Kansas Native Plant Society

Roadside Vegetation Management

2011-03-29T12:41:00.000-07:00

In 2008, KNPS developed a Roadside Vegetation Management (RVM) position paper that encourages adoption of practices that promote native vegetation along Kansas roadways. Recommendations include a reduction of road-to fence mowing, use of sound ecological management practices for existing native roadside vegetation, and replacement of non-native vegetation with native grasses and wildflowers.” At this time, the membership at large of KNPS has an opportunity to be part of the implementation of the goals of the 2008 position paper. We welcome your feedback on how KNPS might facilitate the participation of the membership. The survey only takes a couple of minutes to complete and is anonymous. The survey closes on April 20, 2011.
Take the RVM Survey

Membership Regions

2011-03-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

As a statewide organization, it's difficult to develop events and membership in all parts of the state. To foster more local events and local involvement, the KNPS is developing membership regions. The members in these regions shall be guided by KNPS and encouraged to develop local events and promote a local membership community.

See a map of the regions and learn more about getting involved locally.

2011 Events Posted

2011-01-09T07:14:00.001-08:00

All known events have been added to the KNPS calendar for 2011.

A county filter has been added to KNPS Wildflower & Native Plant Events, so you can browse the events only in your county.

If you know of an event that isn't listed, send us the information using the link on the events page.

Kansas Honors Little Bluestem

2010-12-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

The Woodlands & Prairies magazine published an article about the KNPS effort to name Little Bluestem as the state grass of Kansas. The article is Kansas Honors Little Bluestem.

Kansas Earth Day Books

2010-04-22T07:21:00.001-07:00

Honor the 40th anniversary of Earth Day by exploring recent nonfiction about the natural history of our region of the earth. The books listed on the page linked below represent some aspect of nature in our area.
http://lplbookblog.blogspot.com/

Native Seed Banking

2010-04-16T06:24:00.000-07:00

The Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank at the Chicago Botanic Garden is working to conserve the genetic diversity of our native vascular flora by collecting and preserving seeds from across the tallgrass prairie region in long-term cold storage. Banking seeds is an efficient way to preserve plant populations because seeds store the breadth of genetic diversity present in a population in small packages and, for most species, can do so for a very long time. These tiny packages once dried to15% humidity and stored at -20º C can be preserved, on average, for 200 years. Long-term storage of native seeds can serve as insurance that a species’ genome is protected against extinction in a rapidly changing world. For instance, we can predict where climate shifts may occur due to the effects of global warming, collect seeds in these critical areas and bank them for future reintroduction into suitable habitats at a later date. The alarming reduction of native plant populations across the tallgrass prairie region signifies now more than ever the importance of seed banking.

Ultimately seeds of multiple populations will be collected for over 3000 plant species of the tallgrass prairie.
Initially 543 species important for habitat restoration will be collected across twelve ecoregions.
A stipend of $90 will be provided for each collection.
In addition to long-term storage, the collections will be used as a resource for research and restoration projects.

Preserving native plant diversity of the tallgrass prairie region in a seed bank means collecting multiple populations of more than 3000 species across the Midwest. This enormous task cannot be accomplished with out lots of help from organizations like yours. Where and how do we start? We began by creating a list of species that are considered “characteristic” of common plant communities in the region and integral to habitat restoration. To determine the list, we searched the literature for native species that met set criteria reflecting their importance in a community for each of twelve ecoregions (Omernik level 3) strongly represented in the tallgrass prairie region. From that data, 543 species were selected for our “Restoration Collection Target Species List”, of which 156 are considered high priority. The goal is to collect seeds from one plant population (if it exists) in each of the twelve ecoregions for all 543 species.

We need your help to collect the species from our target list within your ecoregion. You can view our Restoration Collection Target List with ecoregions at http://cbgseedbank.org/restorationspecies.html. Omernik’s level 3 ecoregion map is included on our website to aid in locating your ecoregion. You can also find our seed collecting protocols (http://cbgseedbank.org/contractors_forms_protocols.html). We provide a stipend of $90 dollars for each collection and shipping to CBG with our FedEx account. If there is a species in your ecoregion that you feel is important for preservation that does not occur on our list, please contact us so we can add it. The more seeds secured in the bank, the more valuable the collection will be. The collection will be divided with one part remaining in the seed vault for long-term storage, another part held in at least one redundant storage facility off site and still another held in the seed vault as a resource for research and restoration projects.

If you can help, please feel free to contact us so that we can get you started. Also, if you have colleagues in your ecoregion or the others listed that may be interested in participating, please pass along this invitation.

Sincerely yours,

David Sollenberger

Seed Conservation Specialist

847-835-6957

dsollenberger@chicagobotanic.org

Little Bluestem Bill Passes House

2010-03-03T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Little Bluestem bill was debated in the House this morning and passed.

Little Bluestem for State Grass of Kansas

2010-02-09T07:37:00.000-08:00

Exciting news! The State Grass Initiative supported by KNPS now has a bill in the House (HB2649) to name Little Bluestem as the State Grass for Kansas. The Committee (Federal and State Affairs) has 21 members (see http://www.kslegislature.org/legsrv-house/showCommittee.do for names). If any of these are from your district and you would like to help, please send them an e-mail expressing your conviction that we need a state grass and why it should be Little Bluestem. The KNPS web site has more information at:
http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/littleblue/stategrass.htm

Valerie Wright and Nancy Goulden, Co-Chairs, Little Blue Committee

KNPS Launches Online Store

2010-02-01T10:03:00.000-08:00

Now you can purchase T-shirts, caps, posters, and some books online at our store.

Online Store

KNPS Award Forms use Fillable PDF Forms

2010-01-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

These forms use PDF fillable forms so you can just fill them out and send them in.

Recognition Awards
Excellence in Botany
Rachel Snyder Memorial Landscape
Sheldon H. Cohen Award for Outstanding Service to KNPS
Financial Awards
Mary A. Bancroft Memorial Scholarship
Non-profit Funding

Hay Meadow Guide Published by KBS

2009-02-17T12:09:00.000-08:00

Owners of native prairie hay meadows are stewards of some of the most ecologically important lands in Kansas, according to scientists at the Kansas Biological Survey at the University of Kansas. Yet hay meadows are often unrecognized and unappreciated -- which puts them at risk of being inadvertently harmed or even destroyed.
In an effort to shine more light on the importance of hay meadows, the KBS has produced a booklet, Native Prairie Hay Meadows: A Landowner's Management Guide. The guide explores hay meadow ecology; the economic and cultural importance of hay meadows; management advice for maintaining and restoring hay meadows; and land conservation options for interested landowners. The 32-page booklet features full color photography of prairie landscapes. (Click for lower resolution (2MB) - best for viewing on screen, or high resolution (10.5 MB) - best for printing.)

A State Grass for Kansas

2009-01-30T11:30:00.000-08:00

Learn more about the initiative to make little bluestem the official state grass of Kansas.
http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/littleblue/stategrass.htm

New Gallery of Wildflowers and other Plants

2009-01-12T19:00:00.001-08:00

More images have been added to our photo gallery. KNPS members contributed all the photos. Take a look at some of the native plants that Kansas has to offer.

http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/gallery.php

Annual Wildflower Weekend Photo Gallery

2009-01-12T18:56:00.000-08:00

If you weren't able to make it to the AWW in Hays, you missed out. We toured private land north of Hays, Cedar Bluff Reservoir and Wilson Reservoir. See pictures of KNPS members exploring these locations.

http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/gallery_AWW2008.php

Native Plant Weekend at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

2008-09-04T18:54:00.000-07:00

On September 13 and 14, members of the Kansas Native Plant Society will partner with Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve to present a wide variety of programs, hikes, and activities showcasing the fall plants and wildflowers of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem. On Saturday, Mike Haddock, editor of Kansas Wildflowers and Grasses, will lead a presentation on photographing tallgrass prairie wildflowers and grasses at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. followed by tallgrass prairie ecology and native plant identification hikes at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tallgrass prairie ecology and native plant identification hikes are scheduled hourly from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. with medicinal and edible plant hikes scheduled at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Bottomland prairie restoration hikes and talks are scheduled from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. along the Bottomland Trail. Visitors also have the opportunity to learn how to make paper using native plants and natural dyes from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the historic limestone barn, with special presentations at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
On Sunday, September 14th the fun continues with bottomland prairie restoration hikes and talks from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along the Bottomland Trail. Native plant dyeing and spinning demonstrations will be held in the historic limestone barn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hour-long tallgrass prairie ecology and native plant identification hikes will be presented at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m. From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. a wildflower identification presentation will be given by Jeff Hansen, former president of the Kansas Native Plant Society. Visitors can learn more about the Kansas Native Plant Society by visiting the information booth in the historic limestone barn available both days or go to www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org. EXPERI E N CE YOUR AMERICA The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.
Kids learn the importance of and skills necessary to "Leave No Trace" as they complete the Leave No Trace Scavenger Hunt using a pencil and piece of paper. Upon completion, kids earn a special Leave No Trace patch. Program is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days of the special event.
A 6.4-mile bus tour of the preserve’s more remote backcountry is available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. daily through October 26, 2008. The cost is $5.00 per adult and $3.00 for ages 5 – 18 years. There is no charge for children age 4 and under. Advance reservations for the bus tours are recommended, but arrangements can be made on the day of the visit if space is available. For more information, please call the park rangers’ offices at (620) 273-8494.
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve is a public/private partnership with the National Park Service, The Nature Conservancy, and the Kansas Park Trust. Located two miles north of Strong City on Kansas State Highway 177 (the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway), the preserve’s historic ranch headquarters is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. except Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. For more information or to make group reservations, visit the preserve’s website at www.nps.gov/tapr, e-mail tapr_interpretation@nps.gov, or call the preserve at (620) 273-8494.

KNPS Annual Wildflower Weekend

2008-09-03T05:31:00.000-07:00

October 3rd, 4th, and 5th in Hays, KS

The theme this year is “Ethnobotany – cultural uses of native plants”. Highlights of the weekend include our silent auction and photo contest, as well as the following.
Presentation: “Native medicinal plants of the prairie”
Presentation: “Dyeing wool with native plants”
Tour Site 1 Private Ranch north of Hays: Site of Echinacea study
Tour Site 2 Cedar Bluff Reservoir - Wildlife Area - Bluffs
Tour Site 3 Wilson Reservoir – Lucas Park - Rocktown Natural Area

Third Biennial Coblentz Prairie Foray

2008-05-15T10:11:00.001-07:00

Sunday, Jun 1st, 2008
County: Douglas
1pm. This glaciated tallgrass prairie offers diverse native plants as well as uncommon birds like Henslow's Sparrow, notable insects like Golden Byssus skippers, and interesting rocks like Sioux Quartzite. This may be the furthest south the glaciers advanced in Kansas, and large pink and red Sioux Quartzite boulders, glacial erratics, can be found in several areas. Among the 270 recorded plant species, we hope to see the federally protected Mead's milkweed, Prairie phlox, Starry Catchfly, Topeka Purple-coneflower, and Tall Cinquefoil! Other plants of interest include the Adder's Tongue Fern --one of the few prairie ferns and Cluster fescue (Festuca paradoxa) --a fescue rarely found in Kansas. Kansas Native Plant Society and Grassland Heritage Foundation co-sponsor this event. Co-leaders: Jeff Hansen, KNPS President and GHF Board Member and Shirley Braunlich, KNPS Board Member. Coblentz Prairie is 40-minutes west of Lawrence, KS in west-central Douglas County at the intersection of E 1 Road and North 1150th Road; it is part of the Clinton Wildlife area. Meet a half-mile east of the intersection on the south side of North 1150 Rd. (785) 864-3453

Coffey County Wildflower Tour

2008-05-15T10:10:00.001-07:00

Saturday, May 31st, 2008
County: Coffey
9:30-11:30am. Join the Coffey County Conservation District and Kansas Native Plant Society for a walking wildflower tour near Coffey County Lake. Enjoy refreshments before the tour and a cookout after the tour. We will meet at the Black Bear Bosin Shelter house, south of the Eisenhower Educational Building. Directions: One mile east of Hwy 75 on 17th Road, then south to the shelter. On Hwy 75, 17th Road is 10 miles south of I-35 or 5 miles north of Burlington. There is no charge but you must RSVP by May 23rd. Also contact us for information on camping, hotels, dining and shopping in the area. Please call Kristi Vogts or Mary Lou Ponder during business hours (620) 364-2182 ext. 3 or Krista Dahlinger on evenings or weekends (316) 258-6341.

PRAIRIE RECONSTRUCTION

2008-05-14T09:10:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are needed to prepare soil and seed one and a half acres with seven species of grass and more than 30 species of wildflowers. The historic site is near the junction of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails.

Join members of the Santa Fe Trails Association, Kansas City Historic Trails Associations, and Oregon & California Trails Association and members of other Gardner, Kansas, community associations.

SATURDAY, MAY 24 – COME WHEN YOU CAN.
9:00 a.m. to Noon – join a seeding team to mix and broadcast seed. There are four different mixes.

1:00 to 3:30 p.m. – finish seeding. Start covering seed and begin to place dry land plants and wetland plants. Bring boots!

SUNDAY, MAY 25
10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. – prepare soil adjacent to walkways for seeding Buffalo Grass. Finish seeding shade mix and dry land seed.

1:00 to 3:30 p.m. – Place plants and finish project.

The site is located on Highway 56 at 183rd St., which is two miles west of downtown Gardner, or 17 miles east of Highway 59 or 13 miles east of Baldwin City. The information shelter and Parking Lot I visible on the north side of the highway. Look for the signs.

For more information please contact:
John Atkinson: 816-233-3924
Cell: 816-351-5764
E-mail:Atkinson@stjoelive.com

Fred Markham: 816-356-0498
Cell: 816-665-0043
E-mail: dmarkeind@aol.com

April Events

2008-04-04T19:50:00.000-07:00

Haskell Baker Wetlands Service Outing
Saturday, Apr 12th, 2008
County: Douglas
Lawrence, KS. Dr. Roger Boyd, Baker Wetlands Coordinator, has several projects that we will work on. We will remove invasive Tatarian honeysuckle, prune trees on the north levee, install wood duck boxes, and repair several bad spots in the Boardwalk. The Wakarusa Group of the Kansas Sierra Club is sponsoring this event. Further details and directions will be announced on the Wakarusa Group email notices list. Sign up for the email notices by contacting Carey Maynard-Moody (785) 842-6517.
Green Landscape Techniques for the Homeowner
Sunday, Apr 13th, 2008
County: Douglas
Class at Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS, 2-3pm. Learn to use safer, healthier techniques for creating a great landscape in your yard. Selecting appropriate plants and using safer chemicals for controlling herbicides and pesticides will be the focus of this class. Class is open to ages: 18 and older, fee: $3. Registration is limited to 40 attendees. (785) 832-7980

Papermaking from Plants Workshop
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: Shawnee
Karlyle Woods in Topeka, KS. Jeff Hansen, KNPS Past President, will teach us how to make paper using native plant fibers. In this class we will learn the different types of plant fiber, the process of extracting the fiber from the plant, and the process of forming sheets of paper from the resulting fiber. We will work in teams of two with each team processing a different plant fiber into paper. The resulting paper will be shared equally among class members. Class runs from noon to 4pm. Karlyle Woods is located at 3440 NW Button Rd in Topeka. The cost of the workshop is $25 and is limited to 12 people (Ages 12 and up). All materials and equipment are provided. Food will also be provided. Please sign up by contacting Jeff Hansen (785) 806-6917.
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: na
Missouri Prairie Foundation Spring Plant Sales 7am - noon. Location: City Market, 5th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO. [http://www.moprairie.org] (888) 843-6739

Prairie Maintenance
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: Jackson
Volunteers are needed for prairie maintenance and preservation projects. Assist the Grassland Heritage Foundation Groundhogs [www.grasslandheritage.org]. Wear appropriate clothing. No special skills or tools needed. For details, please contact Frank Norman, Kansas Native Plant Society Board Member (785) 887-6775 (home) or (785) 691-9748 (cell).
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, Apr 26th, 2008
County: na
Missouri Prairie Foundation Spring Plant Sales 7am - noon. Location: City Market, 5th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO. [http://www.moprairie.org] (888) 843-6739
Gardening for Wildlife Class
Sunday, Apr 27th, 2008
County: Douglas
Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS, 2-3pm. Create a mini-wildlife sanctuary in your own yard using plants designed to provide food and cover for wildlife. Learn about including the right food plants, nesting structures and hiding places. Class is open to ages: 18 and older, fee: $3. Registration is limited to 40 attendees. (785) 832-7980

Wildflower Seeds Germinating

2008-04-04T19:36:00.000-07:00

The wildflowers that I planted in pots last fall are beginning to germinate. I notice most of the asters and goldenrods have germinated as well as the beardtongues. The evening primrose are germinating too. Milkweeds have not, but they tend to like warmer temperatures. Seeds in the garden haven't germinated. I need to put some grass clippings on the row to keep the soil moist.

First spring wildflowers blooming

2008-04-04T19:33:00.001-07:00

I noticed my midland fawn lilies are blooming. Today I saw the first of the spring beauties beginning to bloom in my yard. The hazelnut catkins have been blooming for a few weeks now. Spring has finally arrived. Even the speedwell (a weed with blue flowers) is blooming.
I went for hike in the woods at the governors and saw the the dutchmans breeches are coming up as are the white fawn lilies. THe midland fawn lilies are blooming nicely in the woods. The honeysuckle unfortunately is leafing out now too. I cleared quite a bit of honeysuckle today, should give the spring ephemerals a chance to grow this spring.

Oak Grove Native Planting in Wichita

2008-03-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

There is a native planting going into Grove Park in Wichita (about
2 miles west of the GPNC). The site already has artwork in place with native plant themes. There is also a unique play area adjacent to it with equipment that has local historical (both Native American and pioneer) features as well as emphasis on the prairie.
The planting of the area in the focal feature that will be right next to
North Hillside is to happen this spring. There will be semi-formal planting beds with native wildflowers and the spaces in between will be put into a short/midgrass mix. The Park Dept. is interested in working with qualified volunteers to enable the establishment of this special planting.
If interested, contact Jim Mason - jim@gpnc.org or 316-683-5499 x103.

Coffey County Wildflower tour

2008-03-13T13:53:00.000-07:00

KNPS is continuing to help organize County wide wildflower tour events in 2008. This year KNPS is working for the first time with Coffey County on their their wildflower tour scheduled for May 31st. The tour area will be near New Strawn north of Burlington and will be followed by a free cookout lunch.
The county wide wildflower tours are an excellent opportunity to view and learn about wildflowers in the company of other wildflower enthusiasts and educators. Each county provides an opportunity to see different types of wildflowers in different soil types and regional growing characteristics. KNPS is working to gather information on other amenities each county has to offer in terms of lodging, dining, shopping and area attractions you may enjoy in conjunction with a wildflower tour.
Please check our the KNPS events calendar: http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/events.htm for County wide wildflower tours currently scheduled for Barber, Coffey, Comanche, Cowley, Neosho and Wilson Counties. We will be adding links on our calendar web page to more information you can use to plan an enjoyable day with wildflowers. June is always a very busy month so check the online calendar for updates and deadlines for registering for wildflower tour events. Make a day of it!

The Kansas City EarthFest 2008

2008-03-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

Kansas Native Plant Society will be present at this event. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Shawnee Mission Park, The Theatre in the Park in Shawnee, KS. This event will feature live entertainment, games, crafts, and activities for all ages. They would like KNPS to share our “planet-friendly” message with all of Kansas City. There is an exhibitor application that must be submitted before 3/19/08. Tables, chairs and a canopy are available to rent or you may bring your own. If anyone is interested, please contact me for the exhibitor application or contact Stacia Stelk at sbstelk@kc.rr.com or 816-561-1087.

Updated KNPS Resources web page

2008-02-20T08:52:00.000-08:00

The resources web page has been updated to include publications on plant identification, landscaping with wildflowers, buffalo grass lawns, prescribed burns, native grass establishment, prairie restoration, brush control, native haymeadow management, rangeland weed management, and conservation tree planting.

http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/resources.htm

Introduction to Wildflowers Class in Manhattan, KS

2008-02-12T14:26:00.001-08:00

08AEN52
Introduction to Kansas Wildflowers
UFM Conference Room
1221 Thurston St., 2nd floor
02/19/2008
02/19/2008
Tu from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 1 Session
24.00

2008 Annual Wildflower Weekend

2008-02-12T14:21:00.000-08:00

The Annual Wildflower Weekend (AWW) of the Kansas Native Plant Society will take place in Hays, Kansas on October 3-5, 2008.
The theme this year is “Ethnobotany – cultural uses of native plants”.

2008 Itinerary, Hotel options, and Registration Form

Highlights of the weekend include:
Receive your free KNPS Wildflower Poster
Participate in the Silent Auction
Participate in the Photo Contest
Tour three sites

Tour site 1 (Friday)Private Ranch: Site of Echinacea study

Tour site 2 (Saturday)Ft Hays State University Field Station property

Tour site 3 (Sunday)Wilson Reservoir – Lucas Park - Rocktown Natural Area http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/wi/History.cfm
Rocktown Natural Area is a 305 acre site located on the western boundary of Lucas Park. In August, 1986 it was designated a Natural and Scientific Area by the Kansas Biological Survey. Although the most obvious feature of Rocktown is the 15-30 foot high sandstone pillars that dominate the landscape, it is the unusual mix of prairie plant species associated with the shallow, sandy soils of the Sandhills that paramount natural significance. The soils in the area are not typical of this region of Kansas. Dakota sandstone and limestone outcrops are common. Plant species of interest include Fremont’s clematis, Fremont evening primrose, shortstem spiderwort, blue funnel lily, Buckley’s penstemon, fameflower, prairie sandreed, and Maryland senna. Although of interest, these species are not sufficiently rare or unusual enough to require monitoring by the Kansas Natural Heritage Inventory. Rocktown is, however, a significant state resource.

Prescribed Burning Workshop

2008-01-28T17:13:00.000-08:00

Designed for Landowners and Land Managers
Friday, March 7, 2008. 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
University of Kansas Field Station, Lawrence

Benefits of Fire When to Burn Nature of Fire
Weather Safety Regulations
Equipment Planning Fire Control

Instructor: Dr. Walt Fick, KSU Range Management Specialist

Jointly sponsored by K-State Research and Extension and
the Kansas Biological Survey

Registration is due by February 1; space is limited. A materials fee of $8 is due at time of registration. See back of this flyer for registration form. Lunch and snacks will be provided free of charge. For more information contact Jennifer Delisle at jdelisle@ku.edu or 785-864-1538.

Mary A. Bancroft Memorial Scholarship request for proposals 2008

2008-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

The Kansas Native Plant Society is accepting applications for a $1,000 scholarship in support of graduate student research that enhances our understanding of native plant species or their ecosystems and conservation.
http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org/

An invitation for you or your classroom to support Little Bluestem as the Kansas State Grass.

2008-01-14T05:27:00.000-08:00

Please join the Kansas Native Plant Society in encouraging the Kansas legislature to name Little Bluestem as the State Grass. From our web site http://www.ksnps.org, view information and photos of Little Bluestem to share with friends or your students. Download materials for your classroom, including sample letters which could be sent from students to their representatives in Topeka.
Let us know how you or your classroom is supporting the initiative for Little Bluestem as the Kansas State Grass. On our website click "Contact Us" to send your name, school, grade level and e-mail address.

We will keep you informed of the legislative process.

Rare Prairie near Wichita purchased by city of Wichita

2008-01-11T07:16:00.001-08:00

In a hidden pocket of southeastern Sedgwick County lies a piece of Kansas prairie never touched by a plow. Forty acres of native grass and woodlands have been closely guarded by the Means family since 1873. But the land is about to change hands.
The new owner? The city of Wichita, which intends eventually to make it a park for a rapidly developing area.
Here is the entire article.
http://www.kansas.com/news/local/story/278179.html

Manhattan, KS Prairie/Wildflower Classes

2008-01-10T07:49:00.000-08:00

Classes offered at the UFM Community Learning Center in Manhattan. Here is a link to their site http://www.ufmprograms.org/. I pulled all the "plant" related classes from their schedule. You can click on the course number for more information about each class.

08AEN52
Introduction to Kansas Wildflowers
UFM Conference Room
1221 Thurston St., 2nd floor
02/19/2008
02/19/2008
Tu from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, 1 Session
24.00

08AEN51
Landscaping with Kansas Native Plants
UFM Conference Room
1221 Thurston St., 2nd floor
01/16/2008
01/16/2008
W from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, 1 Session
30.00

08AEN45
Late Spring Wildflowers on the Konza
Konza Prairie Trail Head
05/31/2008
05/31/2008
Sa from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, 1 Session
0.00
08AEN50
Papermaking from Native Plants
UFM Solar Addition
1221 Thurston St.
04/05/2008
04/05/2008
Sa from 12 N to 4:00 PM, 1 Session
42.00

08AEN27
Trees: Hate 'Em
7102 Abbott Drive
Cedar Creek Ranch
01/19/2008
05/03/2008
Sa from 12 N to 4:00 PM, 14 Sessions
0.00

Welcome to the KNPS blog

2008-01-04T18:34:00.001-08:00

I thought KNPS members needed a way to communicate with each other and with other native plant lovers. The KNPS blog was born.