Source: Valerie Wright, 785-587-0381, keepkonza@k-state.edu
Website: http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/visit/wildflower.htm

Monday, May 17, 2010

ANNUAL WILDFLOWER WALK AT K-STATE'S KONZA PRAIRIE JUNE 6

MANHATTAN -- Springtime means wildflowers are blooming on the prairie.

To take advantage of this colorful sight in the Kansas Flint Hills and tallgrass prairie, the Kansas State University Konza Prairie Biological Station's annual Friends of the Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk will be 6:30-9 p.m. Sunday, June 6, along the Butterfly Hill Trail near the Konza headquarters.

Guided tours of the 1.2-mile trail -- an area not often open to the public – will be offered by reservation.

The Flint Hills and tallgrass prairie are home to hundreds of species of native flowers and spring is the best time to enjoy them, said Valerie Wright, education director for K-State's Konza Environmental Education Program.

Cost for the guided tour is $7 per person, with proceeds going to support the Konza Environmental Education Program. Reservations will be taken until Monday, May 31, by leaving a message with the number in your party at 785-587-0441. The tour is free to members of the Friends of the Konza Prairie.

"A evening walk in June on Konza also may include a beautiful sunset," Wright said. "For people with an interest in prairie wildflowers, we will have expert guides who can answer your questions."

The Friends of the Konza Prairie also will be offering merchandise for sale at the tour, including Konza Prairie T-shirts, hats, posters and other items.

More information on the Friends of the Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk is available on the Web at http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/visit/wildflower.htm or by sending an e-mail to keepkonza@k-state.edu.