VNPS Tallgrass Prairie Wildflower Trip, May 31-June 7, 2008

Join us for a trip to Kansas to experience the beauty of the Tallgrass Prairie that once covered 400,000 square miles of the North American continent. Less than 4% of this prairie remains, primarily in the Flint Hills. In the spring, long before the native grasses reach their peak, native wildflowers are in full bloom. Birds and butterflies are plentiful as well.

Tours will include the National Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Chase County Kansas, the Konza Biological Station and Tallgrass Prairie, Coblentz Prairie and more. Lodging will be in a guest house/motel near the preserves in Council Grove. Council Grove also offers many historic sites and museums and the Flint Hills Rodeo.

Participants will meet on the evening of May 31 for a reception and orientation. Those traveling by air should arrive in Kansas City, Mo. Transportation to Kansas and breakfast and dinner are the responsibility of the participants. Transportation while on tour will be by private car/carpool for those who plan to drive or rent their own car. For those who fly, we plan to arrange group transportation if needed. The cost of this transportation will be based on vehicle rental fees, gas and insurance costs, and will be determined when we know how many people will choose this option.

Cost of the trip is $500.00 and includes lodging, lunches in the field, tour fees, guide fees, and a tax deductible gift of $50 to VNPS.

Reservations and deposit of $200.00 are needed by March 15, 2008. Full payment of the remaining $300.00 is due May 1. Space is limited to 14 participants. For more information, contact Helen Hamilton at 757-564-4494, helen44@earthlink.net or Linda Wilcox, 757-468-4346, W8n2FotoF14@cox.net.

Links of interest:
National Park Site:
http://www.nps.gov/tapr/index.htm
Konza Prairie: http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/kansas/preserves/art65.html
Chambers of Commerce:
http://www.councilgrove.com/
http://www.chasecountychamber.org/