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2008 Field Experiences
Field experiences include lunch and transportation from and return to the Century II Convention Center, unless otherwise noted.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 14
A. EE for the Urban Audience 9 am – 4:30 pm $65
See how three very different facilities present environmental education to residents of the Wichita metropolitan area (ca. 1/2 million people) as well as visitors from out of town. Staff at each site will answer questions about general operations and educational programming. At the Great Plains Nature Center, hike the paved trail system outside, explore the museum displays inside, and meet a special feathered guest. At the Wichita Area Treatment, Education, and Remediation (WATER) Center, see how Wichita turned a Superfund site into a public asset with a fountain-filled plaza, an 11,000-gallon outdoor aquarium, and interpretive displays. At Botanica--The Wichita Gardens, stroll through 25 themed gardens with 20 sculptures and numerous water features. Led by Jim Mason, Great Plains Nature Center.
B. Sustainable Agriculture at the Land Institute 7:30 am – 4 pm $60
The Land Institute is a leader in sustainable agriculture. Located near the city of Salina, the Institute develops perennial grains (crops that can be raised and harvested without chemicals or repeated cultivation of the land). The Institute's founder, Wes Jackson, has been recognized as one of Smithsonian Magazine's "35-Who Made a Difference." See the Land Institute's fields and research facilities, and experience the Swedish heritage of Lindsborg. Led by Rex Buchanan, Kansas Geological Survey. Buy your lunch in Lindsborg.
C. Greensburg Greentown 8 am – 5 pm $90
Pay a visit to Greensburg, Kansas, the town that was 95% destroyed by a "super" tornado on May 4, 2007. This resilient community used the crisis as an opportunity to do what has seldom been done before in this country: rebuild a town essentially from scratch. You will be touring LEED certified or LEED equivalent buildings, some exemplary residences, and any significant project that is ready for guests. Town leaders will be available for Q and A. The town plans to be an eco-tourism destination with "education stations" that tell the story of the buildings and their green features. The town itself will be a "living science museum.” Led by Daniel Wallach, Director, GreensburgGreenTown. Buy your lunch at a local restaurant.
D. Kansas’ Wetlands of International Importance 7:30 am – 5:45 pm $77
Two Central Kansas wetlands are designated as Wetlands of International Importance to migrating birds of the Central flyway. Our visit coincides with the peak of migration, ensuring ample opportunities to see waterfowl, pelicans, and cranes (perhaps even the endangered Whooping Crane), as well as year round wildlife residents. Staff from each facility will join us to share information about fauna, flora, area history, and management practices as we trek through these wildlife-rich wetlands. Led by Cindy Terry, US Fish & Wildlife, and Karl Grover, Cheyenne Bottoms.
E. Experience Hutchinson! 8 am – 5 pm $93
Pecan cinnamon rolls are featured at a bakery in an Amish town is the first stop. Other experiences of the day will include tours of two of the “8 Wonders of Kansas” – the Kansas Cosmosphere & Space Center (one of the most significant collections of U.S. and Russian artifacts in the world), including the IMAX movie “Grand Canyon” and the Kansas Underground Salt Museum (only underground salt museum in Western hemisphere). Led by Marci Penner, Kansas Sampler.
F. Ponder the Prairie 7:15 am – 5 pm $80
The tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered habitats on the planet, but you will have the chance to be immersed in one of the last strongholds of native tallgrass prairie at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. A 6.4-mile ranger-led bus tour and a tour of the historic ranch house on the grounds await you to help bring alive the unexpected beauty of the prairie. Led by Kara King, Sedgwick County Zoo.
G. Wild Times at the Sedgwick County Zoo 8:30 am – 5 pm $50
Go behind the scenes at Sedgwick County Zoo to see what it takes to prepare food for over 2,000 animals a day, where medical mysteries are solved, and challenges to keep the Zoo running smoothly! Of course, you also will see the real stars of the Zoo – the animals—and maybe even a chance to see their resident artist in action! Led by Chaille Hay, Education Specialist with the Sedgwick County Zoo.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19
H. Kansas Wetland Birding at its Best 5:30 am – 5:30 pm $44
Our visit to Quivira National Wildlife Refuge and Cheyenne Bottoms coincides with the peak of waterfowl migration. We’ll have ample opportunities to see waterfowl, pelicans, and cranes, and other year round wildlife residents. These marshes are also a traditional migration stopover for the endangered whooping crane. We’ll travel through the refuge to the Big Salt Marsh, a favorite wildlife viewing location. We will complete the tour of Quivira by noon, then travel to Cheyenne Bottoms and bird the state-owned dike roads and the Nature Conservancy property. Led by Mike Rader, KDWP and Bob Gress, Great Plains Nature Center.
I. Ponder the Prairie 7:15 am – 5 pm $80
The tallgrass prairie is one of the most endangered habitats on the planet, but you will have the chance to be immersed in one of the last strongholds of native tallgrass prairie at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve. A 6.4-mile ranger-led bus tour and a tour of the historic ranch house on the grounds await you to help bring alive the unexpected beauty of the prairie. Led by Kara King, Sedgwick County Zoo.
J. Wild Times at the Sedgwick County Zoo 8:30 am – 5 pm $50
Go behind the scenes at Sedgwick County Zoo to see what it takes to prepare food for over 2,000 animals a day, where medical mysteries are solved, and challenges to keep the Zoo running smoothly! Of course, you also will see the real stars of the Zoo – the animals—and maybe even a chance to see their resident gorilla artist, “Barney” in action! Led by Chaille Hay, Education Specialist with the Sedgwick County Zoo.