This session will explore the geologic history of Kansas as expressed in its rocks and the natural resources contained in those rocks and will assess how wind, water, and glaciers have shaped those rocks to create the Kansas landscape. In this session we will explore historic and recent vegetation patterns in Kansas and highlight some of the 2,100 kinds of flowering plants growing in our prairies, forests, and wetlands. The Sunflower State is the place to be when it comes to observing nature. Kansas' variety of wildlife is second to none in middle America. This session will survey the diversity of native Kansas animals, from the Topeka shiner to the tufted titmouse and the prairie ringneck snake.
Water plays a crucial role in Kansas, but water issues differ dramatically across the state.
In eastern Kansas, surface water is abundant, while western Kansas relies on groundwater, especially from the Ogallala aquifer. We will discuss Kansas water resources, groundwater declines in western Kansas, and other water issues. Explore the Douglas County environment and learn about its animal and human habitats, species adaptability, and demographics. Topics will include prairie ecology, wetland populations, market gardens, invasive plants, watersheds, and the geologic history of northeast Kansas. We encourage participation by teachers, community leaders, and others in terested in getting to know the natural world through interdisciplinary studies.