour led by Conservation District, NRCS, KNPS, Farm Bureau and Southwestern College staff.
Contact: Rachel Workman 620-221-1850 ext 3
Sponsor: Cowley County Conservation District
NEW Exploration of the Santa Fe Trail and Flint Hills Prairie • Marion County
TBA • Lehigh, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 9th @ 10am
Landowner and trail historian, Steve Schmidt will tell interesting tales about the easily visible Sante Fe Trail running through the land he owns near Lehigh. This will also be a great time of the year to explore high quality prairie, and learn about the thriving ecosystem of grasses, wildflowers, butterflies and birds in all their glory. Bring a sack lunch and enjoy a rich experience of cultural and natural history of Kansas. This is private property that is only open to us on this day. Contact Brad Guhr (brad...@yahoo.com/316-217-4566) to sign-up and get directions.
Contact: Brad Guhr 316-217-4566
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
NEW Grant County Wildflower Tour • Grant County
Fuel Barn • 1845 West Oklahoma Avenue • Ulysses, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 9th @ 9am-noon
Enjoy the fantastic wildflowers found in Grant County. Meet at the Fuel Barn located on Highway 160 west of Ulysses. Car pooling will be available. Wear sturdy walking shoes. You might want to bring sunscreen, water and a camera. Contact the Grant County Chamber of Commerce at 620-356-4700 for more information. No fee or reservation needed. Al
Contact: Marieta Hauser 620-356-4700
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group • Douglas County
1263 N. 1100 Rd. • Lawrence, KS • Map
Tue, Jun 12th @ 7pm
The Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group meets monthly to learn about herbs.
We explore all aspects of an herb: growing & harvesting, historical lore, culinary virtues, medicinal merits, and aromatherapy, household, and cosmetic applications.
Our gatherings are fun and educational, and jam-packed with useful information, including relevant demonstrations.
Our June focus herbs are LAVENDER and MULLEIN, and you never know what you'll learn during our popular Share, Show, and Tell segment.
Everyone with an interest in herbs is welcome.
There is a $2 charge to cover costs (this is a non-profit group; no charge for students). No pets. No children under 10.
Information & Monthly Newsletter: herbstu...@gmail.com
Contact: Tamara 785-331-4213
More Info: Facebook Link
Sponsor: Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group
Chase County Tallgrass Prairie Walk • Chase County
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve • 2480 Hwy 177 • Stong City, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 16th @ 8-10am
A walk on the tallgrass prairie in the heart of the Flint Hills at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve will be held once a month from May to October. We will meet at the Bottomland Trailhead which is about 2 miles south of the headquaters. Take the dirt road at the cemetery on the east side of hwy 177 about 2 miles south of the Preserve HQ buildings. This will be a leisurely informal walk to enjoy the wonders of the prairie and identify native flora. Glenn Fell will be the official "guide" but everyone's knowledge will be called upon for an informal and fun experience. This is a KNPS Emporia Region event. Please RSVP Glenn if you plan to attend.
Contact: Glenn Fell 620 794 8478
More Info: KNPS Emporia Region
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
Prairie Appreciation Day • Jackson County
158th Rd & U Rd • Mayetta, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 16th @ 9am-4pm
GHF will host our 4th Annual Prairie Appreciation Day at Snyder Prairie. The day will be feature a walk led by GHF board member Frank Norman, hands-on activities, lunch, and an opportunity to help with some of the prairie restoration activities.
This is a great opportunity to see the gorgeous 140-acre native and restored prairie and learn about many of it's native plant and animal species. You'll also get to hear about the work that Frank and the Groundhogs are doing to restore the prairie.
Snyder Prairie is about 17 miles north of Topeka on Hwy. 75. To get to the prairie take Hwy. 75 north to 158th St. (just south of Mayetta) Turn east on 158th St. and go approx. 3 miles to U Rd. Turn right (south) on U Rd. and proceed another ½ mile to the gate. Park on the west side of U Rd. and well away from the neighbors' driveway.
Contact: Frank Norman (785) 691-9748
Sponsor: Grassland Heritage Foundation
KU Medicinal Garden Summer Tour • Douglas County
KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Garden • 1865 E. 1600 Road • Lawrence, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 16th @ 10am-noon
The garden is half a mile north of Highway 40, adjacent to the Prairie Moon Waldorf Schools grounds. Meet just inside the gate under our shade structure at the center of our demonstration garden. We'll provide our signature tea made from three native mints.
We’ll tour all areas of the garden, including our research plantings, our demonstration/show garden, our natural dye garden and the KU Student Farm. KU students involved in projects at the research garden site will be on hand to visit. Here's some of what you'll see:
* Demonstration/show garden -- This 70- by 80-foot garden, planted last year, includes seven different themed beds of medicinal plants: three native mints, echinacea species, milkweed species, tea/scented medicinal plants, native edible plants, classical European medicinals, and native plants in the U.S. Pharmacopeia and National Formulary.
* Shade structure -- At the center of the show garden, this architecturally appealing shelter is built entirely from reclaimed lumber from Westar.
* KU Student Farm -- Now in its second year of full operation, it's thriving as a community garden with 50 separate plots.
* New research plantings -- Our research section of about will include 25 species, including six newly plants species. Nearly a dozen species have been harvested from this area for medicinal testing.
* Native plants natural dye garden -- This garden is part of an independent study by a KU fine arts student.
Contact: Kirsten Bosnak 785-864-6267
More Info: Events
Sponsor: KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Program
Prairie Wildflowers at Kill Creek Park and Betsy's Peaceful Prairie • Johnson County
Kill Creek Regional Park • Lexington Township, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 16th @ 9am
Join Matt Garrett, field biologist for Johnson County Parks and Recreation, for a tour of the 30 acre native prairie at Kill Creek Park. Exit K-10 in western Johnson County, on Kill Creek Rd. Travel south about 2.5 miles until the road T's, turn right, then turn left and finally turn right into the Park. Park in the first parking lot on the right. After this tour, we will travel a short distance to view a diverse 3 acre prairie brought back by the removal of woody vegetation. Directions provided that day.
Contact: Lynda Ochs 913-469-4361
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
NEW Nature Conservancy Anderson County Prairies Tour • Anderson County
Anderson County Prairies Preserve • 5 miles south of Garnett, KS • Garnett, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 16th @ 10am-12noon
The Nature Conservancy’s Anderson County Prairie Preserve, five miles south of Garnett, lies within Kansas’ largest prairie landscape east of the Flint Hills. This high-quality tallgrass prairie preserve supports populations of Mead’s milkweed, greater prairie-chicken, and other rare species.
Through a partnership with the Kansas Biological Survey, Anderson County Prairie Preserve also serves as an outdoor laboratory for research on prairie ecosystems. Access is normally limited to researchers, so don’t miss this special opportunity to visit the preserve and learn more about the plants and animals of the region. The tour will begin with a brief presentation about patch-burn grazing at the preserve and conclude with small-group walking tours led by scientists and staff from the Kansas Biological Survey and Conservancy.
To cover The Nature Conservancy’s expenses for this event, the cost of the tour is $10 for Conservancy members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are required and space is limited. To register, please email Laura at lrosec...@tnc.org or call (785) 233-4400. Specific location and further details will be sent to registrants prior to the tour.
Contact: Laura L. Rose Clawson 785-233-4400
More Info: Event Listing
Sponsor: The Nature Conservancy
Grant-Bradbury Prairie Walk • Shawnee County
SW University Blvd & SW Westview Rd • Topeka, KS • Map
Thu, Jun 21st @ 6:30pm-dark
Join KNPS for the 10th Annual walk at Grant-Bradbury Prairie Park. This 80-acre pristine tallgrass prairie contains over 300 plant species. On this tour, you will learn and see the plants and animals of the prairie. Bring a camera because the spring wildflowers will be at their peak. Wear long pants and sturdy shoes. Children are encouraged to come. Jeff Hansen, wildflower expert, will lead the tour. Directions: Take Topeka Blvd south to the University Blvd intersection (stoplight), take a right. Take University west about half a mile - when the road curves south, you are at the driveway to the park gate. There is a small building at the driveway. Contact Jeff if you plan to attend.
Contact: Jeff Hansen (785) 806-6917
Sponsor: KNPS
Tuttle Creek Lake Summer Wildflower Walk • Riley County
Tuttle Creek Lake Visitor’s Center • 5020 Tuttle Creek Blvd • Manhattan, KS • Map
Sat, Jun 30th @ 10am-noon
Plan to be a part of the summer wildflower walk at Tuttle Creek Lake, led by KNPS guides. This is an opportunity to see and learn about the summer flowers of the Flint Hills such as: ____. Each participant will receive a free copy of A Pocket Guide to Kansas Flint Hills Wildflowers and Grasses to use during the hike and then take home. So we will know how many to expect for the outing, please preregister with UFM Community Learning Center 785(539-8763) or in...@tryufm.org. There is no registration fee.
Contact: Paul Weidhaas 785-539-8511
Sponsor: Tuttle Creek Lake
Manhattan Butterfly Count • Riley County
Manhattan Plant Materials Center • 3800 S 20th St • Manhattan, KS • Map
Thu, Jul 12th @ 9am-2:30pm
The 38th Annual North American Butterfly Association (NABA) Count will be held at the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Manhattan Plant Materials Center (PMC). There is no charge to participate in the count, but volunteers need to register by July 10, by calling 785-539-8761, to assure adequate supply of materials and handouts. Those attending should bring a sack lunch, bug spray, binoculars, field guides, and camera (if you have them) and dress appropriately for the weather conditions. Attendees at the event will be on their own for transportation. If special accommodations are needed, please let the PMC know.
Contact: Richard Wynia 785-539-8761
Sponsor: Manhattan Plant Materials Center
Native Plants to Attract Birds (Want Birds? Get Bugs!) • Wyandotte County
Wyandotte County Extension Office • 1216 North 79th • Kansas City, KS • Map
Thu, Jul 12th @ 11:30am-1pm
Want Birds? Get Bugs!
Birds have the same needs as humans: shelter, water, and food. Most homeowners can easily supply shelter, nesting sites and water, but food is not just nuts and berries in the fall. Or sunflower seeds and suet in your winter feeder. No, 96% of terrestrial North American birds eat insects and raise their young on a diet of caterpillars, beetles, bugs and worms. Even hummingbirds feed their babies tiny flies and spiders.
To attract birds, you must first plant to attract the insects they feed on. And 90% of insects are specialists, feeding on the native plants they co-evolved with. This presentation will feature native insect host trees, shrubs and flowers to set a banquet for our common birds. No, you will not need insecticides because birds happily devour the insects, those protein-filled packets of yummy goodness. Additional suggestions for water sources and backyard feeders will equip participants to maximize year-round visits from our avian friends. Meet in the Sunflower Room of the Wyandotte County Extension Office.
Contact: Lenora Larson 913-284-3360
Sponsor: KNPS--KC Region & WYCO EMG
Long Lips Farm Garden Party • Miami County
27995 Plum Creek Road • Paola, KS • Map
Sat, Jul 14th @ 5pm-midnight
This fourth annual event celebrates a 4 acre butterfly garden set in a rural 27 acre property that includes pasture, lake, swamp and hardwood forest. Over 500 plants, including many natives, populate the planted gardens which are certified by the North American Butterfly Association and Monarch Watch. This will be a KNPS caterpillar native plant tour and the Idalia Butterfly Society members will assist with identification of butterflies, moths and dragonflies. MICO Master Gardeners will lead tours and discuss the plantings.
Hillsdale BBQ will be supplied. Guests should bring a side dish to pass, their beverages and lawn chairs. Children are welcome to swim or fish in the lake. Please, NO PETS; this is a certified wildlife habitat.
Contact: Lenora Larson 913-284-3360 (cell)
Sponsor: Idalia Butterfly Society
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