If you are an adult who would like to learn more about your ecosystem - the highly endangered tallgrass prairie - this class is for you.

Session I - January 19th (Monday) & 20th (Tuesday)

Session II - February 21st (Saturday) & 22nd (Sunday)

Description and location of grassland ecosystems around the world
Description and location of the prairie grasslands in the United States. What distinguishes them from each other and why there are distinct regions for each type.
Climate characteristics of the prairie grasslands - discussion on the dominant plants and animals of these systems and what's needed to survive here.
Management needs of prairie systems.
Role of fire on the prairie. Why grasses respond favorably to fire and other plant species respond negatively.
Structure and function of grasses. The major species of grasses in a tallgrass prairie and how to identify them.
Role of grazing in the biodiversity of the prairie. The difference between cattle and bison grazing.
Role of both climate and weather on the tallgrass prairie.
Precipitation - the timing of it and how it affects prairie life.
Climate change and how it is affecting life on the prairie.
Woody encroachment and how climate change is impacting this issue.
How the influx of woody encroachment is impacting life on the prairie and what can be done about it.
Typical animals of the prairie and how they are adapted for life here.
Overview of the Konza Prairie Biological Station - the history and mission of the site and how the station works.
General overview of some of the research occurring at KPBS.

Driving tour of the Konza Prairie Biological Station to see first-hand the effects of both fire and grazing on the tallgrass prairie and to find and identify the tallgrasses.

Tallgrass Prairie Adult Education