e
Creating outdoor opportunities throughout Kansas!
Spring/Summer 2012
Wildscape Watch The inside scoop from the outdoor world of the Kansas Wildscape Foundation. The Kansas Wildscape Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving and perpetuating the land, the wild species, and the rich beauty of Kansas for the use and enjoyment of all. In other words, we’re all about getting people outdoors and creating the opportunities to do so.
And then there were seven. Clinton State Park receives five new cabins. In 2009, Wildscape funded the construction of two rental cabins at Clinton State Park. Thanks to the success and interest of those cabins, there will soon be five more cabins to choose from at Clinton State Park this year! Site work began late last year and wrapped up in January 2012. The new cabins were built at the Norton, Ellsworth and Hutchison Correctional Facilities and started arriving in mid-February. The remaining work (utility hookups, roads, decks, etc) followed and KDWPT reports that the cabins should be available online for renting by this July.
Top-Performing Cabins
2011 Clinton State Park “Chicken Creek” = $19,253 “Camp Creek” = $18,098 Glen Elder State Park “Tahoe” = $16,975 Eisenhower State Park “Melvern” = $16,502 Wilson State Park “Elm Bluff” = $16,207 Milford State Park “Appaloosa” = $14,947
Clinton State Park Manager, Jerry Schecher.
The anticipation is building! Clinton State Park has always been a popular destination in Kansas, and with a total of seven cabins, that trend will surely continue for years to come!
Wildscape cabins provide a way for people to experience the outdoors with all of the comforts of home.
To reserve a cabin, visit the KDWP website: www.kdwpt.state.ks.us
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
Wildscape awards grant to Kansas Birding Festival. Wildscape backs organization that promotes Milford Wetlands and Cheyenne Bottoms.
In 2002, Wildscape was played a crucial role in the $5 million restoration of the Milford Wetlands near Junction City. Outdoor opportunities and experiences for all outdoor enthusiasts - from hunters and anglers to birders and hikers -were greatly enhanced by this project. Today, Wildscape continues to support the area by awarding a $15,000 grant to the Kansas Birding Festival, another organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the Milford Wetlands area. The funds will be used to purchase materials for creating mobile wildlife viewing blinds, which will also be handicap-accessible. The blinds will also serve as hunting blinds for local youth hunts in the area. In addition to the blinds, the funding will also help the group acquire new optics for future wildlife viewing events. “We were extremely pleased to hear that there were funds available for improving our events. In addition to the mobile blinds, we have purchased 14 pairs of binoculars, 5 sets of spotting scopes with tripods and 4 Kindle Fires loaded with electronic bird books including sounds. These were and will continue to be very helpful for the festival and other wildlife viewing events.” said Chuck Otte, chairman of the Kansas Birding Festival committee.
SAVE THE DATE!
Sporting Clays Tourney – Jan. 5th European Pheasant Hunt – Jan. 6th RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY!
2
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
12th year of O.K.Kids program well underway! State parks and City Recreation Commissions across Kansas are again hosting thousands of children and their families through the O.K. Kids program in 2012. Currently, 46 events are scheduled over 29 counties with more events scheduled each week. Activities such as fishing derbies, archery, hiking, bird watching, canoeing and swimming are just a few of the opportunities children will explore. Thanks to our 2012 sponsors, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas (foundation), Capitol Federal, T&C Wildlife and Coleman, events are always free to the public. Many of the events also include the opportunity for youth to enroll in the WildLifer Challenge program.
Future angler reacts as his bobber diving underwater at recent Meade State Park event.
Several top sites were recognized in early 2012 for their community collaborations and impact last year. First place went to the 7th Annual Youth Fishing Tournament at Glen Elder State Park. Second place was awarded to the collaboration of Friends of the Prairie Spirit Trail and Garnett Parks and Recreation. A tie for third by El Dorado State Park and Meade State Park for outstanding O.K. Kids Day events completed the awards for 2011.
The 2011 O.K.Kids program was hosted by 48 different locations throughout the state, reaching over 14,000 parents and children. Wildscape is seeking to reach a goal of 50 sites in 2012. If you know of an opportunity in your area, please contact Wildscape today so we can get the ball rolling!
Go to the Kansas Wildscape Foundation website to see a complete list of 2012 O.K. Kids events in your area!
3
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
WildLifer Challenge
gains momentum throughout Kansas! This year has been very exciting and productive for the foundation’s youth programs, with the Kansas WildLifer Challenge leading the way! Participant numbers have grown in the last twelve months from 331 to over 1,400 children! New collaborations abound and include the YMCA of the greater Kansas City area, Girls Scouts of Kansas Heartland, Operations Outdoors, The Wild Turkey Federation, Rock Springs 4-H Center, and numerous schools across the state.
“ N te ta p
Families continue to discover the great outdoors of Kansas and the stories conveyed are delightful. Kim Hunter and her family recently enjoyed the challenge together. “I just wanted to thank you for such a great experience for Alyssa enjoying the Muddy my daughter,” said Kim. “I didn't realize how unfamiliar she was with the great Head to Toe Challenge. outdoors. She was forced to face many fears and I am very proud of her. She has been telling everyone she knows about her challenges and showing off some super cute pictures. This has been a great summer for our family.” New in 2012 is the option to participate off-line through a manual. This wonderful tool is an excellent resource for groups and classroom settings.
Contact Wildscape if you would like to learn more about the WildLifer Challenge and how it can become a unique experience for your family or organization today!
WildLifer Challenge & O.K.Kids programs are sponsored by:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Kansas Foundation Charles & Joanne McIllwaine Foundation 4
te c C p
N g
ddy ge.
she ute ”
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
WildLifers in School! Teacher at Wichita Collegiate incorporates WildLifer Challenge program into classroom. “Does the Disney Cruise ship count for the ‘Row Your Boat’ challenge?” Not exactly. But this is just one of the unique questions 2nd grade science teacher, Sherri Newlin, is asked by her students this year. Mrs. Newlin is taking the WildLifer Challenge to an entirely new level. “The buzz about the program is amazing!” said Newlin.
Sherri Newlin
The first Kansas school to dedicate the outdoor educational curriculum to an afterschool program, 160 Wichita Collegiate students signed up to participate in Wildscape’s newest program. Led by the award-winning teacher, students complete WildLifer Challenges such as planting pear trees, building forts behind the football stadium, and making medic kits with their parents. “The parent response has been tremendous. They stopped by the science room to tell me how excited they were!” Newlin added.
ine an om
With nearly 27 years of teaching experience, this teacher’s enthusiasm and imagination overflows into the program and is contagious. Inspired by Mrs. Newlin, one student even formed a WildLifer Challenge Club to organize her neighborhood friends so they can participate in the same challenges in their backyards.
ore can or
Newlin’s enthusiam was evident in a recent email to Wildscape staff. “It’s doing so much to build across grade-level relationships with kids, allowing me to get to know them better, and helping kids to love the outdoors.” Newlin wrote. “I don't know if the pictures reveal all that because you are not with them on the activities. But this is ONE AMAZING program, regardless of whether they finish the 15 activities or not. It is changing their lives.” Sherri has been an invaluable resource for the program, offering insight to the foundation drawn from this hands-on experience. Wildscape has the deepest appreciation of her efforts and with such outstanding mentors such as Mrs. Newlin leading Kansas youth, the impact of the WildLifer Challenge is assured great success in 2012 and beyond!
www.kansaswildlifer.com 5
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
AFTER
Arkansas River Access Burley Bend site to open in July.
BEFORE
Slowly but surely, yet quietly and efficiently, Kansas Wildscape has created its first access point to the Arkansas River. Kansans have always been allowed to recreate along the approximate 100-mile waterway between Hutchinson and the Oklahoma border, but gaining access for vehicles and launching has been the challenge. Near Belle Plaine, KS, Wildscape hopes to help change things for the better. By partnering with the Ark River Coalition, KDWPT, Sport Fish Restoration, local landowners and contractors and many others, Wildscape has created its first river access point on Highway 55. With a parking lot big enough to accommodate 20 vehicles and two options for launching small boats (canoes, kayaks, flatbottom boats, etc.), the site accomplishes access for all by keeping it simple, affordable, and effective. Wildscape believes that access to the river will not only enhance outdoor opportunities for all Kansans, but it will also help bring more attention to the river and water quality issues. "The Ark River basin is an absolutely wonderful outdoor opportunity, full of unique experiences and things to see. But until more people start using this resource for recreation, it will continue to be underappreciated and undervalued. It's one of the best kept secrets in Kansas, and limited access has helped keep that secret safe for many years." says Wildscape's executive director, Charlie Black. Black says that he plans to continue on downstream for the 2nd of five potential access locations, which he will pursue later this summer. "It's not an easy process. You have to find a lot of friendly people to get things done at a price we can afford. But it's working so far."
Dangerous access points like this site on Highway 155 are far too common and limit the use of the river for everyone.
6
o l.
tes ms.
on oor om
he res val
. 5th . 6th
AY!
Creating outdoor experiences throughout Kansas!
Behind Wildscape.
Interview with Wildscape board member, Clint Junghans. Clint Junghans has been a member of Wildscape since 2007. He is the owner/broker of the Junghans Agency in Junction City, Kansas.
What is your favorite outdoor activity in Kansas? That’s a tough one. So many options! In the winter, it would be chasing the elusive whitetail. I have grown up with my father and brother deer hunting. Every winter I take off from work and we head to Deer Camp with our buddies. There have been many memories made and many stories told. In a deer stand, you get to see Kansas wildlife up close and personal. It’s like your own personal nature channel – live and in full-color. In the summer, my favorite outdoor activity is camping and boating at Milford Lake. I enjoy relaxing on the lake and at the campground. The setting sun over the lake as the grill sizzles close by is about as good as it gets for me.
How did you become involved with Wildscape? I was attracted to Kansas Wildscape because of its mission and its activities. I liked the idea that the organization’s activities and efforts are Kansas-only. None of our money goes to support a national umbrella organization or projects in other states. I also liked the idea that we are not a lobbying organization nor do we take a position on public/private land issues. We simply support the Kansas outdoor ethic and will work with public and private entities to bring outdoor opportunities to people throughout Kansas, including our close relationship and ties with KS Wildlife, Parks & Tourism. I have been fortunate to grow up in the outdoors and have had many opportunities provided to me. But I also know that many others in our state - young and old - haven’t had the same opportunities. Many don’t even know what the Kansas outdoors has to offer and how great it is. Through creating awareness and making opportunities available and affordable, we’re definitely helping to bridge
7
that gap. I also believe this will lead to happier, healthier families and a better society as a whole.
What is your favorite current Wildscape project or program? The Wildlifer Challenge. This program is aimed at getting kids and families involved with the outdoors, pure and simple. As a young adult, I have many friends who are starting to raise a family. When I mention the Wildlifer Challenge program, they immediately get excited and incorporate it into their homes. By providing a challenge to the kids and parents, it’s an easy motivator to get them away from the television and experience something even better. WildLifer also acts as a conduit for a bonding experience between parents and children. In my opinion, there is no better way to open the lines of communication and lead a young person in the right direction than spending quality time off the beaten path. Sometimes a simple task like building a fort or getting dirty are foreign to our younger generations. Kansas has too much to offer for parents to tolerate their kids sitting in front of the television all day playing video games.
Looking ahead, what is Wildscape’s biggest challenge? Maintaining a strong board of directors. Over 20 years ago, Wildscape was formed and led by a key nucleus of business and community leaders, some of whom are thankfully still on our board today. But we have to find the next generation of Wildscape leadership, and that won’t be easy. It’s time for the next generation to step up for the next 20 years.
Board of Directors Jim Booker – Kansas City Hank Booth - Lawrence Jim Braden – Clay Center Steve Brown – Salina Jim Champagne – Junction City Dan Drake - Wichita Tom Garretson – Wichita Warren Gfeller – Kansas City John Grange – El Dorado
Wildscape Staff:
Charlie Black Executive Director
Debbie Hagen – Leawood Bill Hawes – Smith Center Kieth Hiesterman - Wichita Robin Jennison – Topeka Clint Junghans – Junction City Gary Junghans – Junction City Britt King - Wichita Chuck Kreiser - Melvern Brad Mitchell - Wichita Senator Steve Morris - Hugoton
Dr. Max Moss - Wichita Bob Ring - Wichita John Rose – Mission Hills Roger Sink – Manhattan David Strohm - Wichita Justin Sturgeon – Kansas City Mike Valentine – Kansas City Mike Vineyard – Kansas City Dave Wheeler - Wichita Fred White – Kansas City
Become a Member Today! By making a tax-deductible contribution you are supporting: • Responsible use of natural resources by promoting a positive Kansas outdoor ethic • Education and awareness programs focused on Kansas youth • Enhanced access to and enjoyment of, both public and private land for outdoor recreation with respect for the rights and desires of landowners.
!
Debbie Brandt Director of Administration
Three Ways to Donate Online - Quick and secure, our online form available at www.kansaswildscape.org will have you partnering with us in no time. By Mail - Print out the Membership/Donation Form available on our website, then send it in with your Check or Money Order. By Phone - If you would like to charge your donation by phone to a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, please call toll-free 1-866-655-4377 and our staff will be glad to assist you.
Lynn Gentine Director of Development
Join us today!
Kansas Wildscape Foundation 2500 W. 6th Street, STE G Lawrence, KS 66049 785.843.9453