April 2021
Meeting Program – GO NATIVE! Restoring the Ecology of Your Backyard for Birds by Brad Guhr
Restoring the ecology of our own backyards starts with the plants that we nurture. Basic ecological food chain principles teach us that if we plant a greater diversity of native plants in our landscapes, we will be able to host greater wildlife diversity including birds. Brad will discuss how native plant landscaping and giving thoughtful consideration to your property conditions, the plants you can grow, and best management practices to get them established all contribute to the level of success you…
Find out more »May 2021
2nd Saturday Bird Walk
Bring your binoculars and discover the birds that visit and live in Chisholm Creek Park. No birding experience is needed. Expect 1–2 miles of walking on paved paths. The walk will last about 90 minutes. Meet at the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot and practice social distancing!
Find out more »Chaplin Nature Center and Ark City area Field Trip
Join us as we bird Chaplin Nature Center and nearby hotspots. We should find breeding warblers, tanagers and Painted Buntings. Meet at Chaplin Nature Center. Bring a lunch.
Find out more »Meeting Program – Shorebirds in the Tall Grass Prairie; seriously? by Dr. Robert Penner
Dr. Robert Penner, Avian Conservation Manager at The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, will talk about the importance of the midcontinent, Kansas, and specifically the Flint Hills to shorebird conservation. We will look at what we have learned from past shorebird surveys in the Flint Hills along with what we are learning from some of the Flint Hills Shorebird Conservation Initiative projects and how does this all relates to managing the tallgrass ecosystem for shorebirds and other wildlife. This program will…
Find out more »June 2021
Evening Kayak Float
Take a 3.5 mile float trip down the Arkansas River to take in the scenery and search for wildlife. This trip is open to beginners and experienced kayakers. Participants should bring water, a complete change of clothes (including shoes), and be prepared to get wet and muddy. Kayak, paddle and life vest are provided. Space is limited. Pre-registration required. All proceeds help support the Chaplin Nature Center. Cost: $25.00 per person.
Find out more »Derby Canoe Launch Field Trip
Meet at the canoe launch on south 71st street for Painted Buntings, White-eyed Vireo and other southern species.
Find out more »2nd Saturday Bird Walk
Bring your binoculars and discover the birds that visit and live in Chisholm Creek Park. No birding experience is needed. Expect 1–2 miles of walking on paved paths. The walk will last about 90 minutes. Meet at the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot and practice social distancing!
Find out more »July 2021
2nd Saturday Bird Walk
Bring your binoculars and discover the birds that visit and live in Chisholm Creek Park. No birding experience is needed. Expect 1–2 miles of walking on paved paths. The walk will last about 90 minutes. Meet at the Great Plains Nature Center parking lot and practice social distancing!
Find out more »Arkansas City Butterfly Count
Become a citizen scientist and help count butterflies at the Chaplin Nature Center. During this program, hike leaders will walk the trails identifying and counting all the butterflies encountered. No butterfly experience needed, just helping spot them can be a big help. Close focus binoculars are used to aid in identification. You can join us for the full day or just a half day. Please call if planning to attend. For more information, call the Center.
Find out more »Picnic
Join us at the Great Plains Nature Center for our annual pot-luck dinner. Dinner will be followed by a short, fun program. Bring a dish to share and your own service.
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