SOLD OUT
Relatively intact natural communities still exist within metropolitan areas and, in some cases, harbor rare and endangered species. Just ask Linda Lehrbaum, Program Manager, Kansas City WildLands. Kansas City WildLands, a coalition of resource professionals, private conservation organizations, government agencies, and community-members, is determined to restore and conserve the remnants of Kansas City’s original landscape - within boundaries that cross two states! There is much to be shared about this unique approach.
On top of the usual threats that challenge the management of natural areas (exotic species, absence of fire, and inadequate funding, for example), urban natural areas have some threats and challenges not shared by natural areas in rural settings. Greater pressure from overuse, constraints due to hard boundaries, and challenges from conflicting priorities, a concerted and consistent effort is needed to manage and maintain these high-value natural areas.
Without Lodging: $199
Lodging Included: $479
*Lodging included in registration will be at Southmoreland on the Plaza. Room availability is limited. Please register early!
Registration includes:
| Day 1 – Tuesday, August 22, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. | Arrival & Breakfast | |
| 9:00 – 9:15 a.m. | Welcome Lewis & Clark Room Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | Lisa Smith, Executive Director Natural Areas Association |
| 9:15 - 9:45 a.m. | Where the Prairie Met the Woods – A Natural History of the Kansas City Region Lying at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri rivers, Kansas City is a recent phenomenon shaped by the interplay of human and ecological forces. This talk will give a broad overview of the lay of the lands and waters of the area and their remnant natural communities. It will provide a general introduction to the environmental history of the region to provide the context for the field trips. | Mike Leahy, Natural Areas Coordinator Missouri Department of Conservation |
| 9:45 - 10:15 a.m. | The Need for Kansas City WildLands & the Protection of Urban Natural Areas A look at events leading to the creation of Kansas City WildLands & its approach to the management & restoration of neglected urban natural communities | Larry Rizzo Founder & Author, Kansas City WildLands |
| 10:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:30 - 11:00 a.m. | Collaborative Partnerships: Building A County Conservation Success Story This presentation takes a look at how collaborative partnerships and community engagement built conservation success in Johnson County, KS. The innovative landscape scale work happening today was sparked by KC Wildlands over 20 years ago. JCPRD staff will provide insight into how a recently adopted natural resource plan supercharged conservation efforts in 2020. | Matt Garrett Natural Resource Manager Johnson County Parks & Recreation District, Kansas |
| 11:00 - 11:30 a.m. | Kansas City WildLands Today & A Preview of Workshop Sites A brief look at the successes, challenges, needs and projects of Kansas City WildLands' natural community restoration 22 years after its creation, and a preview of the sites to be visited. | Linda Lehrbaum Program Manager Kansas City WildLands |
| 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch & Networking | |
| 12:30 – 12:50 p.m. | Travel | |
| 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. | Rocky Point Glades
| Larry Rizzo Founder & Author, Kansas City WildLands Linda Lehrbaum Program Manager Kansas City WildLands |
| 3:00 – 3:10 p.m. | Travel | |
| 3:10 – 4:15 p.m. | Blue River Glades Natural Area
| Larry Rizzo Founder & Author, Kansas City WildLands Linda Lehrbaum Program Manager Kansas City WildLands |
| 4:15 – 4:35 p.m. | Travel - Return to Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | |
| 4:35 – 7:00 p.m. | Dinner - On Your Own Country Club Plaza is a 15 to 20 minute walk from Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center and Southmoreland Mansion featuring a wide variety of restaurants and shops. | |
| 7:00 p.m. | Join NAA for an informal social at Southmoreland Mansion! | |
| Day 2 – Wednesday, August 23, 2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast To Go at Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | |
| 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Travel | |
| 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. | Jerry Smith Park and Saeger Woods Conservation Area
| Larry Rizzo Founder & Author, Kansas City WildLands Linda Lehrbaum Program Manager Kansas City WildLands |
| 11:00 – 11:45 a.m. | Travel | |
| 11:45 – 12:15 p.m. | Lunch - Box Lunch Provided - TimberRidge Welcome Center | |
| 12:15 - 12:50 p.m. | Grow Native! Program and Missouri Prairie Foundation, TimberRidge Welcome Center | Carol Davit Executive Director Missouri Prairie Foundation |
| 12:50 - 1:00 p.m. | Travel | |
| 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | Seed Barn
| Ginger Werp Program Coordinator Kansas City WildLands Matt Garrett Natural Resource Manager Johnson County Parks & Recreation District, KS |
| 1:45 – 2:00 p.m. | Travel | |
| 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Kill Creek Remnant Prairie
| Matt Garrett Natural Resource Manager Johnson County Parks & Recreation District, KS |
| 3:30 - 4:00 p.m. | Recap & Discussion @ Kill Creek Remnant Prairie | |
| 4:00 - 4:15 p.m. | Travel - Return to Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center | |
Kansas City, Missouri
For those who select the lodging included option, registration will include two nights you will stay in a 1913 revival mansion, Southmoreland on the Plaza.
Walking distance to Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center, and located close to Kansas City’s famous Country Club Plaza (just the plaza for locals), the mansion features beautifully appointed rooms and comfortable common areas - perfect for collegial conversation and networking. Rooms in the mansion are limited - so register for the workshop early!
The Kansas City International Airport is approximately a 30 minute drive to Anita B. Gorman Discovery Center and nearby accommodations.
This Stewardship in Action Field Workshop is provided with support from the Bureau of Land Management, Kansas City WildLands, Missouri Department of Conservation, Johnson County Park & Recreation District, Bridging the Gap, and Kansas City Parks & Recreation.
Join the people who protect and manage our natural areas.