Increase in Visitors from Europe

I just responded to a traveler from the Netherlands who had visited my Virtual Geocache west of K-177 on US 50. I get about one a week from someone visiting from Germany or another central/northern country.

You may have recently read, as I did, the news articles about the joint KS-OK promotion office in England and Germany. We had a presentation about a year and half ago at a Flint Hills Tourism Coalition meeting. They said it takes about five years to build up a reputation that generates the kind of numbers we would like to see from that area. It seems to me all the effort over recent years is working. Thanks to the Kansas Travel and Tourism Division, under Becky Blake, and others, including the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, for all their efforts to share our little corner of the world with interested others. These folks really appreciate the way of life in the Flint Hills, and want to take away memories, leaving the Flint Hills for others to enjoy as well!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

PGA Tour Nationwide Tour in Wichita next week

For the ninth consecutive year, the Wichita Open Nationwide PGA Tour event will be held at Crestview Country Club August 3 through August 9 - a week-long event. Full details can be found at the Nationwide PGA Tour website.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Morris County Youth Rodeo

Don't forget the Morris County Youth Rodeo on August 1, in Council Grove. See the link to get more details.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Two Weeks of Baseball in Wichita

The 75th Annual NBC World Series will be played in Wichita Aug 1 -15.


The El Dorado Broncos, as winners of the 2009 Midwest Regionals, will be competing. See NBC Baseball online for all the details.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Greenwood County Fair

The Greenwood County Fair for 2009 runs from July 31 through August 2 in Eureka at the Greenwood County Fairgrounds.

See exhibits ranging from photography to fruits and vegatables; from livestock to arts and crafts. There is pedal power tractor pull and more live entertainment.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The 64th Annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo

It is time again for the 64th Annual Wild Bill Hickok Rodeo in Abilene and related events, July 29 through August 1, 2009: that is this upcoming weekend. Follow the link the the Rodeo website for detailed information for all ages and interests.


The events kick of on July 29 with the PRCA Bull Riding competition.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit Update

The Wichita Eagle reminds us that the Flint Hills Traveling Exhibit of Jim Richardson photos of the Kansas Flint Hills (April 2007 issue of National Geographic related photos) is now at the Santa Fe Trail Museum near Larned through Sep 3. If you are in that area, I urge you to stop in and visit.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Dexter, "In the Flint Hills" Kansas

The blog 'Dexter, "In the Flint Hills"' Kansas is worth stopping by. Today, it is publicizing the upcoming Hometown Cookout, on Wednesday, July 29. But, it has a lot more to offer. Check it out.

Also, be sure to read about the town's namesake, Dexter, the famous trotter. Neat blog!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Stop, Look and Listen, says TinaRae

The following is shared from the Chamber Chatter by TinaRae Scott, Executive Director, Council Grove/Morris County, Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, with permission:


Stop, look and listen. Yes, I know this is often associated with railroad
crossings but I see this terminology in a new light and I wanted to share.

I have spent a considerable amount of time recently with various media
contacts promoting this region. And what I have learned from them is to
stop, look and listen.

Stop. Many of us tend to take this area for granted. For a brief moment,
or longer if you can allow yourself the pleasure, just stop. Sit for a
spell alone, or with friends or family, maybe sit even longer with a
longtime friend you haven't visited with in a while. But just stop and
enjoy your surroundings.

Look. Has anyone noticed that we are nearing the end of July and the hills
are still gorgeous? The recent rains have helped keep the area in many
shades of green. New wildflowers are growing and we will continue to see
flowers into the late fall. The burr oaks are beginning to develop acorns.
Young wild animals are leaving the nests and the dens to venture out on
their own. The creeks and streams are running and are filled with tadpoles
and small fish. The walnuts are green and some are falling from the trees.
Yards are filled with wonderful colors and the lawns are green and lush.
Look at the grazing livestock. Look at the pools and parks filled with
people enjoying this area. Look for the fireflies in the evening hours.
The sights are endless.

Listen. How many different birds can you recognize from their call? Listen
to the sounds of the streams, rivers, and lakes. Listen to the children
laughing and train whistle in the distance. Listen to the leaves rustling
in the wind. Listen to the sounds of the person who just pulled in a large
fish or maybe even a stick on their line. Listen to the cattle and the
horses in the pastures. Listen to the cicadas. The sounds are endless.

I could go on and on. We live in a glorious, plush area that is one of a
kind for our country. We are blessed to live in the Tallgrass Region.
Visitors and media from around the world come to our region to experience
the beauty and the sights that we take for granted on a daily basis.
Please, just take the time to see through their eyes the breathless beauty
of this region.

Stop, look and listen. You won't be disappointed!


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Day of the American Cowboy

If you can be near Abilene on Saturday, July 25, check out the National Day of the American Cowboy and Ice Cream Social at the Heritage Center. This is a day of celebration and recognition of the cowboy and our western heritage - a day to honor working cowboy and cowgirls and their ongoing contributions to our communities.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The Flint Hills "Death Ride" has arrived

July 25 and 26 are the dates of the Flint Hills "Death Ride" - really a severe cycling event - based out of Madison, KS, in Greenwood County. The ride consists of "70ish miles of OFF ROAD racing" - the event is not for the weak of heart. Check out the website for registration and more warnings! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

25th Annual Prairie Port Festival

The 25th Annual Prairie Port Festival will be held from 4 p.m. Jul 23 to 6 p.m. Jul 26 at various locations in El Dorado.
The cost for the ENTIRE weekend is a mere $4 and Festival buttons can be purchased at numeros retail and service locations throughout Butler County.

Be sure to participate if you possibly can. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Morris County 4-H Fair

The annual Morris County 4-H Fair will be held July 22 through July 28 at the Morris County Fairground in Council Grove. The Fair will feature livestock show and sale, 4-H projects, and open class events.

Be sure to stop by and check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

My Flint Hills Childhood by Gail Martin

I have just become aware of a new book set in the Flint Hills of Kansas, "My Flint Hills Childhood" by Gail Lee Martin. You might want to check it out.

This is her story of a childhood on the Kansas prairies in the 1930s!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Marshall County Fair - Blue Rapids

The Marshall County Fair will run from July 17 through July 22 this year, at the Marshall County Fairgrounds, in Blue Rapids.

The Fair Parade is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 , on the square, in Blue Rapids.

For a detailed schedule, check their website: http://www.mscountyfair.com/

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Low German Conference - Marysville

The 14th Annual Low German Conference will be held in Marysville on Friday, July 17 to Sunday, July 19th. The conference is dedicated to the history and preservation of the Low German language.

You can check their website at: http://www.kansasplatt.org/ for more detailed information.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Veterans & Family Reunion - El Dorado

Annual event where veterans of all U.S. branches of the military get together for a weekend of memories, renewal of friendships, camaraderie and good times.

July 16 at 5:00 a.m. to July 18 at 12:00 p.m. gather at Veteran's Point, El Dorado Lake and State Park.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Butterfly Count - Arkansas City

On Saturday, July 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., The Chaplin Nature Center, in cooperation with the North American Butterfly Association will be conducting its annual butterfly count in the Arkansas City area.

Anyone interested in butterflies can participate in this count by following the count guidelines. Check with the Chaplin Nature Center for details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Ladies Night Out - Council Grove

On Friday evening, for 5 to 9 p.m., the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce will hold their annual Ladies Night Out event where ladies are treated to gifts, drawings, pampering, in-store specials and goodies.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Pioneer Bluffs Workday, and more...

Following is the latest information from Lynn Smith at Pioneer Bluffs:

[I wish I could be there to help archive that historical collection - what an opportunity!!]

As the first Saturday in July is the 4^th, our monthly volunteer workday will be held the second Saturday, July 11.

More news… Do you know we have a collection of scrapbooks, photographs, and collectibles that was diligently saved throughout the 20^th century by Helen Rogler? Have you been anxiously waiting for the chance to be involved in archiving this unique historical collection? The adventure begins on July 11!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 11 – come for the morning, or the afternoon, or the whole day!

8:30 am – Coffee and chat in the barn at Pioneer Bluffs

9:00 am – Volunteer workday at Pioneer Bluffs – work in garden, spread wood chips, mow

Noon – Lunch at Pioneer Bluffs

Noon to 4:00 pm – Archive and identify photographs in the Helen Rogler scrapbook collection. This project will be done at the (air conditioned) Chase County Museum in downtown Cottonwood Falls.

And if you really want to have a full day of fun in Chase County, Cottonwood Falls stays open late on the Second Saturday of each month. From 5:00 to 8:00 pm, you can enjoy nostalgic shopping, live music, samples, and much more.

We hope everyone has an enjoyable Independence Day – then we’d love to see you at Pioneer Bluffs or at the Chase County Museum on July 11!

And in case you want a sneak peak at the kinds of pictures we'll be looking through in the archives during the afternoon at the Museum, I've attached a photo of Helen Rogler dancing the hula! Lynn

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

4th of July Celebraion - Peabody

The 88th Annual July 4th Celebration and Fireworks Extravaganza will be in Peabody, Kansas on July 4 and 5, 2009. People come from all over the state, who travel here every year for the parade, festivities and the fireworks. The fireworks display includes the largest ground display of fireworks and set pieces in the state of Kansas.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

4th of July Ice Crean Social - Marysville

From 4 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 4, to benefit the Koester House Museum, come to the Ice Cream Social on the lawn - serving home made ice cream for $1.00 per scoop. Proceeds will benefit the upkeep for the Koester House Museum.



See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo

Don't miss the Santa Fe Trail Ranch Rodeo on July 3 and 4 in Council Grove, in Morris County. This is a WRCA event.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Abilene Old Fashion 4th of July

The Abilene Parks and Recreation will sponsor an Old Fashion 4th of July in Eisenhower Park throughout the day on Saturday, July 4.


Check the web site for the wide variety of activities planned for this very special day - ending with the 8:00 p.m. City Band Performance and the Fireworks about 9:45 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wilsey Independence Day Celebration

For a special Kansas Flint Hills local experience, join the community of Wilsey on July 3 for their Annual Independence Day Celebration! Wilsey is just west of Council Grove, in Morris County!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Country Stampede

Country Stampede this year runs from Jun 25 through Jun28, at Tuttle Creek State Park, near Manhattan, KS.
While you are there, be sure to look for the Flint Hills RV and Music Raffle booth - with the camper that is part of the prize. Buy several tickets while you are there! Have a great time!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Harvey House Picnic - 2009 - Florence

The 2009 Harvey House Picnic in Florence is June 27, from 5 to 7 p.m. This event by the Florence Historical Society is to help raise funds to continue the operation and maintenance of the Harvey House Museum.


The photo is from a prior year at the picnic. Please try to participate if you possibly can. This is a very good cause, and a fun time for all.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

RV & Flint Hills Music Raffle at the Country Stampede

While you are at Country Stampede next week, be sure to stop by and get your RV Raffle tickets benefiting the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition - promoting the Flint Hills as an International Tourism Destination.

A $50 Raffle puts you in the drawing:

RV & Flint Hills Music Raffle Ticket Sales will be kicked off at the Country Stampede. Package consists of the following (pdf of ticket attached):

• 29' Sportsmen LE 272 pull behind trailer
• 2 - 2010 Tickets to the Country Stampede plus Campsite
• 2 - 2010 Tickets to the Symphony in the Flint Hills
• 2 - 2010 Tickets to the Walnut Valley Festival plus Campsite

What a deal! Buy several tickets, while you are there, and be sure to tell your friends to do so also!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Experience the Kansas Flint Hills

Thought I would share this report, from the President of the Flint Hills Tourism Coalition, Inc., on a recent family visit to the Kansas Flint Hills:

German family experience in the Flint Hills was awesome....they were totally amazed at the venues offered by Kansas (especially the Flint Hills)....they learned to water-ski, hand fed buffalo, rode horses over hundreds of acres to round up & sort cattle, experienced shooting sports, the Tallgrass, hiking & local shopping & other venues.....many photos taken.....great potential for feature story in next Visitors Guide......thanks to all organizations & businesses who cooperated in the success & effort.

Very gratifying, and this is happening every day. I regularly get Geocaching reports from our Flint Hills area geocaching sites from German visitors. Thanks to the Kansas and Oklahoma Travel and Tourism folks for their work over recent years recruiting visitors to our two states from Germany and England. The good work does pay off, over time.

Go out this summer, and experience what they are experiencing, right here in our own back yard!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wah-Shun-Gah Days - Council Grove

The 27th Annual Wah-Shun-Gah Days take place in Council Grove, Kansas, on June 19th and 20th this year. The annual celebration is named after the last full blooded Kaw Indian Chief, Chief Wah-Shun-Gah.


Many will perform on the stage under the Main Street Tent and in the area. In addition, there is a Pow Wow, Craft Show, Car Show, Flea Market, Carnival and Food Vendors... something for everyone in every family. Have a great time!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Tom Brokaw and the Kansas Flint Hills

He could be coming, if we each ask nicely.

The Emporia Gazette on Tuesday had a large front page editorial titled: “Will Tom Brokaw come to Emporia?” He is working on a documentary series: “Tom Brokaw Presents: American Character, Along Highway 50” for the USA Network. U.S. Highway 50, of course, covers 3,000 miles across 12 states, including crossing the middle of the Kansas Flint Hills. U.S. 50 goes through or past: Emporia, Strong City, Elmdale, Cedar Point, Florence, Peabody, Walton, North Newton, Newton, and Burton before getting to Hutchinson.

To tell producers of the show about our Kansas Flint Hills and your community along the way, and nearby, go to: www.highway50.tv, to process nominations. Just go to the Web site and click on “Community” along the top horizontal menu. A nomination form will appear.

Here is another great opportunity to tell our story.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kafir Corn Carnival - El Dorado

The first Kafir Corn Carnival in 1911 drew more than twenty thousand people to El Dorado, a town at that time barely over three thousand.

Check out the current addition. Much has changed, but much is very much the same. You may judge for yourself - and have a great time in the process!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Madison Days

Madison is a small community nestled in the Verdigris Valley and surrounded by the Kansas Flint Hills. At the annual Madison Days, you can enjoy costume contests, a parade, sloppy joe feed, food sales, and much more.

Fun for the entire family.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Folklife Festival

Period reenactors and artisans demonstrate the skill necessary to pioneer life in the late 1800s in Kansas at the Flint Hills Folklife Festival this coming weekend, Jun 12-14, 2009.


Visitors stroll under the trees on the lawn of the historic Chase County Courthose watching demonstrations and listening to period music. This is a charming small festival.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Symphony in the Flint Hills Arts and Crafts Show

Just a week until the Symphony in the Flint Hills - but more is going on next weekend "around" the Symphony event itself. For example, in Downtown Florence, the Arts and Crafts Show in conjunction with the Symphony begins at 1 p.m. on Friday and runs through 5 p.m. Saturday.

All items displayed by the artists must be handmade. Check the website for contact information.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

LifeTiles Murals Dedication - Marysville

Dedication of the LifeTiles Murals in the Pony Express Plaza will be at 10 a.m. on June 10th in historic downtown Marysville.

The 2 murals, produced by Boston artist Rufus Seder, are a rare art form. Each mural consists of 90 individual glass tiles. When the viewer moves from one side to the other, he embedded images appear to depict motion as the viewer moves. Be sure to see them later, if not at the dedication!

Plans for the 3rd mural will be unveiled at the dedication. Check the web sites for more information.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Big Blue Barbeque Championships

If you are, or can be, near Marysville, KS on June 5 and 6, be sure to check out the Big Blue Barbeque Championship held in conjunction with the 19th Annual AutoFest Car Show.


This event is a Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned competition and State Championship.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Second Annual River Suite Dinner and Concert

This Chase County Chamber of Commerce event has a limited number of tables still available for Saturday, June 12th, from 6 - 10 p.m. Contact the Chamber office at: 620.273.8469

Diners will enjoy Kansas beef and locally produced food prepared by renowned chef and owner of the Flying W Ranch, Josh Hoy. The evening music will feature Tiffany Budke and the Doty String Quartet.

They hope you will join them for this lovely prelude to a magical weekend in the Kansas Flint Hills.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eureka Day's - June 6

Join the fun in Eureka for Eureka Days! Watch the parade, see the car show, and take part in the softball tournament. Be sure to check out the craft show, as well.

For more information call: 620-853-5452

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Annual Flint Hills Rodeo in Strong City

This coming weekend is the 72nd Annual Flint Hills Rodeo in Strong City. Don't miss it!

Events begin at 5 on Friday afternoon and run through Sunday afternoon. It is a great Kansas Flint Hills tradition!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Book Launch in the Flint Hills

Flint Hills novelist Deborah Vogts, in her Country at Heart Summer Newsletter, has reminded us that her new novel, set in the Kansas Flint Hills, Snow Melts in Spring, will be launched, among other places, right here in the Flint Hills on June 12 and 13. Stop by and meet Deborah and pick up a copy of her book, if you do not yet have one.

On Friday, June 12, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., she will be at the Emma Chase Music Event, 317 Broadway, in Cottonwood Falls, KS.

On Saturday, June 13, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., she will be at Miss Emma's Emporium, 220 1/2 Broadway.

There will be a registration for a great Flint Hills prize package, as well - please do stop by!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Baseball by 1800's rules

See the Wichita Bullstockings vs the El Dorado Broncos at McDonal Stadium in El Dorado this Saturday, May 31.

This is a vintage baseball game played by 1800's rules - it is highly entertaining! Do not miss it!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eureka Downs opens May 25

The first running of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse Races of the season begins in the Heart of the Flint Hills at Eureka Downs on May 25. This is the oldest location for Horse Racing in the State of Kansas dating back to Oct 2, 1872, when the first horse race took place.


Additional 2009 race dates are, put them on your calendar: May 30, June 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28, and July 4. Gates open at 11:45 and post time is 12:30 pm. Pari-mutual betting, drinks and concessions available. To book a table in the air conditioned non-smoking Turf Club, call 620.583.5528.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Peaboy Operation Celebration: The 1940s

Peabody Operation Celebration was begun in 2008 and is a World War II era festival celebrating the men and women who have served their country.

The celebration extends from May 23 to 25. In 2008, there were over 1000 attendees from 17 different states - bet they beat that, this year! This is a Peabody Main Street Association event that won the Governor's award for outstanding promotional activity in 2008 - twice - and you know they will be trying to outdo themselves this year as well.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Burns Route 77 Festival

Be sure to check out the Burns Route 77 Festival on Saturday, May 23, on Main Street in Burns. There will be rock and roll music, food, Quilt Show, Craft Show and a Fun Run.

For more information, you can call 620.726.5543.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Waterville Wooden Nickel Day - Weaver Hotel Grand Opening

Waterville will be a great place to visit this Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm, for the Wooden Nickel Day.


At noon, the Weaver Hotel Grand Opening will occur to celebrate the $2 million renovation and community visionaries that brought it to fruition. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Travel Kansas - Check it out!

This blog specializes in promoting the Kansas Flint Hills, of course, but the whole State of Kansas has a lot to offer. Don't believe me? Go to TravelKS.com and check out the new commercials they are now running out of region that are attracting many new visitors - there are at least five great commercials - and, while you there, also see the Ready-Made Adventure videos - especially for the Flint Hills, and Cowboys and Cowtowns, of course!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Wichita River Festival

The Wichita River Festival continues through Saturday, May 16. There is still time to take part in their many activities. Check it out! ;-)

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

"Golf"

What was the third most searched item on TravelKS.com in 2008?

If you get Travel Talk from the Kansas Department of Commerce Travel and Tourism Division, you know the answer is "GOLF!" Is your local golf course on TravelKS.com and kansasflinthills.travel with the latest information on your events and activities? Doing so can be a real contributor to your local economic development.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Birding Hikes and Programs

Special Birding Hikes and Birds of Prey Program at the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve this weekend, May 9-10. The weekend begin on May 9th at 7 am with a 60 minute International Migratory Bird Count and Hike starting from the Bottomland Trail area (weather permitting). Also on Saturday, May 9, at 10:30 am and 2:30 pm, the very popular "Birds of Prey" program will be presented in the historic barn my naturalist Vanessa Avara from the Milford Nature Center, using live specimens.

For more information, see http://www.nps.gov/tapr or call 620.273.8494.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Thanks for the Memories - May 9

Information from:

Lynn Smith

Executive Director

Pioneer Bluffs Foundation

620.753.3484 office

785.393.1569 cell

www.pioneerbluffs.org

May 9 - Thanks for the Memories

If you love researching and preserving family history and are looking for more information on proper handling of old memorabilia, the latest methods for preserving memories in scrapbooks or showing off your photos in computer presentations, how to take better photographs that will tell future generations more about their ancestors, or what local history and genealogical resources are available at the newly-expanded Chase County Historical Museum and Library, this free workshop is for you.

Join us at the museum, 301 Broadway in Cottonwood Falls, at 3:30 pm on Saturday, May 9 for a series of short and engaging presentations on Practical Tips for Collecting and Preserving Family History. The workshop will include a multi-media sneak preview of Helen Rogler’s remarkable scrapbook collection that covers most of the twentieth century and includes intimate glimpses into the lives of Maud and Henry Rogler and their extended family. This collection is held by the Pioneer Bluffs Foundation and will soon be archived and available to researchers.

Come for this great Mother’s Day Weekend activity and stay for dining, country craft market and music at Cottonwood Falls Second Saturday!
******************************
Hope some of you can participate!
See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Community Meetings re: Visitor Center at TPNP

The following based on an announcement from Louis Carlin:

The new Tallgrass Pairie National Preserve Visitor Center is currently scheduled to break ground in less than a year (March 2010) through the combined efforts of the Kansas Park Trust, The Nature Conservancy, and the National Park Service

While many have helped over the years, in an effort to continue this community involvement, additional input is sought on how the Visitor Center can facilitate the best experience and education for those visiting the Preserve, from the local community to those who may never have realized this national treasure exists.

Please complete the short survey that can be accessed at the web link below and/or attend one of three community sessions at the times and locations listed below:

Wednesday, May 13, 2009:
9:30 am - Emporia - Emporia Public Library
12:30 pm - Strong City - Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (barn)
5:00 pm - Council Grove - Morris County Courthouse (basement)

Web Link to Access Online Survey:
survey.bnim.com/checkbox/tallgrass.aspx

For additional information, please contact Louise Carlin at 620.273.8139 or 785.466.1511 or by email at: lcarlin@ksparktrust.org


Please participate, if you can!
See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Aviation "Fly In" and Pancake Feed

At the Abilene Airport, this coming Saturday, May 2, there will be a "Fly In" with a variety of regular production models to experimental home-built, antique and historic military aircraft. The public is invited to attend.
Tickets for the Pancake Feed may be purchased from a member of the Abilene Aviation Association or at the door on the day of the "Fly In." For more information, you can call 785.263.3970.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Counting Snakes - Another Flint Hills adventure

Here is one of several recent articles about the recent "Snake Count" in the Kansas Flint Hills. Last Saturday and Sunday, the Kansas Herpetological Society led over 175 persons on the annual animal count, finding 1,112 animals this year. The group of scientists, teachers, naturalists and members of the general public scoured a four square mile area in Chase County.

A fascinating study. We were pleased to have them in the Kansas Flint Hills for this important study.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Essays on Gardening and Life in the Kansas Flint Hills

Check out this new book: Garden Musings: Essays on Gardening and Life in the Kansas Flint Hills.
We always like to see new things that bring positive attention to the Kansas Flint Hills. Let me know what you think, after you've read the book. Enjoy!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills at the Kansas Sampler Festival

Visit the Kansas Flint Hills tent at the Kansas Sampler Festival in Concordia, Saturday and Sunday, May 2 and 3. The Festival is 10-5 on Saturday, 10-4 on Sunday in the Concordia City Park,
11th and Washington.

The Kansas Sampler Festival is a living brochure of Kansas! Check it out!!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Jane Eckert's Mother and the Grange

Jane Eckert has visited the Kansas Flint Hills regularly in recent years, and many of us enjoy following her blog. Normally, she shares marketing information for agritourism businesses, every tip is very valuable for rural economic development.

The recent entry, however, tells of her mother being recognized for 70 years of active membership in the local Turkey Hill Grange. Jane then shares how she spent her youth involved in Grange activities from the farm as well. It brought back many early memories of my life on a farm in western Iowa, as well.

All of our efforts to retain and share the joys and benefits of rural life and keep them available for future generations are well worth it!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Teterville, KS, note

I recently received the following, that I wanted to share with you (with permission):

Dr. Smith,
I just came across your Flint Hills blog as I was Googling "Teterville" looking for pictures of the area. I am interested in Teterville because I am a Teter descendant (in fact, my parents have a story about how they almost made my middle name Teter--my mother's paternal grandmother was a Teter).
There was a family ranch near Teterville that was held in trust until the mid-1980s when it had to be sold under terms of the trust. Before then, we held many family reunions on the ranch, which had no buildings except a ramshackle old barn. I remember how beautiful the area is. I'm attaching a jpeg file of a scanned-in picture from one of our family reunion picnics in the early 1980s that I thought might interest you. As you can see, it's in one of the lower points of the landscape because we always picnicked at a ford of a creek on the ranch.
I was born in Kansas (1954) and lived in Kansas until 1997. Then, I lived in Ames, Iowa, for two years while I worked on a research grant at Iowa State University--from which I see you have a B.S. I have been in Arkansas for nearly 10 years, but I still miss Kansas very much. Having many relatives in various places in the state (several of them in the Flint Hills in Chase, Butler, and Greenwood counties--although none in Lyon county that I know of), I try to visit whenever possible.
I would have put all these comments on your blog, but I'm new to posting and wanted to make sure I made contact. The Flint hills is one of my favorite places and I'll do what I can to promote tourism there.
Gretchen Hill


Gretchen J. Hill, PhD.
Associate Professor, Sociology
Dept. of Criminology, Sociology & Geography
Arkansas State University
State University, AR 72467-2410
(870) 972-3246 or 972-3705

Neat! Comments welcomed.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Prairie Talk - at Pioneer Bluffs

Come to Pioneer Bluffs for Prairie Talk on Saturday, April 18 at 2 p.m., where author Donald Worster will lead a talk that is sure to inform, inspire, and perhaps rekindle a passion for nature. Dr. Worster's new biography, "A Passion for Nature: the Life of John Muir," is the most complete account ever written of the great conservationist and founder of the Sierra Club.

Dr. Worster is Hall Distinguished Professor of American History at the University of Kansas, and considered one of the founders, and leading figures in, the field of environmental history.


There is no fee to attend a Prairie Talk held in the barn at Pioneer Bluffs. Refreshments will be served. Reservations are requested to info@pioneerbluffs.org or 620.753.3484.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Eisenhower Marathon

On April 11, run part of the historic Chisholm Trail in the hometown of our 34th President. It is a Boston Marathon Qualifier. It is an all paved course - there is a marathon; half-marathon; 10k and 5 K - and a community walk.

Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Travel and Tourism Week

The 26th Annual National Travel and Tourism Week is scheduled for May 9-17, 2009. This year's theme is "Discover Great American Traditions." This fits nicely with our recent Heritage Conference theme on Festivals.

What is going on it your local area? What have you done to make visitors/tourists feel welcome and wanted in your community?

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flatland String Band in Concert

The Flatland String Band will be in Concert at the Iron Horse Concert Hall in El Dorado on Saturday, April 11, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.


The Flatland String Band provides lively acoustic performances crafted to draw the listener into an era when the string band was one the community's most vital entertainment resources.

Prairie Art - a plein-air painting event

It is time for the 8th annual plein air paint-out, show and sale this year on May 2-15. All artists are encouraged to participate. All artists are encouraged to participate - for a day, a weekend, several days, or the entire length of the Prairie Art event.

For more info, contact suzan.barnes@sbcglobal.net.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Mountain Man Encampment - Ark City

Check out the Mountain Man Encampment sponsored by the Cherokee Strip Land Rush Museum starting at 10 am on Friday, April 3 and running through 5 pm on Saturday, April 4, in Arkansas City.

Witness pre-1840s fur trade camp and learn skills of the time. Listen to a Scotish piper.

Fireside stories are scheduled for Friday and Saturday night, at 7 p.m.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Roadtrip - and photo

Check out Terry Ownby's latest Flint Hills photo and comment! His quote:

"Being out on the prairie where you can see for miles and hear nothing but wind, birds, swaying grass and your own heartbeat is fabulous!" The photo confirms that image!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

National Volunteer Month - April

April is National Volunteer Month. I suspect most of my readers are already active volunteers, but everyone can find a cause for which to volunteer - add a new cause, if you can find the time. It can be very satisfying. It can make a real contribution to your community. Every community, large as well as very small, needs volunteer effort to survive, and thrive. I'd love to hear from you what you have done, or plan to do. Enter your Comment, below! Thanks! ;-)

As you have noticed, I regularly report on "Work Day" at Pioneer Bluffs, for example - just a few days ago, actually. The Symphony in the the Flint Hills is built on volunteerism. There are many other opportunities to volunteer, around the Kansas Flint Hills! Just do it! You, and your community, will be better for it!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Casebeer/Krallman Workshop - Plein Air Painting

Taking place at Camp Wood in association with the Flying W Ranch, near Elmdale, KS, this unique workshop in April is a very special opportunity for interested persons. In this workshop, you will be painting outdoors, from life.


The workshop will concentrate on composition - line, shape, value and color. What inspired you to paint a particular scene? By focusing on this one idea, the plein air experience can be less intimidating.

The $285 per person includes 18 hours of workshop instruction, 2 nights lodging at Camp Wood, dinner at Camp Wood Friday, breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday, and chuckwagon dinner at Flying W Ranch Saturday night. Does not include painting supplies. See web link, and here, for more details.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cabin Fever Challenge - Wamego

In Wamego, on Mar 28, starting at 7:30 a.m., to Mar 29, ending at 2:30 p.m., enjoy the Cabin Fever Challenge - RIDE FOR TRAILS!

The new proceeds from this bicycle ride will help fune the WAM-SAG-MAN Recreational Train that will begin in Wamego and connect with Saint George and Manhattan's Linear Trail. You can visit this web site for more information and to download a registration form.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

The latest from Pioneer Bluffs

Just received the following from Lynn Smith, and I wanted to share. I also pulled a paragraph from the news release that I thought would be helpful:

Lloyd Rogler will be coming to Pioneer Bluffs on Tuesday, March 31, 6:30 pm
for a Prairie Talk! The complete news release is attached. He promises to
share stories about Pioneer Bluffs that he heard from his father, Charles
Rogler, who was Wayne's first cousin.

[From News Release:
Rogler will share stories about his roots in the Flint Hills of Kansas. He says his visit to a setting homesteaded in 1859 by his great-grandfather, Charles Rogler, will be “profoundly exciting and meaningful.” Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Lloyd H. Rogler, Phd, is one of America’s most distinguished medical researchers and has been dedicated a “Superstar” in medical research by Columbia University. A founder of the field of cultural psychiatry, he has conducted pathbreaking research in mental health and Hispanic health. He is currently Fordham University’s Albert Schweitzer Professor in the Humanities Emeritus. Barrio Professors is his ninth book.]

Lloyd will also give a reading from his latest book. Barrio Professors is
about his life growing up in Puerto Rico, and he says we will see the
influence of the Flint Hills. Hope you can join us next Tuesday for a
fascinating discussion!

Lynn Smith
Executive Director
Pioneer Bluffs Foundation
620.753.3484 office
785.393.1569 cell
www.pioneerbluffs.org

Mark your calendar for more upcoming community events at Pioneer Bluffs:
April 4 Volunteer Workday
April 18 Prairie Talk at 2 pm: A Passion for Nature: the Life of John Muir
presented by Don Worster, PhD
May 2 Volunteer Workday
June 6 Volunteer Workday
June 6: Shades of Wonder, wildflower and prairie grass hike with Glenn Fell
June 13: Symphone Day Open House and Juried Art Show

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

All Nations Native American Pow Wow

If you are or could be near Arkansas City on Mar 28-29, please consider attending the All Nations Native American Pow Wow. It is an important Kansas Flint Hills Heritage festival.

The event runs from 7 pm on Mar 28 and runs to 4 pm on Mar 29. Come enjoy the beauty of the costumes and rhythm of the drums.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Flint Hills Foundwood Carvings - Classes

Check out Millard Harrell's Found Wood Carvings blog for the current list of classes through the spring and into the summer. What a fascinating prospect! Travel into the Flint Hills to locate and harvest cottonwood bark, that will then be carved into a wood spirit.


Four classes are on the current schedule, in Topeka, Baldwin City, and in Emporia. What a great experience!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Kansas Regional Field Trials - Eureka

March 20 through March 29 participants, dogs and horses compete at the Regional Dog Trials competitions. Spectators from across the country come to watch.

Watch exceptional dogs from across America and Canada compete for top honors. Bring your horse, ride, visit, or just come and enjoy the beautiful Flint Hills at the Bechtel Ranch. RV hookups, hot showers, and laundry facilities, along with on premise breakfast and lunch are just some of the amenities offered. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing at the Konza

Greater Prairie Chicken Viewing at the Konza starts Mar 15 and runs through Apr 20, 2009. Viewing the courtship behavior of the Greater Prairie Chick will be allowed by reservation only and is on a first-come-first-served basis. This is a program of the Konza Environmental Education Program, four weeks each spring.


See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

2009 Kansas Agritourism Conference

The 2009 Kansas Agritourism Conference will be held on March 25-26 at the Highland Hotel & Convention in Great Bend. I attended the one in the fall of 2004. It was a great experience... well run.

Learn marketing basics, putting together your business plan, pricing your product, financing, food safety, school tour ideas, working with your local community and much, much more at this don't miss conference, sponsored by the Kansas Department of Commerce, Rural Development Division.

Sign up by March 16 to receive an early-bird discount.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

"No Child Left Inside"

Thanks to Louise Carlin for sharing this neat article on kids and nature (perhaps you've read it already!):

http://www.kansas.com/topstories/story/721849.html

What can you do, to help?

One way would be to donate to the Friends of the Flint Hills Fund at the Kansas Rural Communities Foundation (click on Affiliates, and choose Friends of the Flint Hills) - the fund wants to contribute to these kinds of projects. Thank you for working with us, on this. Questions and comments always welcomed.

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

Cassoday Today

See Flyover People Daily News for March 7th for a great set of photos of Cassoday. We always enjoy Cheryl Unruh's column and blog, but this one has a special flavor of Kansas Flint Hills current Heritage being made, today. Check it out!

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)

A Chase County Cowgirl

Minta Van Nortwick, Cottonwood Falls, presents A Chase County Cowgirl at 2:00 pm on March 7.

One of the top women trick riders from the 1930s through the 1950s, Marge Roberts of Chase County began performing in the Clyde Miller Wild West Show at the age of 13 and she won the 1940 ladies Bronc Riding Championship. Learn about Marge Roberts in this first-person debut performance by Minta VanNortwick of Cottonwood Falls. It will be held at Pioneer Bluffs Historic Ranch, one mile north of Matfield Green on Highway 177.

Location and Contact:
695 Ks Hwy 177
Matfield Green, KS 66862
Phone: (620) 753-3484

See you in the Kansas Flint Hills! ;-)