FHSU Communications
Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host various free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of spring break, March 17-21, allowing people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.
A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required.
Activities are geared toward school-aged children.
After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.
Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.
Monday, March 17 –Dancing Seeds
Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, let’s talk about green plants and where they come from: seeds! Unlock the mystery of seeds by dissecting a seed, studying how they move, making seeds move with a fun experiment, and planting your own seed to take home and care for.
Tuesday, March 18 – Walking on Water
Water striders are insects that are built to walk on water. How do they do it? Find out more about these interesting aquatic invertebrates during this program. You’ll also get to make a water strider to see if you can get it to float like the real insect.
Wednesday, March 19 – Batty for Bats
Discover the incredible world of these night flyers with hands-on activities and a craft. Learn how scientists identify different bat species and how bats provide balance for our ecosystem. Create a paper bat hand puppet to take home with you.
Thursday, March 20 –Backbone Biology
Explore the world of invertebrates. Ninety-seven percent of animal species are invertebrates, but what is an invertebrate? It is an animal without a backbone, but there is much more than that. Learn all about what makes an invertebrate and even meet some of the Center’s own live critters. Then, create your own take-home insect carrier.
Friday, March 21 – Silly, Sleek, and Splendid: The Spectacular World of Salamanders
Crawl into the sensational world of salamanders - what they are, where they live, and more. Plus, meet our own live salamander ambassador, Ms. Pac-man. Get crafty with your very own salamander mask and make a salamander life cycle wheel.
Can't join us in person? Want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.
Kansas Wetlands Education Center, affiliated with FHSU’s Werth College of Science, Technology and Mathematics, is located 10 miles northeast of Great Bend at the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area.
More information can be found at 877-243-9268 or visit wetlandscenter.fhsu.edu.