Audubon of Kansas

06/06/2026

Did you know the first Saturday in June is ? 🌾

Prairies are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world, yet they support incredible wildlife, clean water, healthy soils, and the heritage of the Great Plains. From prairie-chickens and wildflowers to grasshoppers and grazing wildlife, these landscapes are full of life.

AOK works to protect and restore prairies through conservation, advocacy, education, and stewardship but none of that happens without people who care deeply about these ecosystems. Members help protect critical habitat, advance conservation initiatives across the state, and ensure these landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come.

On this , we hope you’ll join us in taking a moment to appreciate the landscapes that make the Great Plains unique. 💚

Become a Member Today!
➡️ https://www.audubonofkansas.org/support/become-a-member

📷 Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm, AOK Protected Area

06/05/2026

Take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about Kansas wildlife. 👇

06/01/2026

🎉 In our June 2026 newsletter, we celebrate the success of habitat improvements at the Hutton Niobrara Ranch, which have positively impacted rail populations.

Stay informed about our advocacy efforts and upcoming events.

📷 Adult Sora (Porzana carolina) by Dave Rintoul



https://conta.cc/4vcypxs

Email from Audubon of Kansas AOK Newsletter - June 2026   Newsletter   June 2026 ABOUT US CONTACT US DONATE   What You'll Find in this Newsletter Advocacy: Environmental Conservation of the Flint Hill

05/28/2026

Don't miss the newest issue of 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙆𝙖𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙨 𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙢𝙖𝙣.

👀 On p. 52, you'll find a great article by Dr. Jackie Augustine, AOK Executive Director.

Read on...
👉 https://valleypl.com/b/ks-sportsman-spring-2026/

05/26/2026

"Today, North America retains barely a third of its once-vast grasslands. The rest, including more than 90% of the storied tallgrass prairies of the Midwest, have been converted to crops or other uses. This loss has devastated many of the species that rely on intact grassland: Populations of grassland birds like bobolinks and prairie chickens have dropped by more than half since 1970."

Learn more about the conservation efforts at the Smoky Valley Ranch in Northwest Kansas and what makes it so special. 👇

Smoky Valley Ranch, a TNC preserve in western Kansas, is a 20,000-acre working cattle and bison ranch with thriving wildlife populations—including the lesser prairie chicken.

In western Kansas, 80% of the native prairie has been converted to some other use. Showing that healthy wildlife and successful ranching go hand-in-hand is critical to retaining the 20% of the prairie that’s left.

Read why Justin Roemer, manager of the preserve, says Smoky Valley gives him hope: https://nature.ly/4dvBWQa

📸: Morgan Heim

05/21/2026

Spring migration is still underway, and Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to get outside and go birdwatching! 👀

Before you head out, make sure you’re getting the best view possible by learning how to properly focus your binoculars. A few quick adjustments can make all the difference when spotting spring migrants.

👇

Ever feel like you can't see as well as you should using your binoculars? Learn the right way to use them by watching this short tutorial.

05/18/2026

Thank you to those who attended our Open House: Discover the Story, Walk the Land event in Lincoln, KS over the weekend. 🙌

We started the event with a beautiful speech by Dana Walters, who manages the Lincoln County Historical Society Museum. She gave a brief history of the founding of Lincoln, specifically featuring the roots of what is now an AOK Protected Area, the Connie Achterberg Wildlife-Friendly Demonstration Farm. On-site, you will find a display about Connie, an icon in Lincoln and Kansas history.

Then, we invited guests on a nature walk where Samuel Richards, Kansas Protected Areas Manager, discussed conservation practices on the property, highlighting the relationship between farming and habitat protection.

The Achterberg Farm features a trail, overlook, and restful areas to enjoy nature and is open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk. 🌱

Learn more and find directions 👉
www.audubonofkansas.org/protected-areas/achterberg-farm

05/16/2026

This time last weekend, we had the privilege of joining the Johnson County Park and Recreation District - JCPRD to celebrate the installation of new bird sculptures at Big Bull Creek Park. 🐦

During the event, we visited with guests about AOK, birds of the area, and the importance of prairie habitat, and also led nature walks through the park.

Be sure to check out our recent newsletter (pinned above 👆) to learn more about the incredible habitat restoration work happening across Johnson County.

05/14/2026

👏 Congratulations to our friends Pete Janzen and Bob Gress for being featured in the 2026 Kansas Notable Books 📗 listing for their title: "Kansas Birds and Birding Hotspots."

Be sure to pick up your copy from the University Press of Kansas, today!

It's time to announce the 21st class of Kansas-authored or Kansas-related Notable Books! Check out the 2026 Kansas Notable Books selections, which include stories for readers of a variety of interests including wild west action, true crime, fantasy rom-com, poetry, and culture among people of the past, present and future. Click the link in comments to add these titles to your TBR list! Kansas Tourism Kansas Library Association