In this edition of the Prairie Post, we've got exciting news about Bald Eagles living in Kansas + a sneak peek at a very special prize our Walk for the Wild participants will receive if they attend Art on the Trail this Saturday. Bundle up and enjoy a true Fall Weekend with your friends at the Great Plains Nature Center, and don't forget to bring your I.D.

Expanding Research Study On Bald Eagles In Kansas

In the spring of 2021, a research study on the ecology of Kansas-hatched bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) began with just 13 birds and plans of field work lasting three years. This year – thanks to voluntary contributions made to the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Park’s nongame species donation program, Chickadee Checkoff – that research project has been extended; and, the total number of birds studied has increased to nearly 30 bald eagles.

Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) and a team of partners from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Conservation Science Global, Evergy, and private landowners are confident data derived from the study will help wildlife managers and developers better address potential conflicts between bald eagles and development infrastructure, as well as further the scientific community’s understanding of bald eagle ecology in the central Great Plains. Learn More Here.

Walk For The Wild | Perk

Saturday, October 14th

Thank you to the hundreds of people who enjoyed walking in our park this week! If you completed the 5k Walk, come see Ellen Mosley at Art on the Trail for a special prize between 4PM and 7PM on Saturday, October 14th!

(SHHHHH.... It's a complimentary drink ticket for those age 21 and older!)

We've had so many of you go the extra mile and donate to help us with habitat restoration projects at the Great Plains Nature Center. If you'd like to give a donation that will receive a match from the Walk for the Wild Amplifier fund, give now and help us reach our goal of raising $1,500! We've already raised over $1,000 this week. That's amazing! Will you help us reach our goal and raise awareness about the beauty of nature and wildlife?

Join Us At Art On The Trail

Saturday | October 14th from 4-7PM

Stroll through nature trails at the Great Plains Nature Center, purchase a glass of wine from Grace Hill Wineries, and watch as throngs of Wichita artists let their creativity flow.

Each artist will create original art, live, throughout the park. Meet, greet, and enjoy!

When: 4PM to 7PM on Saturday, October 14th

Where: The Great Plains Nature Center's Chisholm Creek Park

Who: AGES 21+ ONLY

Cost: Free admission. Wine, Craft Beer, and Soft Drinks are available for purchase at the event.

Senior Wednesday

Chiropterophilia: For the Love of Bats

- Featuring Special Guest: Lauren Miller, MFA Candidate

- When/Where: October 18, 2023 at 1:30PM inside the Coleman Auditorium at the Great Plains Nature Center - 6232 E. 29th St. N. Wichita, KS 67220

- Cost: Free! No admission or registration required.