Kansas Biological Survey to host public forums about native grazing lands

LAWRENCE — In April, the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research will host two free public forums in Douglas County about native grazing lands. The first forum will be held at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at Worden Cornerstone Church west of Baldwin City. The second forum will take place at 10 a.m. April 22 at the Lecompton Community Building.

The forums will provide a setting for discussion about the cultural and ecological importance of the largest tracts of prairie in the county: native grazing lands. Speakers will talk about local history, pollinators and grassland birds, and issues affecting the future of these lands.

Participants will have an opportunity to talk one-on-one about invasive species, woody encroachment, wildlife enhancement and cost-share programs with staff from these natural resource groups:

• Douglas County Conservation District
• Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
• K-State Research and Extension-Douglas County
• Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
• KAWS/Upper Wakarusa WRAPS
• Natural Resources Conservation Service (handouts only).

The forums are sponsored by the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research in partnership with K-State Research and Extension, with funding provided by the Douglas County Board of County Commissioners and the Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program. These events are free and open to all, with no registration necessary. Coffee and cookies will be provided.

Jennifer Delisle and Jennifer Moody, researchers at the Kansas Biological Survey, will lead the discussion; please contact Jennifer Delisle via email for more information. The events are posted individually on the research center’s Facebook page.

The Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research houses a diverse group of ecological research and remote sensing/GIS programs at KU. It also manages the 3,300-acre KU Field Station, a resource for study across the university.

Photo: Echinacea pallida taken at the KU Field Station