Thursday, March 13, 2008

Oak Grove Native Planting in Wichita

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

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!

Monday, March 10, 2008

The Kansas City EarthFest 2008

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.

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Updated KNPS Resources web page

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

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Introduction to Wildflowers Class in Manhattan, KS

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

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.

Monday, January 28, 2008

Prescribed Burning Workshop

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.