Newsletter

July 2025

What You'll Find in this Newsletter

Advocacy: Emerging Threat to the Niobrara River

Conservation: Join Our Conservation Efforts with Two Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities

Education: AOK Staff Stay Informed to Keep You Informed

Upcoming Events

Philanthropy Corner: Give to Preserve Our Native Prairies

Chapter Spotlight: Sunflower Audubon (Northwest Kansas)

Emerging Threat to the Niobrara River

The Niobrara River runs west to east along the northern edge of Nebraska’s legendary sandhills region. Former Audubon of Kansas (AOK) Executive Director, Ron Klataske, worked to prevent a dam from forever changing the nature of the Niobrara River in the 1960s when he worked for National Audubon. His work in the region continued into the 1990s when a 76-mile stretch of the Niobrara was designated as a National Scenic River. Because of Ron’s steadfast protection of the river, Harold and Lucille Hutton donated their 5,000-acre ranch along the Niobrara River to AOK, shortly after Ron assumed the Executive Director position at AOK.

After over 30 years of protection as a National Scenic River, the Niobrara River is facing new threats. A Nebraska Senator recently introduced Legislative Resolution 158. If approved, a study will be conducted “to examine the feasibility of the State of Nebraska assuming the administration of the seventy-six mile stretch of the Niobrara River that has been designated as a national scenic river.” As a landowner with nearly 3.5 miles bordering the river, AOK values the restrictions on development along the river to preserve the natural beauty and dark sky designation, the educational opportunities provided by the National Park Service for visitors and local citizens to learn about the river, the policing on the river to keep it a safe and natural environment, the access to experts who monitor endangered species on the river, and other benefits. All of these things could be lost if the state takes over administration of the river.

While AOK has concerns about the resolution, it’s worth noting that there are some parts of the resolution that may be beneficial to the river. Namely, a provision that examines the river’s water supply to determine if water levels “will remain at a level necessary to support the needs of the users.” Although, AOK would argue that the needs of wildlife also need to be considered, especially when the river provides critical nesting habitat for endangered Piping Plovers and Interior Least Terns.

AOK is closely watching this piece of legislation, not only to conserve the beauty of AOK’s Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, but also to preserve a national treasure.

Photos of the Niobrara River by

Jackie Augustine

Photo of least tern by Gordon Warrick

Join Our Conservation Efforts

The commitment to safeguarding our natural resources is a continuous journey that requires the dedication of staff and volunteers. This August, we invite passionate individuals to join us in making a tangible difference by participating in two unique opportunities designed to enhance our conservation efforts at our protected areas.

August 11-15:

Hutton Work Fun Week

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Bassett, NE

Our 'work' weeks are not just work, but a mix of work, community, and sharing of knowledge. Not only do volunteers get access to a 5,000 acre wildlife sanctuary not open to the public, volunteers get unique experiences. This year, our Hutton Work Week is featuring American Burying Beetle surveys, a species listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Participants will have the opportunity to accompany carrion beetle experts as they check traps for the species. If an American Burying Beetle is found, a suite of measurements are taken and a number is affixed to its back that will allow it to be identified if recaptured. When not conducting surveys, participants help with habitat improvements and making the place more comfortable for visitors. Most importantly, participants get to spend time with others that love nature! 

Volunteers generally arrive Monday afternoon. There is an orientation and nice dinner. Tuesday through Thursday, days will consist of a mix of beetle surveys, work, and exploration. We have a variety of work so that all skill levels can participate. Work generally involves cutting cedars for habitat improvement, doing landscape work or deep cleaning of guest houses to make them feel more welcoming, sorting and documenting Hutton artifacts, and other odd jobs. We may also visit nearby wild places to get ideas for habitat management, visit a museum for inspiration in improving our Hutton displays, go for a hike, look for wildlife, or just relax on the porch. Free lodging will be provided to volunteers in our guest house complete with a full kitchen, five bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and plenty of space to relax. AOK will provide dinners, but volunteers should bring their own food for breakfast and lunch. Volunteers may also want to bring work gloves, hiking shoes, binoculars, insect repellent, sunscreen, and any other equipment needed for a safe and comfortable time outside. Opportunities to carpool may be available. Directions provided when RSVP received. Volunteers can help for longer or shorter periods of time if they cannot stay the entire week.

RSVP is required to participate in this event as space is limited.

Call, text, or email Jackie at jackie@audubonofkansas.org or 785-537-4385.

August 16:

Volunteer Work Day

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, East Trailhead 950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS

(38.994148, -98.188837)

1:00-4:00pm

This event will focus on combating woody encroachment. Woody encroachment, or the spread of trees and shrubs into grassland ecosystems, poses a serious threat to prairies across Kansas. This encroachment generally occurs in the absence of natural disturbances such as fire or grazing. While many of these invaders are native species, such as green ash, honey locust, and American elm, control and their removal from grasslands is key to ecosystem function. Through our efforts at this volunteer work day, we will reclaim pockets of our native grassland along the nature trail at the Achterberg Farm, cutting and treating established shrubs and saplings, and returning the prairie to a point where it can be managed with prescribed fire. 

Since we will be working with hand tools and herbicide, please remember to wear long pants and boots (or other sturdy, closed-toe shoes). Long sleeves and a hat are also encouraged. Sunscreen and bug spray will be available to all volunteers. Bring a water bottle if you have one - snacks and refreshments will be provided. Tools and personal protective equipment will be provided from the “Trail-in-a-Box” program courtesy of the Kansas Trails Council. 

Connie Achterberg donated her family farm to Audubon of Kansas in 2013, not only with a dedication to preserve the area, but a focus on sharing the inspirational and natural values of her childhood home with others. The Achterberg Farm is a both a working farm and wildlife sanctuary that exhibits how native habitat and human development can exist harmoniously. This area supports a variety of wildlife, including bobwhite quail, a favorite bird of Connie Achterberg's.

Come out and help protect the prairie!

For questions or suggestions for additional improvements at the Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, contact Kansas Protected Areas Manager, Sam at sam@audubonofkansas.org. 

AOK Staff Stay Informed to Keep You Informed

This section usually highlights the world of wildlife and habitat—but this time, we’re pulling back the curtain to share a behind-the-scenes look at our summer of skill-building. Over the past few months, our team has been hard at work sharpening their skills through a variety of professional development opportunities.

Why? Because we believe that a knowledgeable, well-prepared team is essential to advancing our mission and delivering meaningful results.

Here’s a glimpse at what we’ve been up to:

• June 2025: Nonprofit Connect Review of the 2024 Giving USA Report. Attended by Kathryn Chambers, Director of Philanthropy. This review provided an opportunity to stay up to date on national giving trends.

• June 2025: America’s Grasslands Conference in Kearney, Nebraska. Attended by Amy Meyer, Hutton Niobrara Ranch Manager. The event included speakers, posters and roundtable talks from those working and living in grasslands throughout the nation. The highlight was honoring the people and places of the Nebraska Sandhills, the largest intact temperate grassland on earth, which included field trips to area ranches and native prairie. Attendees were also invited to explore the Rowe Sanctuary along the Platte River. 

• June 2025: Tallgrass Legacy Alliance's Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Tour in Osage County, Oklahoma. Attended by Dr. Jackie Augustine, Executive Director, and Sam Richards, Kansas Protected Areas Manager, Sil Pembleton, AOK Board Member, and former AOK Executive Director, Ron Klataske. Topics discussed were Serecia lespedeza control, cattle and bison grazing, adding variation into burning and grazing management, and much more. 

• July 2025: National Audubon Leadership Conference in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Attended by Dr. Jackie Augustine, Executive Director. Small group sessions and field trips were featured. Other topics discussed included regenerative agriculture, youth involvement, advocacy, and networking with other organizations like ours.

View of the Platte River from a nature viewing blind at Rowe Sanctuary during America’s Grasslands Conference.

Photo by Amy Meyer

Evening field trip into the area where bison grazed during the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve Tour.

Photo by Jackie Augustine

Field trip as part of the National Audubon Leadership Conference.

Photo by Jackie Augustine

SAVE THE DATE

Sept. 20: Marvelous Migration Talk

Lawrence Public Library

4:00pm

Sept. 21: Celebration of New AOK Protected Area & Picnic

Far West Wildlife-Friendly Farm 

Kendalls Oak Grove at 2876 West Kansas HWY 4, Herington, Kansas

1:00-4:00pm

Oct 5: Open House

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary

Bassett, NE

1:00-4:30pm

Nov 7-8: Celebration of Cranes

Sterling, KS