A 20th anniversary celebration recognizing the first easement of the Kansas Land Trust is scheduled Sunday, June 15, from 1 o’clock to 3 o’clock, at the Akin Prairie Conservation Easement near Lawrence, announced Ginny Moore, Lawrence, KLT executive director.
“Kelly Kindscher, KLT founding member, will lead the delightful wildflower walk on intact virgin prairie,” Moore said.
“This 16-acre tract of native prairie, protected in perpetuity from development, memorializes Dorothy Akin and her love of colorful prairie wildflowers. Dorothy’s husband, Tom, and their children donated the conservation easement to KLT in 1994,” Moore explained.
“The Akin Prairie Conservation Easement stands as an enduring testament to the Akin family’s dedication to preserving the beautiful natural features of their land,” pointed out Carol Huettner, KLT office manager.
“Quentin Fox of KC Face and Body Art will be on hand during the wildflower walk to decorate both kids and kids-at-heart with his artistic painting skills,” Moore noted.
The Kansas Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that protects and preserves lands of ecological, scenic, historic, agricultural, or recreational significance in Kansas.
Moore explained, “The Kansas Land Trust is dedicated to conserving natural ecosystems, farm and ranch lands, scenic open spaces, and to preserving outdoor recreational opportunities and the historic uses of land which are vital to maintain the quality of life and economic and environmental well-being of Kansans.”
“Private property owners who know and love their land can provide for its permanent stewardship in partnership with the Kansas Land Trust. Owners can preserve a single special feature on their land, define appropriate limitations on its development, or conserve an entire landscape,” Huettner detailed.
“Landowners or not, all are welcome to be important Kansas Land Trust participants. KLT thrives on the energy, expertise, skills, and contacts provided by members and volunteers. Contributions help cover the expenses of educating property owners, carrying out land protection efforts, and raising public awareness of KLT’s mission,” Moore continued.
“We protect Kansas lands by crafting a customized conservation agreement for each landowner. Once the conservation agreement is in place, KLT works to ensure that the lands we are protecting stay protected forever,” clarified Jerry Jost, KLT conservation director
The KLT also works with other conservation organizations to preserve large, contiguous tracts of land.
“A land trust is a private, nonprofit organization that conserves land by holding conservation easements on land or by purchasing land outright. KLT carefully examines each candidate property to ensure that the land being protected fits within the organization’s mission,” Jost related.
“The KLT 20th Anniversary Wildflower Walk, June 15, is free and open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend, and we recommend that attendees wear sturdy walking shoes, long pants, and a hat and also have insect repellent, sunscreen, and ample drinking water,” Huettner invited
“Bring the kids, bring the dads as it’s Father’s Day, have a native wildflower or two painted on your face, and pick up a free native plant for your garden,” welcomed Moore, who can be contacted concerning the walk, or additional information about the KLT, at 785-749-3297 or gmoore@klt.org
Directions from Lawrence: head two miles east of Lawrence on K-10, take the East 1900 Road exit (Douglas County. 1057), go south two miles and take a right (west) on North 1150 Road. Signs will guide the way from K-10.