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KNPS to celebrate 30th anniversary at Hays annual Wildflower Weekend eventKansas Fall may not be the time most people think of when planning a wildflower tour; however, it is the prime time for seeing some of the native plants of Kansas. Warm-season grasses are at their showiest and some of the wildflowers don't even bloom until late summer. Plant enthusiasts are invited to join the Kansas Native Plant Society in Hays Oct. 3 to 5 for the 30th Annual Wildflower Weekend. This is the largest and most exciting event of the year for KNPS. Three outings are planned for participants to experience the unique geology and ecology of the Smoky Hills prairie: a private ranch north of Hays, the Wildlife area of Cedar Bluff Reservoir, and Rocktown in Lucas Park at Wilson Reservoir. Some of the best botanists in the state of Kansas will be available to assist with plant identification and to answer questions. "Ethnobotany--Cultural Uses of Native Plants" has been selected as the theme for the weekend. The Smoky Hills prairie offers a unique opportunity to explore medicinal plant uses and the use of plants as natural dyes. Dr. Kelly Kindscher, author of "Medicinal Wild Plants of the Prairie," will present "The History and Impacts of Echinacea angustifolia Harvest in Kansas." Frank Norman will discuss native medicinal plants of the prairie and Dr. Cindy Ford of Pittsburg State University will share information on dyeing wool with native plants. A special presentation of the efforts to name Little Bluestem as the state grass of Kansas will be made. Other events of the weekend will include a business meeting, a photo contest, a silent auction, a presentation of awards, and a special 30th Anniversary Celebration of the organization, including recognition of Charter Members. Thirty years ago, during an exhibition, lecture and slide show of Dallas artist Chapman Kelley's "Wildflower Works" at the Mulvane Arts Center in Topeka, he challenged Kansans to use their native wildflowers to enhance the beauty of the state's landscape. Art Center members were enthusiastic about his ideas. Dr. Ronald L. McGregor, the director of the State Biological Survey of Kansas at the University of Kansas, suggested the formation of the Kansas Wildflower Society. It was appropriate that its origins be at Washburn University as it was the dream of a group of ladies in Topeka. On Sept. 23, 1978, the name, by-laws and a board of directors were approved. Through the years, the Society has evolved but the enthusiasm for studying and sharing information about our native Kansas plants is as strong as ever. In 2004 the name was changed to Kansas Native Plant Society to more accurately reflect the spectrum of plants we study and to promote the indigenous flora--wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs, and the lesser known mosses, liverworts, ferns, horsetails, sedges, and rushes. One of the missions of the organization is to promote education about native plants. The AWW is an excellent opportunity to learn with others. Educational resources include wildflower walks, a quarterly newsletter, and a website with more resources and links. Several awards are given by the Society each year. Membership is open to anyone who is interested and appreciates the native flora of Kansas. KNPS moves its Annual Wildflower Weekend around the state so attendees can visit various regions of the state. Hutchinson (Arkansas River Lowlands), Holton (Glaciated), Coldwater (Red Hills), and Sedan (Cross Timbers) have been recent hosts for the event. Attendance is not limited to KNPS members and anyone interested is encouraged to attend. Registration is required and meals need to be prepaid by September 23. For more information, go to http://www.kansasnativeplantsociety.org or call 785-864-3453. 9/1/08 Date: 8/28/08
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