Upcoming Events for May 6th to Jul 5th, 2012
Events added in the last week are noted by NEW
Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group • Douglas County
Unitarian Fellowship of Lawrence • 1263 N. 1100 Rd. • Lawrence, KS • Map
Tue, May 8th @ 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 May focus herbs are Parsley and Yarrow. In addition to our topic herbs, we will explore Herbal Companion Planting. Plus, 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 (KVHSG is a non-profit group; no charge for students). No pets.
Information & Monthly Newsletter: herbstu...@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaw-Valley-Herbs-Study-Group/230479463668807
Contact: Tamara 785-331-4213
More Info: Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group
Sponsor: Kaw Valley Herbs Study Group
Woodland Wildflower Walk along Shunga Creek • Shawnee County
Felker Park • 2540 SW Gage Blvd • Topeka, KS • Map
Wed, May 9th @ 6pm-dark
See spring woodland flowers in the woods along Shunga Creek. Volunteers have been clearing Amur honeysuckle from the woods since 2010. This invasive shrub elimates the native wildflowers. With the honeysuckle gone, the native plants will rebound. Some flowers we should see include blue phlox, Virginia waterleaf, paw paw, violets, and others. Meet at the Felker Park parking lot at the Tennis Courts off of Gage Blvd. RSVP Jeff if you plan to attend.
Contact: Jeff Hansen 785 806 6917
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
Barber County Wildflower Tour • Barber County
Medicine Lodge High School • 400 West Eldorado Avenue • Medicine Lodge, KS • Map
Sat, May 12th @ 8:30am
The Wildflower Tour begins at the High School in Medicine Lodge at 8:30 a.m. with registration. A continental breakfast is served and a short presentation is given to familiarize you with some of the flowers you will see on the tour. Then it is off to a morning wildflower identification site. After a guided tour of approximately 30 species it is off on a drive through the hills to a country park for a delicious barbecue lunch. A short drive through the scenic Gyp Hills guides us to a second identification stop with afternoon refreshments. The group will be back into town around 3:30 p.m. The fee for the Wildflower Tour is $15 per person, which covers the cost of the continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon refreshments, and transportation. Please remember that we require prepaid reservations for the Wildflower Tour. Payment is due by May 4. Send payment to Barber County Conservation District, 800 W. Third Ave Medicine Lodge, KS 67104.
Contact: Courtney Pilkington (620) 886-3721, ext. 3
More Info: Barber Wildflower Tour Info
Sponsor: Barber County Conservation District
Scatterer or Stratifier? What is your seed planting style? • Sedgwick County
504 W. Hendryx • Wichita, KS • Map
Sat, May 12th @ 11am
Nat Barton will present his seed propagation strategies beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday May 12 at his Prairie Pride Plants nursery and garden in Wichita. He will discuss the successes and changes for planting "next year". There are demontration flower beds with established plants to view and Nat will be on hand through the afternoon to discuss propagating and gardening with native plants. Please RSVP to Krista Dahlinger so we know how many are planning to attend.
Contact: Krista Dahlinger 316-258-6341
Sponsor: Prairie Pride Plants
KLT's Annual Akin Prairie Wildflower Walk • Douglas County
1850 N 1150 Rd • Lawrence, KS • Map
Sun, May 13th @ 1pm-2:30pm
Led by KLT founding member Dr. Kelly Kindscher, our ever-popular Wildflower Walk is a treat for the soul and the senses. This event is free and open to all. Wear sturdy shoes, pants, hat, and repellent. Bring the family and enjoy the bouquet of the prairie meadow!
Contact: Carol Huettner (785) 749-3297
Sponsor: Kansas Land Trust
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
Chase County Tallgrass Prairie Walk • Chase County
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve • 2480 Hwy 177 • Stong City, KS • Map
Sat, May 19th @ 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
Presentation: The Natural History of Kansas Milkweeds • Wyandotte County
Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library & Environmental Learning Center • 4501 West Drive • Kansas City, KS • Map
Sat, May 19th @ 9am-noon
The Kansas City Region of the Kansas Native Plant Society will host its spring meeting at Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library & Environmental Learning Center in Kansas City, KS at Wyandotte County Lake Park. The Library’s Lead Education Specialist and Naturalist Craig Hensley will present a talk entitled: The Natural History of Kansas Milkweeds. This presentation will focus on both milkweed identification as well as the variety of insects and other arthropods that benefit from these important plants. Milkweeds are not only important nectar sources for a host of insects, but also are homes to a variety of arthropods from monarch butterflies and beetles to aphids and crab spiders. All members of KNPS are welcome as is the general public. Schlagle Library is located in Wyandotte County Lake Park at 4051 West Drive, Kansas City, KS. Please call 913.299.2384 for more information and or directions.
Contact: Craig Hensley 913.299.2384
More Info: Mr. & Mrs. F.L. Schlagle Library
Sponsor: Kansas Native Plant Society
Snyder Prairie Workday: Invasive Species Control • Jackson County
158th Rd & U Rd • Mayetta, KS • Map
Sat, May 19th @ 9am
GHF’s volunteer prairie management group, Groundhogs, meets at Snyder Prairie on the 3rd Saturday of each month of the year, except December. Snyder Prairie is a 140-acre tract of land composed of prairie and woods east of Mayetta, Kansas. Contact Frank to help. Work for May includes beginning invasive species control of the following: garlic mustard, bush honeysuckle, and musk thistle.
Contact: Frank Norman (785) 691-9748
Sponsor: Grassland Heritage Foundation
Smoky Hills Prairie Exploration • McPherson County
Location avaiable upon registration • Canton, KS • Map
Wed, May 30th @ 8-10am
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
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 @ 8:30am-2:30pm
Come join us as we explore the pastures on the Snyder 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
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
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
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