Source: Valerie Wright, 785-587-0381, vwm@k-state.edu

Friday, May 20, 2011

WILDFLOWERS GALORE: KONZA PRAIRIE WILDFLOWER WALK IS JUNE 5

MANHATTAN -- The Kansas Flint Hills in the tallgrass prairie are home to hundreds of species of native flowers, and now is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the show.

On Sunday, June 5, Kansas State University's Konza Prairie Biological Station offers the opportunity to walk among the flowers and discover the natural beauty of the Flint Hills. The annual Friends of Konza Prairie Wildflower Walk will be 6:30-9 p.m. along the Butterfly Hill Trail at Konza headquarters. Guided tours of this 1.2-mile trail -- an area not often open to the public -- will be offered by reservation.

"A walk through the prairie in June offers green vistas and may include a beautiful sunset," said Valerie Wright, education director for the Konza Environmental Education Program. "Our expert guides can answer your questions and identify prairie plants for you."

The Friends of the Konza Prairie will start registration at 6:30 p.m. in the Konza Meeting Hall. They also will provide slide shows and have merchandise for sale, including Konza Prairie T-shirts, hats, posters and other items.

Cost for the guided tour is $10 per person, with proceeds going to support the Konza Environmental Education Program. Make a reservation before May 31 by leaving a message, including the number in your party, at 785-587-0441. The tour is free to members of the Friends of the Konza Prairie.

For more information, visit the Konza Environmental Education Program event Web page at http://keep.konza.ksu.edu/visit/wildflower.htm or send an email to konzaed@k-state.edu.