Community Calendar

Feb
28

Wild and Scenic Film Festival

Wild and Scenic Film Festival has evolved into the largest environmental film festival in the nation. The annual event each January in Nevada City, CA kicks off the nationwide tour to over 140 cities. All proceeds from the Lawrence event will benefit Friends of the Kaw and our work for the Kansas River.

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Mar
4

Ecological Friends Happy Hour

This months guest speaker will be Jackie Augustine, Executive Director of Audubon of Kansas. She will discuss finding environmental funding in the state, advocating for proper energy siting and being a citizen scientist with INaturalist.

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Mar
10

KIFA Advocacy Day

Schedule: Will include an in-person welcome & orientation at 8:30am, followed by morning legislative visits, a noontime lunch and learn, a short press event in the afternoon, followed by legislative visits again in the afternoon. We should conclude by 3pm.

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Mar
12

Soil Health for Profitability

This free field day focuses on soil health for profitability, including discussions on how cover crops can be used in dryland cotton in Oklahoma, early season management of cotton, in-field indicators of soil health, carbon credit opportunities, and considerations when signing carbon credit contracts as row crop farmers.

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Mar
12

Demystifying the Haney Test

his webinar will focus on the various aspects of the Haney test, allowing participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of soil health indicators. Dr. Haney will share her expertise, explaining complex concepts in an accessible manner and answering questions from attendees.

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Mar
20

Transistion to Organic

They’ll be going over the basics of organic production, technical assistance, organic weed management, NRCS resources for producers, and much more! Enjoy presentations from industry experts, including keynote speakers Jack Geiger of Geiger Farms and Nate Powell-Palm of Cold Springs Organics.

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Apr
3

Big Rural Brainstorm

Brainstorming is about participating, about helping others think. If you register, we will need your input to put meat on the bones for our plan.

Those who register will be asked this question: “What would it look like if our downtown (or community) was known for ________________.”

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Apr
10
to Apr 13

Welcome to KS Leks Treks

  • Sternberg Museum of Natural History (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The highlight of this birding festival will include opportunities to view both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens. No birdwatcher should miss seeing this yearly ritual unfold as males fight among themselves and display to females. The timing of the festival coincides with the peak of prairie-chicken breeding and female visitation to the lek.

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Apr
30

Local Food Town Hall

Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

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May
13

The Fourth Annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival

  • 4002 General Hays Road Hays, KS, 67601 United States (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival, a premier birding event offering the rare opportunity to witness the breathtaking displays of both Greater and Lesser Prairie-Chickens. During this unforgettable experience, you’ll observe male prairie-chickens engaging in competitive battles and elaborate courtship displays to attract females. The festival’s timing aligns perfectly with the peak of prairie-chicken breeding season, ensuring maximum female activity at the lek.

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Jul
30

Local Food Town Hall

Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

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Aug
3
to Aug 9

National Farmers Market Week

National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) is August 3-9, 2025! Now in its 26th year, this annual celebration highlights the vital role farmers markets play in our nation’s food system. With fun events, programs, contests, activities, and more, the week helps to boost market attendance and visibility as well as showcase the value markets bring to their communities. 

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Oct
29

Local Food Town Hall

Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

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Feb
13

Farm Transition & Succession Planning: Conservation Easement Workshop Series

  • Anita B. Gorman Conservation Discovery Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This event is hosted in collaboration by Cultivate KC, KC F.A.R.M.E.R.S. Coalition, KC Farm School, KC Black Urban Growers, Platte Land Trust, and The Conservation Fund.

This informative two-part workshop series is designed to educate landowners and land seekers about the process, benefits, considerations, and challenges of conservation easements. Whether you’re planning for the future of your land or searching for land to begin farming, this series will provide the foundational knowledge and actionable insights you need to make informed decisions.

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Feb
11

Grant Writing Basics

This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices.

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Feb
11

Kansas Food Action Network Day at the Capitol

The Kansas Food Action Network is a statewide network of local food, farm and policy councils that advocate for local, state and national policies for more equitable access to healthy, affordable food. 

Kansas Food Action Network supports communities as they identify and address local food system priorities by offering support, resources and partnerships.

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Feb
10

Grant Writing Basics

This Grant Writing Basics course consists of two (3-hour) online live sessions with many additional resources. Time for interaction with other participants is an important aspect of the class; even experienced grant writers pick up tips and are reenergized after consulting with peers. The course is suited for people who have never written a grant (50% of our audience), as well as those who have a lot of experience and want to take a fresh look at their current practices.

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Feb
10

WEALTH DAY

Kansas WEALTH Day of Advocacy and Education brings together organizations, advocates, and legislators to connect on Water, Energy, Air, Land, Transportation, and Health. Join us at the Capitol to participate in the legislative process!

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Feb
6
to Feb 7

2025 KS Natural Resource Conference

  • Hilton Garden Inn Hotel Manhattan KS (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The theme for this event is, “Building Tomorrow’s Wildlife Habitats: Strategies for Success.”

This program explores innovative approaches to designing and managing wildlife habitats in a changing world. Discussion tracks will include: habitats in populated areas, addressing urban conservation challenges, habitat-human interfaces, and focusing on shared spaces. Additional topics cover data-driven wildlife monitoring, the impact of invasive species and range shifts due to climate change, and strategies for effective public education and conservation practices. With a broad appeal to professionals in urban and traditional settings, this event aims to equip attendees with actionable insights for habitat sustainability.

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Feb
6
to Feb 7

Kansas Natural Resources Conference

  • Hilton Garden Inn and Conference Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

This program explores innovative approaches to designing and managing wildlife habitats in a changing world. Discussion tracks will include habitats in populated areas, addressing urban conservation challenges, and habitat-human interfaces, focusing on shared spaces. Additional topics cover data-driven wildlife monitoring, the impact of invasive species and range shifts due to climate change, and strategies for effective public education and conservation practices. With a broad appeal to professionals in urban and traditional settings, this event aims to equip attendees with actionable insights for habitat sustainability.

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Feb
4

Hiring Your First Employee

Your small business is growing! Let’s get you ready to successfully hire and retain your first employee. Join us as we discuss required employee documentation, payroll and whether you can handle in-house or outsource, necessary tax reporting, and other human resource points you should consider.

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Jan
29

Local Food Town Hall

Our quarterly local food town halls are held virtually on Zoom and are open to anyone across the state of Kansas that is interested in learning more about local food projects, organizations, and opportunities across the state. The town halls are held at 11 a.m. on the last Wednesday of January, April, July, and October.

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Jan
29

League of Woman Voters

Dive into the heart of democracy at League Day at the Capitol! Join other members for a unique opportunity to unravel the legislative process, engage with lawmakers and build valuable connections--all while celebrating the League's belated 104th birthday! Elevate your understanding, network with purpose and be part of a day that fuels democracy.

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Jan
28

Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs

The North Central Food Safety Extension Network is offering a 3-part webinar series on topics relative to food entrepreneurs. Register and you will receive a Zoom link to attend. All webinars will be held from 11:00am-Noon CST.

Jan 28: Best Practices for Food Entrepreneurs

Feb 4: Freeze Drying Foods: Science, Safety, and Cottage Industry

Feb 11: Sourdough Starters: Care, Safety, and Preservation

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Jan
18

KRC Farm Beginnings Class

Farm Beginnings is Kansas Rural Center’s farmer-led training program to help guide beginning farmers and ranchers on their journey to establishing sustainable and economically sound farm and ranch businesses and achieve their goals. Our program is focused on being farmer led, community based, prioritizing racial equity, and emphasizing sustainable agriculture. Farm Beginnings is designed for new and prospective farmers who want to plan a profitable farm business. Students do not need to currently own or lease land, but some farming or production experience is helpful to get the most out of the class.

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Dec
9
to Dec 11

BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT

THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT provides producers, landowners, and ag industry members with a ground-up educational experience.  While many conferences inspire and teach, THE BIG SOIL HEALTH EVENT encourages and illuminates soil health practice adoption. 

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Nov
1
to Nov 2

Celebration of Cranes

  • Quivira National Wildlife Refuge (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Witness one of nature’s wonders as Sandhill Cranes and critically-endangered Whooping Cranes migrate through central Kansas this November. Experience the incredible beauty of this ancient migration, and learn more about how the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge provides a crucial inland salt marsh and stopover point for these birds.

Meet guest speakers, Dr. Medhavi Ambardar, Dr. James Carpenter, and Brandon Case and learn more about AOK's Advocacy, Conservation, and Education Initiatives. A limited number of guided tour van seats will be available for purchase.

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Oct
17

Environmental Justice in Rural Communities

How does environmental inequity show up in rural communities? Join partners of the Heartland Environmental Justice Center to learn how environmental justice issues affect the quality of life for rural residents and learn about the impact of federal, state, and local policies on rural areas. Presenters will highlight resources to engage elected officials and share tactics that grassroots organizations can use to advocate for environmental resources and support in rural and remote communities.

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Oct
10
to Oct 11

Kansas Landowner Conference

K-State Department of Agricultural Economics is looking forward to hosting the 2nd Annual Kansas Landowner Conference. This conference is specifically tailored to folks who have agricultural land in Kansas, but may not reside on the property, or even in the state of Kansas. The Kansas Landowner Conference is designed to be a resource where landowners can build networks and increase their knowledge in many aspects of land management. 

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Oct
5

Kaw Valley Farm Tour

Bring your friends and family to explore the land, animals, and practices of 39 farms in the 20th annual Kaw Valley Farm Tour. Discover amazing Kansas products, and meet the farmers behind everything. From pumpkins and poultry to wildflowers and wine!

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Oct
3

Growing Growers 20th Anniversary Celebration Dinner

  • K-State Olathe Horticulture Research & Extension Center (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Join Growing Growers for a night of delicious food, great company, and celebration at the K-State Olathe Horticulture Research & Extension Center. Since 2004, Growing Growers has graduated over 220 apprentices, many of which are still actively involved in food and farming. Don't miss out on this special evening as we commemorate our journey and look forward to the future. Event begins at 4:30pm with drinks & music, followed by a program over dinner, and will conclude with a raffle to raise some money to support the continued growth and success of the program.



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Sep
27

Q39 Collaboration Dinner with Juniper Gardens

Q39 is partnering with Cultivate KC, and the farmers at Juniper Gardens to put on a fall harvest dinner. This will be a 4 course farm to table dinner with beverage pairings, kicked of with appetizers, cocktails and a interactive farm tour. You will have a chance to meet the farmers, Chef Philip of Q39, and tour the farm where the produce for dinner is grown, before settling in at the table under Juniper Gardens brand new farm pavilion.

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Sep
14

Midtown Hoedown

Midtown Hoedown is a family friendly, farm-centered folk dance + so much more! This event is perfect for farming and food enthusiasts of ALL ages. The highlight of the party is the gender-inclusive square dance with music by Halfsider, an old time string band featuring Tricia Spencer, Howard Rains, Isaiah Sibi, and Rachel Krause with dance steps called by Lisa Harris-Frydman. The dances are all taught on the spot – no experience is necessary.

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Sep
13

GOAT & SHEEP SCHOOL

Create small ruminant operations as highly profitable ventures with expert insights. Instructors: Greg Christiansen and Dale Strickler

  • Access land without going into debt

  • Build fence that works and doesn’t cost a fortune

  • Economically and effectively control internal parasites

  • Protect from predators with guardian dogs

  • Convert weeds from an expense into a profit center

  • Avoid buying the wrong kind of breeding stock

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Sep
9

Rural Grocery Specialist Training

This course is designed for Extension professionals, economic developers and other resource providers who support rural grocers and rural community vitality across the country.

The Rural Grocery Transition Specialist course includes seven self-paced online modules covering key topics for supporting rural grocers through business transition.

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Sep
9
to Sep 11

GRAZING SCHOOL

Unleash the full potential of your pasture and animals with cutting-edge regenerative practices. Instructors: Dale Strickler and Dr. Elizabeth Heilman

  • Significantly increase pasture productivity and animal carrying capacity

  • Best ways to extend your grazing seasons and cut costs on feed, fertilizer, and fencing.

  • Secrets to producing tasty, tender grass finished beef in less than 24 months

  • Increase weaning weights and master livestock sale strategies

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Sep
4

NTOP & KSHA Keith Thompson Field Day

Field day will include: soil pit, rainfall simulator, and cover crops in a cash crop system

Registration begins at 8:30 AM, at the Osage City Community Center followed by the field portion of the day. The day will wrap up with lunch at the community center.

Registration is free but RSVP is needed by August 28th to guarantee a meal.

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