Tallgrass May-July

TALLGRASS
May - July 2016 I Volume 5
Prepare to be amazed at our
3 Amazing Dinosaurs! exhibit!
Check out all of the latest
4 programs in education!
FHDC says goodbye to two
6 great volunteers
Nancy Kassebaum Baker received “Friend of the Flint Hills”
award on Saturday, April 16 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center!
www.flinthillsdiscovery.org 315 S. Third Street Manhattan, KS 66502 785.587.2726

Direction
Starting New
Spring has
arrived in
Kansas and the
Flint Hills landscape
is showing off its
many colors of
beauty. The cattle
are grazing on the
new growth from
the recent prairie
burns and color is returning to the Tallgrass
Prairie and drawing out numerous visitors
for outdoor experiences. The prairie will
continue to change as we move into
summer so plan now to go out and
experience the beauty of the Flint Hills
and all that they have to offer.
As the FHDC moves into May, there are
many changes ahead. First, is the new
exhibit, Amazing Dinosaurs! which opens
on Saturday, May 14. It will be an
opportunity to learn all about the different
kinds of dinosaurs that walked this earth.
There will be many hands-on interactive
learning for all ages!
Mark Flint Hills Festival on your calendar
for Saturday, May 21. This annual
celebration will take place from 11 a.m. – 5
p.m. at FHDC and the Blue Earth Plaza.
Partnerships
& Sponsorships
• ESB Financial (Amazing Dinosaurs!)
• KU Natural History Museum
(Amazing Dinosaurs!)
• FHDC Foundation
• Manhattan Convention
& Visitors Bureau (Flint Hills Festival)
The event will be even bigger and better
this year with live music performances,
family activities, beer and wine samples
and more. The best part? It’s general
admission to participate in the activities
and FHDC members get in free!
The fun continues into the summer
months. On Saturday, July 23, we will
celebrate National Day of the Cowboy.
Dust off your boots and get out your
cowboy hat and join others as we
celebrate our region’s heritage. Some of the
activities will include branding, buckboard
rides, roping cattle and line dancing. It is a
fun day to make-believe you’re a Cowboy!
We look forward to you visiting again
and again at the Flint Hills Discovery Center
and please let us know what we can do to
make your experience better!
Susan Adams, Director
Memberships
FRIENDS
Bluestem Members
• Frank Nigro & Shauntia Rippee Family
• James & Genevive Gardner Family
• Jim & Shirley Whitehead Family
• Sarah and Thomas Killian Family
Thank you for
your support!
Flint Hills Discovery Center
315 South Third Street
Manhattan, KS 66502
785.587.2726
Hours of Operation:
Open 363 days a year!
Membership Information:
membership.fhdc@cityofmhk.com
flinthillsdiscovery.org
Memorial Day - Labor Day
Mon. - Wed.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thurs.: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun.: 12 - 6 p.m.
Labor Day - Memorial Day
Mon. - Wed.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Thurs.: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat.: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sun.: 12 - 5 p.m.
About:
Tallgrass is produced by the
Flint Hills Discovery Center
and is published quarterly.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
is a division of the City of
Manhattan’s Parks & Recreation
Department.
Our Mission:
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
inspires people to celebrate,
explore and care for the Flint Hills.
On the Cover:
Nancy receives “Friend
of the Flint Hills” award.
2 www.flinthillsdiscovery.org May - July 2016

Exhibitions
Amazing Dinosaurs! coming to the Tallgrass Gallery!
Dinosaurs have been the main
topic for the last few months at
the Flint Hills Discovery Center.
“We are honored to host Amazing
Dinosaurs! for the first time,” said Roy
Garrett, exhibits/operations manager.
On Saturday, May 14, our summer
blockbuster, Amazing Dinosaurs! will
make its world premiere.
“Dinosaur fans of all ages will have a
chance to know those majestic and fierce
creatures like never before,” said Tom
Hendershot, exhibition curator. “Kids can
explore, discover and touch real teeth
and bones from many of the most famous
dinosaurs,” said Hendershot. “They’ll find
out how fast baby dinosaurs grew and
touch real dinosaur eggs.”
In Amazing Dinosaurs! you will see how
dinosaurs lived, how big they were, what
they ate and so much more.
“We’re really excited to offer so many
fun and creative ways for kids to express
their own ideas about how dinosaurs
may have looked and behaved,” said
Hendershot.
Event Rentals
Amazing birthday parties with Amazing Dinosaurs!
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
is always a great choice for
birthday parties, but Amazing
Dinosaurs! gives a unique, once-in-alifetime
opportunity this summer.
Let the FHDC crew create the perfect
dinosaur-themed celebration with cake,
ice cream and fun activities. Our staff will
work with you to create age appropriate,
hands-on experiences for your guests. Not
only can we plan birthday parties for kids,
but also adults! If dinosaurs aren’t your
thing, that’s okay! We can plan your party
around almost any theme.
Would you like to take care of the
details? Our Discovery Package is
perfect for you. It includes a private
room and passes; all you have to do
is bring in the decorations and cake.
Private rooms are also available for
hourly rental without passes. It’s a great
FHDC members will get a sneak preview
at the members’ opening reception on
The exhibit will be on display Saturday,
May 14 - Sunday, September 11 and is
sponsored by ESB Financial with supporting
items from the KU Natural History Museum.
option if your guests want to spend all
their time celebrating with the guest of
honor.
From “We do it all” to “Do it yourself,”
your next birthday party at the Flint Hills
Friday, May 13, 5:30-7 p.m. To RSVP or
become a member, call 785.587.2726.
Discovery Center is sure to be amazing!
Contact Events Coordinator
Jonathan Mertz at (785) 587-2729 ext.
208 or mertz@cityofmhk.com to check on
availability to arrange a tour.
An example of a dinosaur themed birthday cake for your child’s party!
May - July 2016 www.flinthillsdiscovery.org 3

Education
From dynamos to dinosaurs, education is going prehistoric this summer!
With spring behind us and
summer right around the
corner, it’s time to switch gears
from dynamos to dinos! Our How People
Make Things exhibit proved wildly popular
with a series of glassmaking workshops
and free craft demos as part of the
experience.
In March, the Discovery Center
welcomed K-State Professor Donna
Fullmer who taught three Glassmaking
Workshops for youth ages 8-18.
Participants created their own glass
creations through a series of techniques
including hot glass and stained glass.
During Spring Break, we welcomed five
local craftspersons to demonstrate their
skill in a series of live demonstrations
called “Meet the Makers.” From
metalwork to wire jewelry to
woodworking, audiences were wowed
by their skill and artistry. The Flint Hills
Woodturners presented our March Go
See It! lecture turning a piece of solid oak
into a wood bowl in just under an hour.
Even the local Girl Scouts were part of
the action, participating in our first Girl
Scout STEM Party. They learned all about
computer programming, potential energy
and the science of catapults.
But did you hear that roar? The
Amazing Dinosaurs! exhibit is right
around the corner. Have a budding
Connecting with the Flint Hills
Prairie-Chickens, Wolf Spiders, Go See It! lectures and more!
The weather is warm, the sun is
shining and it’s time to get out
and experience the Flint Hills! After
a successful spring, the education team
has put together a dynamic set of
programs to connect people with our
wonderful surroundings.
FHDC successfully led our second
annual series of Greater Prairie-Chicken
booming trips this spring. Guests from as
far away as North Dakota and Indiana
witnessed the beauty and majesty of
these magnificent birds. Now they have
one less thing on their nature bucket list!
Looking for the perfect opportunity
to get the kids out of the house this
paleontologist in the family? Sign them
up for Dinosaur Academy so they can test
their knowledge. This unique program for
youth ages 8-12 will explore dinosaurs in
depth including access to our behind-thescenes
fossil collection. They will handle
and study real dinosaur fossils including
the fearsome T-rex. Two dates are available:
May 14 and June 11.
Need something for the younger kids?
Sign them up for Kids’ Dinosaur Dinner
Theater on June 25, perfect for ages 6-10.
We welcome puppeteer Priscilla Howe
Donna Fullmer taught glassmaking workshops at FHDC in March.
summer, sign them up for Prairie
Keepers. In this new program, youth ages
9-14 will travel out into the Flint Hills and
discover what makes the tallgrass prairie
unique through interactive nature-based
learning.
If you’re looking for creepy, crawly fun
for the entire family, sign up for our
second annual Wolf Spider Night Walk
on Saturday, June 18. Join Professor
Dustin Wilgers as he leads you on an
evening stroll to find, catch and
release wolf spiders.
Your opportunities to experience
the Flint Hills continue this summer
with our free Go See It! lecture series.
who will present long lost dinosaur fairy
tales. Then the kids will get to create
two of their very own dino puppets and
explore our fossil collection.
Can’t get enough dinosaurs? See a
paleontologist work on a real dinosaur
fossil at our Paleo Lab on May 14 and June
11 from 1-4 p.m. Included with regular
admission.
We’re also offering two full weeks of
dinosaur themed Adventure Camps this
summer in addition to our regular two
weeks of camp. It’ll be Jurassic fun!
On May 19, learn about the recreational
activities on the Kaw River from the
Kansas Riverkeeper Dawn Buehler.
Then, on June 16, you can get a behind
the scenes look at the Wamego Fourth
of July fireworks show from the technical
team behind the magic.
On July 21, Park Ranger Heather Brown
will share the story of the Tallgrass Prairie
Preserve and the National Park Service as
both celebrate milestone anniversaries.
Finish the summer with a lecture from
K-State professor Nathan Hendricks on
August 18 who will present on the issue of
modern sodbusting in the United States.
All Go See It! lectures run 6:30-7:30 p.m.
4 www.flinthillsdiscovery.org May - July 2016

FHDC Foundation
Nancy receives Friend of the Flint Hills award
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
Foundation recognized Nancy
Kassebaum Baker as the “2016
Friend of the Flint Hills,” on Saturday, April
16. The award honors significant time,
effort and resources devoted to the cause
of conserving the Flint Hills of Kansas and
northern Oklahoma and to the Flint Hills
Discovery Center. The award is given to
an individual(s), nongovernmental
organization or public institution each
spring since 2012.
“Kassebaum was chosen as the 2016
recipient for her exemplary leadership
role and commitment to the Flint Hills
as an elected official,” said Bruce Snead,
President of the Flint Hills Discovery
Center Foundation.
Kassebaum’s love of Kansas and the
Flint Hills region was exemplified by her
efforts along with that of others in the
establishment of the Tallgrass Prairie
National Preserve near Strong City, KS
in 1996. This year marks the 20th
anniversary of the Tallgrass Prairie
National Preserve and the 100th
anniversary of the U.S. National Park
Service.
The significance of the 20 year
anniversary is that this was the first time
a public and private entity came together
and formed a partnership dedicated to
Shopping
preserving a portion of the last remaining
stand of tallgrass prairie in North America.
The Nature Conservancy and the National
Park Service partnered in order to foster
preservation, provide a
venue to interpret local
cultural and historical
features, provide visitors
with the opportunity to
become inspired and to
explore the ecological,
geological and historical
aspects of the property.
The Tallgrass Prairie
National Preserve is the
only one of its kind in
the National Park Service
system.
Kassebaum
served three terms
representing the state
of Kansas in the U.S.
Senate from 1979-1997.
She returned to her
permanent home in
the Flint Hills in 2014
following the death of
her husband, Howard
Baker.
Former U. S. Senator
Kassebaum Baker
accepted her award at
Gift Store features jewelry by local artisan, Dorothy Farrand
the annual recognition event on April 16,
2016 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center in
Manhattan.
Nancy Kassebaum Baker received the “Friend of the Flint
Hills” award on Saturday, April 16, 2016.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
Gift Store now proudly carries
Dorothy Farrand’s jewelry. Farrand
has always enjoyed art and while
originally from South Africa, this interest
was fully realized when her family built
their house on the prairie of the Flint Hills.
“Making jewelry happened
serendipitously as an activity to enjoy
with family and friends,” said Farrand.
“For me, it has been deeply satisfying and
meaningful.”
Using the natural shape and coloring of
the prairie plants, Farrand frames her art
and handcrafts each piece.
“I hand shape and construct
the gold or silver wire frames
using a cold-form process,” said
Farrand.
“Then I add handmade paper
that is unique and varied. In the
final step of the creative process,
I treat each piece with several
layers of sealant to create a piece
that is delicate and light, yet also
durable and water-resistant.”
The FHDC is honored to have
Farrand’s art included in our
ever-growing selection of made
in Kansas products!
Farrand’s jewelry can be found in the Gift Store.
May - July 2016 www.flinthillsdiscovery.org 5

315 S. 3rd. St. Manhattan, KS 66502 | 785.587.2726 | www.flinthillsdiscovery.org
A Fond Farewell
A huge thank you to FHDC volunteers, Craig and Diane Barrows
Volunteering
At the Flint Hills Discovery Center,
one of the core values is
community. FHDC volunteers
devote their time and energy to help
make the vision a reality.
Brieanna Schmitz, volunteer
coordinator, is determined to help
cultivate new opportunities for
volunteering.
“I’ve received several inquiries from
K-State students, particularly in the
Special Events
Sunday, May 8
Mother’s Day Special
noon - 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 21
Flint Hills Festival
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday, June 25
Dinosaur Dinner Theater
5:30-9 p.m.
All at FHDC would like to
extend a heartfelt thank
you to two volunteers,
Craig and Diane Barrows, who
are leaving after four years of
service to move closer to family.
Each volunteer brings a unique
contribution to our mission and
the Barrows have contributed
greatly. They have been
instrumental in the success of
our educational programs as
Two of FHDC’s volunteers,
Craig and Diane Barrows.
education department, looking for
volunteer opportunities for their
classes,” said Schmitz.
The Flint Hills Discovery Center
will now host several K-State student
volunteers each semester.
“We hope this will help provide an
avenue for educators in training to get
some valuable interpretative learning
experience,” said Schmitz.
Saturday, May 14
Amazing Dinosaurs! opens
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday, June 11
Dinosaur Academy
2-4 p.m.
Saturday, July 23
National Day of the Cowboy
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
well as heightening many guests’
experiences. Their insight into education
and guest relations has been a monumental
resource that will be sorely missed.
Not only have the Barrows volunteered
at the Flint Hills Discovery Center, Diane
has volunteered at the Douglass
Community Center as part of their
tutoring program, while Craig has
been a professor of physics at Highland
Community College in Wamego.
The staff at the Flint Hills Discovery
Center wishes the Barrows safe travels
and the best of luck as they set out on
their new journey.
Please help welcome
new volunteers
• Cynthia Crites
• Chelsea Figge
• Destiny Hett
• Josh Keiter
• Patricia Pearson
• Abeline Rueda
K-state volunteers:
• Allyson Bogen
• Haylee Eaton
Saturday, May 14
Dinosaur Academy
2-4 p.m.
Sunday, June 18
Father’s Day Special
noon - 6 p.m.
• Alec Melvin
• Andrew Powers
Sunday, September 11
Family Day
12 - 5 p.m.
6 www.flinthillsdiscovery.org May - July 2016