A perfect late winter evening would offer a clear night sky and crisp temperatures but little wind — ideal for viewing Mars, galaxies and nebulas over the Cheyenne Bottoms. Winter is best for star gazing; no other season offers so many bright stars and other deep sky wonders so close together.
Karl Grover, Cheyenne Bottoms area wildlife manager, will lead the third star gazing program March 16 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, about an hour’s drive from Pratt. Previous programs, in the summer and fall, have been popular. Even though it was cold in November, participants stayed for about an hour and a half, Pam Martin, Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks educator, said.
After a 30-minute introductory session inside, participants will bundle up and walk a short distance to a viewing area. Telescopes are provided, or participants may bring their own. Participation is limited to 15.
If the night sky is not clear, the Center will contact participants and reschedule if possible.
The Kansas Wetlands Education Center opened last April. It was built by KDWP, but deeded to and operated as an annex of Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History. Located on a state highway at the entry point to a 41,000-acre land sink, more than 11,000 visitors found the Center in its first 10 months. They represent 48 states — all but New Jersey and Montana — and 19 countries.
There is plenty to see on a daily basis. An exhibit area provides a visual history of development at the Bottoms and its plant and wildlife. Kids like the live animals, including a mouse that howls. There is a half-mile walking trail and telescopes inside the center to allow bird-watching in comfort. A white board in the lobby contains a weekly tally of “what’s out here.” Last week 50,000 pintail ducks visited the Bottoms.
“Spring migration is just amazing,” Martin said.
Waterfowl and sandhill cranes began arriving in February. Herons and egrets come in March and April and most shorebirds arrive in late April and early May. By late May, any birds remaining will have begun nesting.
The Center has been a popular place for school field trips and Kansas Day activities. Martin has developed a variety of programs correlated with state science standards. Most have hands-on components and may include outdoor activities. Programs to meet Scout merit badge requirements are also available.
If the students can’t come to the Center, Martin will take programs to them — free within a 75-mile radius.
Tour groups of children and/or adults can be arranged to include the education center, nature trail, a portion of Cheyenne Bottoms and can be combined with the Great Bend Zoo and Raptor Center. A summer water park in Great Bend makes a full day’s get-away, Martin noted.
Popular programs for adults include bird watching, landscaping, and Kansas wildflowers.
Summer programs are scheduled or can be arranged for tours.
For information about educational programs, call KWEC at 620-786-7456 Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and ask for Pam Martin or e-mail pamela.martin@wp.state.ks.us.
Pratt, Kan. —
