TLA - Red Ranch Tour

Our final TLA Ranch Tour of 2024 is coming up, and it's going to be something special! On Tuesday, October 15, 2024, we will gather at the site of the 2024 Symphony in the Flint Hills on the Red Ranch in Greenwood County, just 9.8 miles east of Cassoday, KS.

We are excited to have several speakers, with the feature presentation by Dr. Alice Boyle, Professor in the Division of Biology at Kansas State University. Dr. Boyle is an avian ecologist with extensive research in the grasslands of the central U.S. and tropical forests of Central America. She will discuss the impacts of woody invasion on Flint Hills grassland birds and highlight the importance of intact Flint Hills grasslands to a variety of bird species.

Event Agenda:

• 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.: Gather at the Red Ranch (9.8 miles east of Cassoday, KS). Look for the large tent on the hill to the north. An all-weather gravel road will lead you to the tent. Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair!
• 11:30 a.m.: Enjoy a complimentary BBQ beef and pork lunch catered by Owen Reed of Smokin' O's BBQ.
• 12:15 p.m.: Adrian Vogel, Red Ranch Manager, will discuss the history and management of the Red Ranch.
• 12:30 p.m.: Dr. Alice Boyle will present on the impacts of woody invasion and its effects on grassland birds.
• 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Take a short walk into the adjoining prairie, where discussions and presentations will continue in the field, offering stunning vistas of different land management practices.

In-Prairie Presenters:

• Luke Westerman (NRCS): Discussing the EQIP program for tree removal and late summer burning on Red Ranch.
• Vickie Cikanek (KDWP): Sharing details on the KDWP Habitat First Program and available funding for conservation projects.
• Greg Kramos (FWS): Presenting on the FWS Partners for Fish & Wildlife Program and cost-share funding for conservation practices.
• Doug Spencer (NRCS): Talking about the Great Plains Grassland Initiative (GPGI) and its impact on tree invasion in Flint Hills.
• Paula Matile (TNC): Addressing sericea lespedeza control efforts and assistance provided by The Nature Conservancy.

Topics will include:

• The Flint Hills' critical importance to resident and migrating bird species, including the fact that 70% of the world population of American golden plovers utilize this area during migration.
• The effects of woody encroachment on grassland birds like greater prairie chickens, upland sandpipers, and American golden plovers.
• Tree invasion management practices on the Red Ranch and broader Flint Hills.
• Ongoing efforts to control invasive trees and prevent re-infestation.
• Sericea lespedeza control and patch burn grazing techniques.
• State and federal conservation programs for landowners, as utilized on the Red Ranch.
• The importance of partnerships between agencies and land managers for achieving conservation goals.

This promises to be a day filled with valuable information and practical insights! We hope to see you at the Red Ranch on Tuesday, October 15.

Reminder: While we will have a large tent on site, we may not have enough seating, so please bring your lawn chair.

Please RSVP to Roger Wells so we can provide an accurate meal count for the caterer. You can reply via email, text, or call using the contact information below.

620-340-5808

tallgrasslegacy@gmail.com