The Konza Prairie

The Konza Prairie is an 8600 acre preserve of natural grasses and other vegetation that is managed by Kansas State University. My son David and I went there recently for their "Open House". We learned that "Konza" is simply another way of saying "Kansa" which were the native Americans the State was named for.

We also learned that the Konza is burned at varying intervals, some fields every year, some every 5 or even 20 years to monitor growth and learn about watersheds.

Some of their fields are grazed by Bison, many are not. They study that too.

All of this for the sake of ranchers and farmers. The research done at this Biological station is shared with those learning to manage lands, crops, animals and protect water sources. It was a beautiful day on the prairie. I do plan to go back, and although most of the Konza is closed to people most of the time, there is a hiking trail that is managed there as well. The header on this page is also from the Konza Prairie.