March 2021
Western Kansas Extended Field Trip
This three day trip will include Lesser Prairie-chicken viewing at a ranch in Gove County, visiting Castle Rock, Monument Rocks and Little Jerusalem State Park. We will be looking for high plains birds including raptors and longspurs. There is a 16 person limit - signup is online. Due to the pandemic we will not be renting vans but will travel in personal vehicles.There will be a fee for the prairie-chicken blind. Sign up using the website link below
Find out more »April 2021
Chaplin Nature Center Spring Clean-up
We need your help to get the facilities in tip-tip shape for the upcoming year. We are looking for volunteers to work on a variety of outdoor and indoor projects. Trimming trails, checking bridges, raking leaves, and working on the front flowerbeds are just a few of the projects. Be sure to wear old clothes and bring a pair of work gloves. Soft leaf rakes and tree pruners needed. Call the Center if you have additional questions.
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 »Oak Park Invasive Plant Removal
Asian bush honeysuckle is an invasive plant causing serious habitat damage. We'll spend 3-4 hours removing these plants, directed by the Wichita Parks Department staff. Tools, gloves and water will be provided. Meet by the stone arch at the southwest corner of the park.
Find out more »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.
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