February/March, 2025

In this Newsletter

Greater Prairie-Chicken populations continue to decline

Funding for the State Water Plan moves forward

Cedar removal enters its second stage at Hutton: Burning the piles of cut cedar

Old World Bluestems are not friendly relatives of Big Bluestem

Progress? for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Upcoming AOK Events: Save the Date!

March 27: "Marvelous Migration" presentation with Sunflower Audubon in Hays
Mid-March through early May: Sharp-tailed Grouse Tours at AOK's Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassett, NE
A few spots still open for Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival
May 3: Big Kansas Road Trip events, Elkhart

Philanthropy Corner: Double Your Impact

Chapter Spotlight: Topeka Audubon talks all things avian at 'Birds and Beer'

AOK Nature Spot Recommendations: Take a Flint Hills Trail State Park Adventure

Addendum to Bald Eagle story

Visit AOK's Website

Greater Prairie-Chicken populations continue to decline

Every three years, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks arranges for aerial surveys to be conducted for Greater Prairie-Chickens throughout Kansas. Surveys were conducted in 2015, 2018, 2021, and 2024. During March and April, observers in helicopters count prairie-chickens in 240 randomly selected grids spread throughout the Northern High Plains, Eastern Smoky Hills, and Flint Hills ecoregions. Audubon of Kansas requested a copy of the most recent report. The results are sobering.

The Flint Hills used to be the stronghold for prairie-chickens in the state. The rocky soil prevented the land from being plowed for agriculture, preserving the largest expanse of native tallgrass prairie habitat in North America. Now, Greater Prairie-Chickens in the Flint Hills have reached their lowest numbers to date (5,104 individuals, 576 leks), and harbor fewer birds than the other ecoregions. The decline is linear and steady since 2015.

Although the Eastern Smoky Hills has more prairie-chickens than the Flint Hills (13,471 individuals, 2033 leks), the region is also experiencing a similar linear and steady decline since 2015.

The only region where I would consider Greater Prairie-Chicken populations 'stable' is in the Northern High Plains. Prairie-chicken populations naturally cycle, increasing when precipitation is normal and decreasing during drought years. Although the population size is lower than three years ago, the region is coming out of a several year drought similar to 2013-2015, the last period of intense drought. The next survey will either support the precipitation idea if the numbers rebound following years with average precipitation or send prairie-chicken biologists on the hunt for other causes if numbers continue to decline.

Some would have you think all the declines are solely due to drought. If that were the case, the Flint Hills would be doing the best as it receives more precipitation on average than the other areas. The High Plains and Smoky Hills should be similar due to their proximity. No, the declines in the Smoky Hills and Flint Hills are due to habitat loss. Cedar trees are a 'green glacier' slowly invading the prairie from east to west due to fire suppression and changing land management practices. (See our October 2024 newsletter for more information about cedar encroachment.) In areas where prescribed fire is employed to control cedars, fire is occurring too frequently or in too large of an area. Prairie-chickens need standing dead grass in May and June to protect nests and broods from predators. To remove cedars while supporting prairie-chickens in the Flint Hills, we recommend rotating burning throughout a managed area, so that there are burned and unburned areas within each managed area each year, but a particular patch is burned every 2-3 years (figure below). The burn interval may be different in different parts of the state. Mechanical removal of cedars either by mulching or cutting at the base can also be effective.

Essay and views by AOK Executive Director and Prairie Grouse Biologist JK Augustine

Top left: Greater Prairie-Chicken displaying by JK Augustine

Top right: Ecoregions surveyed: Brown in western Kansas is the Northern High Plains; Blue in central Kansas is the Eastern Smoky Hills; Green in eastern Kansas is the Flint Hills. Figure from Western EcoSystems Technology's report to KDWP 2024.

Above center: Prairie-Chicken population size estimated from all years aerial surveys were conducted. The Northern High Plains were surveyed more frequently because of the presence of the federally threatened Lesser Prairie-Chicken. Figure from Western EcoSystems Technology's report to KDWP 2024.

Below: Diagram showing patch-burn/patch-graze rotation from KDWP's handout.

Funding for the

State Water Plan

moves forward

HOUSE BILL 2113 would create a new State Conservation Fund (SC Fund) and authorize transfers from the State General Fund (SGF) to the new fund and other state funds for conservation districts and other water-related programs. SC Fund would be in the State Treasury and any monies credited to the SC Fund would be expended or transferred only for purposes made in accordance with appropriation acts for the financing of conservation programs. The SC Fund would not be subject to allotments or appropriations transfers. Monies credited to the SC Fund would be used to supplement existing appropriations and would not be used to supplant SGF or special revenue fund appropriations to the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA).

This bill authorizes on July 1, 2025 and each July 1 thereafter to transfer $2.5 million from the SGF to the SC Fund. The bill requires the monies transferred to the SC Fund be used to provide a state match on the basis of $2 of state monies to $1 dollar of non-state or private monies for domestic water quality sampling (to establish a water quality data set similar to the existing water quantity data set at the Kansas Geological Survey). This bill expands the transfers from SGF to the State Water Plan Fund (SWPF) from $35 million to $55 million on July 1, 2025 and requires further transfers of $55 million on July 1, 2026 and July 1, 2027. Of the $55 million transfer, this bill requires the transfer of $7 million from SWPF to the Water Technical Assistance Fund and $18 million transferred from SWPF to the Water Projects Grant Fund. HB 2113 passed the House 106 to 15. It is now before the Senate Ways and Means Committee with an uncertain fate.

Why is water important?

Some 100+ communities are at risk of running out of water in 25 years. Water insecurity limits the ability to retain and attract new businesses. Water quality threatens the health of Kansans and our ecosystem.

Role of the Kansas Geological Survey

Jay Kalbas – Director of Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) for two years – gave a splendid, informative presentation to the Kansas House Water committee on Tuesday, January 28. This 90-minute report gave a superb overview of KGS functions with a special emphasis on water supply and water quality. KGS has 170 employees, 50 of whom are water scientists. Kansas and KGS have the best water supply data in the United States, with decades of water supply data collected and analyzed. Since the 1990s, KGS has measured water levels in 1,400 wells every year in January to analyze water level changes over the last year. KGS also has 54 continuously monitored water wells that use GPS to transmit measurements twice daily. KGS is modeling this water supply data in comparison to the yearly tested wells. KGS is now increasing its water quality monitoring to 70 wells with an interim goal of 300 and a future goal of over 1,000. KGS is also doing more modeling of streambank stabilization and soil erosion, especially into key federal reservoirs that hold public water supplies for two-thirds of all Kansans. Special monitoring has been done above Perry Reservoir as to soil sedimentation, and the role soil health can play in mitigating some of that soil erosion. KGS also has core drilling samples of the 100,000+ Kansas wells that have been drilled. Jim Butler, KGS groundwater hydrologist, reported on a special aerial monitoring of water levels by using aerial equipment (Airborne Electromagnetic) flying 150 feet above the ground and taking electronic transmissive readings down 600 feet to map aquifers. This effort began in a portion of Groundwater Management District (GMD) 4 (northwest) with plans to fly GMD #1 (west), #2 (Equus Beds near Hutchinson) & #3 (southwest) next year if resources are available.

Reprinted from Kansas Rural Center's Policy Watch newsletter, which Audubon of Kansas sponsors.

Kansas Geological Survey Testimony to the House Committee on Water

Kansas Geological Survey presentation to the House Committee on Water

Cedar removal enters its second stage at Hutton: Burning the piles of cut cedar

In our November 2023 newsletter, we talked about two projects to remove cedars from 200 acres of prairie at AOK's Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. One project was to remove cedars along Willow Creek, a spring-fed coldwater creek that harbors two state endangered fish (redbelly and finescale dace). The cedars were shading the banks, killing the native grasses and wildflowers whose complex root systems hold the soil together, and increasing erosion into the creek. The second project was to remove cedars on the forest edges near the Niobrara River. These cedars can make it harder for the elk to move through the forest in that area. Removing them also slows their spread into the grasslands.

This winter, both cedar removal projects were completed and the cedars were stacked in piles. After a snow event, these piles were safely burned - over 65 piles in total!

Next, we hope to add 'beaver dam analogs' to the stream. These artificial beaver dams slow down erosion and increase sedimentation. More information and a photo of a beaver dam analog can be found in last December's newsletter.

Old World Bluestems are not friendly relatives of Big Bluestem

Although they are both called 'bluestem,' Old World Bluestems are neither closely related to or quite as friendly as Big or Little Bluestem. As their name implies, Old World Bluestems, like Yellow and Caucasian Bluestem, are not native to North America. They were introduced to Kansas in several test plots, and they quickly spread. They exude chemicals that prevent other plants from growing nearby. Controling this species takes consistent management over a number of years.

Learn more

Progress? for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Several recent news articles and press releases have touted 'progress' for securing water rights for Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge requested that streamflow depletion be reduced by 14,000 acre-feet over 5 years. Local landowners and agencies have met the year 1 target with largely with voluntary agreements. For decades, voluntary water conservation agreements have been established only to have them fizzle after a few years. AOK remains committed to finding a permanent solution to restore water to Quivira.

Read KCUR's Reporting

Experience the dance!

Reservations are now being accepted for opportunities to view Sharp-tailed Grouse at AOK's Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary. Tours occur from mid-March through early May. You will get amazing views as the males strut their stuff to attract a female. The males' synchronized dancing is a spectacle unique to this grouse species. You will view the birds from a blind where males may approach as close as 20 feet! We provide the blind, a chair, and a guide so you don't get lost in the dark! Lodging available for an additional fee.

All proceeds support Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary.

Click the link below for more information.

Learn more!

AOK Events - Save the date!

Join us at the following events!

Mar 27, 5:30pm - "Marvelous Migration" public presentation

Professor's, 521 E 11th St, Hays, KS 67601

AOK Executive Director Jackie Augustine will present during the meeting of Sunflower, a Chapter of National Audubon. Over 350 species of birds migrate from North America to Central and South America and back every year. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, will describe the challenges of this arduous journey and how you can help migrating birds in Kansas.

April 10-13 - Fourth annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival

Hays, KS

The festival offers opportunities to see both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens, guided trips to Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira, prairie-chicken management and geology tours, behind-the-scenes tours of the Sternberg Museum of Natural History, and social events.

Almost sold out! Register today!

May 3 - Big Kansas Road Trip

Elkhart, KS

Once again, AOK will be leading tours in conjunction with the Big Kansas Road Trip on Saturday, May 3.

6:30am & 8am - Bird Watching at the Birdiest Site in Morton County

Although not a glamorous location, more bird species have been seen in the area including and surrounding Elkhart's Cemetery and wastewater treatment plant than in any other location in Morton County - over 300 species in total! More bird species have only been reported at one other location in Kansas (Cheyenne Bottoms), making Elkhart the second birdiest location in the entire state. Several factors contribute to the area's reputation as a birding hotspot for Kansas. The combination of water, woods, and grassland attracts diverse species. Morton County itself is where east meets west and north meets south. For example, you are just as likely to see a Black-throated Gray Warbler, typical of the western US, as you are to see a Black-throated Green Warbler, typical of the eastern US. Although the birds will be more active at 6:30am, we are offering a second tour at 8am for those that prefer a bit more sleep.

Meet on Lagoon Lane between the cemetery and the wastewater treatment plant (37.012213, -101.892218). Bring binoculars if you have them, but there will also be several pairs to share. No restroom facilities are available at this location.

1pm - Bird Watching at Middle Springs

Experienced birders know three things: 1) birds are attracted to water, especially in the dry parts of western Kansas, 2) songbirds are migrating during the month of May, and 3) because of its westernmost location and unique habitats, Morton County attracts species found nowhere else in the state. Combined, this opportunity is the best-of-the-best-of-the-best of Kansas birding. Luckily, you don't have to be an experienced birder to enjoy this search for birds. Audubon of Kansas Executive Director Jackie Augustine has been watching birds for 25 years, and will lead the walk and share her excitement for watching birds. Bring binoculars if you have them, but there will also be several pairs to share. Be prepared for a 1 or 2 mile walk through the prairie with scattered trees (comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, bug spray). Meet in the parking lot at Middle Springs (37.113256, -101.926817) in Cimarron National Grasslands.

3pm - Child-Friendly Beginning Bird Watching

Children love being outside, and this program will help them learn a little more about what they are seeing. We will begin by playing a migration game, where they will learn about the challenges birds face when they migrate. Then, we will read 'Ruby's Birds,' a book about a child learning how to notice and watch birds in her neighborhood. Finally, we will learn how to use binoculars and walk around Middle Springs looking for birds. Bring binoculars (if you have them) and be prepared for a 0.5 mile walk through prairie with scattered trees (comfortable shoes, water, sun protection, bug spray). Meet in the parking lot at Middle Springs (37.113256, -101.926817) in Cimarron National Grasslands. Event presented by Audubon of Kansas.

8:30pm - Sunset at Point of Rocks

Point of Rocks is the third highest site in Kansas and offers scenic views of the Cimarron River. As day turns to night, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director Jackie Augustine will be on hand to identify night sounds we are likely to hear including the calls of coyotes and owls. After dark, we will enjoy the dark night sky. Meet at Point of Rocks (37.103767, -101.938535) in Cimarron National Grasslands. No restroom facilities are available at this location.

May 14, 1-4pm - Work Day at Achterberg

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

We are having a work day at AOK's sanctuary, the Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, on Sunday, May 7 from 1-4pm. With the help of volunteers, we will be doing maintenance on 1 mile of trail, and removing invasive elms that are taking over our prairie habitat buffers. If you want something that's a little easier, you could pull garlic mustard (an invasive herb) or use iNaturalist to document the plants and animals using the area. We should have enough equipment for everyone, but workers may want to bring work gloves, pruners, loppers, chainsaws and string trimmers if they have them. Meet at the trailhead 0.5 miles north of the intersection of 170th Rd and Iron Dr., just south of the bridge. Contact Jackie via email or phone 785-537-4385 with questions. This is a great opportunity to help wildlife and see the wonderful riparian woods and prairie buffer strips which support Connie Achterberg's favorite bird, Northern Bobwhite quail.

May 31 - Celebration of a New AOK Protected Area

AOK will be receiving a new addition to our Protected Areas program in the coming months. This wonderful property south of Topeka has diverse grasslands, old growth riparian areas, and abounds with birds and other wildlife. We can't wait to showcase the wonderful habitat management and wildlife this property supports. More details will be forthcoming as details are finalized.

June 1, 1pm - Birding by Ear Walk

Alcove Spring, Marysville, KS (39.749865, -96.679093)

Just like you can tell who is talking by the sound of their voice, you can learn how to identify bird species by their song. Dr. Jackie Augustine, Audubon of Kansas Executive Director, is a bird watcher and ornithologist. In this leisurely walk, she will discuss the purpose of bird songs and how to identify common birds. Be prepared to spend time outside and bring binoculars if you have them. Although we will focus on bird songs, seeing the bird can help you remember their song.

July 5, 4:30pm and 8:30pm - Bug Watching

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

Did you know that 80% of the animals on Earth are insects? Find out more about this overlooked group from insect experts Eric and Heidi Eaton. Eric is an entomologist and author of Insectpedia (2022), Wasps: The Astonishing Diversity of a Misunderstood Insect (2021), lead author of the Kaufman Field Guide to Insects of North America (2007), and co-author of the second edition of Insects Did It First (2018) with Gregory S. Paulson. Together, Eric and Heidi have recorded 24,000 observations of 6000 species on iNaturalist.com. Bring water, snacks, and be prepared to spend time outside (possible exposure to direct sun, biting insects and poison ivy).

This event is 4-5:30pm on Saturday, July 5, at the Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743). We will reconvene at 8:30pm for 'black-lighting'. Eric and Heidi will put up black lights to attract seldom-seen insects of the night. Visitors are welcome to come and go during both events.

July 12, 6:30pm - Stroll with Chuck Otte

Mount Mitchell Heritage Prairie Park, South Entrance (29377 Mitchell Prairie Ln, Wamego, KS 66547; 39.143744, -96.296284)

Chuck is a retired K-State Extention Agent for Geary County. He seems to be an expert in everything wild. You are guaranteed to learn something!

Aug 16, 1-4pm - Work Day at Achterberg

Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm (950 N 170th Rd, Lincoln, KS; 38.994143, -98.188743)

See the description above.

Oct 5, 1-4:30pm - Hutton Open House

Hutton Niobrara Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Bassett, NE

AOK manages a 5000-acre ranch and wildlife sanctuary located along the Niobrara National Scenic River near Bassett, Nebraska. The property is generally not open to the public, but it will be open for a FREE guided tour on Sunday, Oct 5.

The Sanctuary consists of spectacular scenery, including upland prairies, steep canyons, woodlands, and high bluffs that overlook meadows, marshes, and

riparian forest along the Niobrara River, which forms the sanctuary’s northern boundary. Many species call the sanctuary home including greater prairie-chicken, sharp-tailed grouse, bobcat, porcupine, box turtles and countless native insects, wildflowers, and grasses.

Schedule

1-2pm gather at the Hutton House and tour the museum which includes Harold's books and Native American artifact collection and Lucille's paintings

2pm carpool tour of the property

4-4:30pm return to the Hutton House

Nov 7-8 - Celebration of Cranes

AOK's Celebration of Cranes festival offers the best chance for nature lovers to see the spectacular Sandhill Crane migration with a good possibility of seeing the endangered Whooping Crane in Kansas. There are only about 850 Whooping Cranes left in the world - and you could be one of a few that get to see them in the wild. More information can be found HERE when it is available.

Philanthropy Corner:

Double Your Impact

Every day, new threats emerge to wildlife and conservation efforts across Kansas and the Great Plains.

It’s easy to feel powerless—but we are not. At Audubon of Kansas, we are a committed group of conservationists working to protect wildlife and wild places. We are leading the charge for prairie-chicken conservation, advocating for strong wildlife protections, expanding our Protected Areas, and inspiring the public through events such as the Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival.

Your support fuels this work. When we stand together, we make a real and lasting impact for Kansas wildlife. A gift today strengthens our ability to advocate, conserve, and educate.

Join us in kicking off our Earth Month campaign and elevating the voices of Kansans just like you. All donations made between March 26 and April 31 will be matched 1:1, up to $36,000!

Donate today

Chapter Spotlight:

Topeka Audubon talks all things avian at Birds and Beer

Like other chapters, Topeka Audubon Society (TAS) hosts bird walks and speakers. Unlike other chapters, TAS also hosts a 'Birds and Beer' social monthly. TAS members get together for dinner, beer, and conversation on the third Tuesday of every month. Birds & Beer is an informal gathering of birders of all abilities–if you’re interested in birds, you’re invited. You can meet other birders–maybe find a carpool buddy, ask about where to find target birds, ask a bird feeding question, share life lists– the sky is the limit. Its low key and its fun. The next Birds & Beer is Tuesday, April 16.

Information from TAS's Facebook page

Visit TAS's Website

See all of TAS's events

AOK Nature Spot Recommendations

Take a Flint Hills Trail State Park Adventure

If you are like me, you are ready to get out and spend a lot of quality time outside! You could spend several days taking advantage of the unique Flint Hills Trail State Park.

The Flint Hills Trail State Park is the eighth-longest rail-trail in the U.S. and the longest trail in Kansas. Currently 89 miles are open between Osawatomie and Council Grove, with plans in the works to extend it to Herington for a total of 118 miles. It follows the general route of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail and is a component of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail. In October 2020, the U.S. Department of the Interior announced the trail has been designated a National Recreation Trail. NRT designation promotes some of our country's highest-caliber trails with the intention of providing recreation access to rural and urban communities, economic development through tourism, and healthy recreation opportunities.

The park is open to any non-motorized travel – hiking, biking and horseback riding – and is accessible for electric wheelchairs in many locations. There are no permits required to enjoy the park.

Flint Hills Trail State Park crosses the Flint Hills, one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in the world. It is home to abundant prairie plants and wildlife species, spectacular views, national historic sites, and a diverse set of recreational areas. On eastern portions of the trail, hikers and bikers travel along the Marais Des Cygnes River, between rushing waters and towering bluffs, through rolling farmland and riparian woodlands. Flint Hills Trail State Park connects with Prairie Spirit Trail State Park in Ottawa.

Photo and text by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks

Addendum: Bald Eagle officially the US National Bird

In January's newsletter, I presented an article about the Bald Eagle officially becoming the US National Bird. I introduced that article by stating, "One of the hazards of telling non-bird watchers that you are a birder is that you will inevitably be told an eagle story." A reader pointed out that this opening statement sounded arrogant and not a great way to welcome people to the hobby. I agree. I used a poor choice of words to express the idea that everyone has an eagle story. In his blog, Malcolm Gold expresses this sentiment much more eloquently than I had done. He talks about his personal experience of becoming desensitized to Bald Eagles, but to having his joy in bird watching rekindled when being able to share eagles with new birders.

Photo by David Rintoul.