Prairie
Education

Prairie Education Programs are an important part of the day of the Symphony. The program is both experiential and presentational. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to explore the hundreds of acres of pasture on the C.H. White Family Ranch, the site of the Third Annual Concert.

At the Concert Site
From 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Horse Drawn Covered wagon rides from: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Wildflower/prairie walks led by Kansas Native Plant Society members
After concert star gazing

Presentations

Concertgoers are invited to participate in presentations and discussions on a variety of topics relating to the tallgrass prairie, the Flint Hills and the region’s fascinating culture and history. ‘A sense of place’ arises from knowledge and experience. Wildflowers, birds, grasses, and the human stories of the area are rich subjects.

HERITAGE AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM 2008

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

1:00
Rides to concert site begin from Wait and Ride Tent or Ticket Gate at Concert Site
Wildflower walking trail out to concert site
Barbeque & beverages served in High Point Tent and the Big Tent until 10 p.m.

1:00 – 5:30
Symphony in the Flint Hills Silent Art Auction in the Prairie Arts and Gifts Tent

1:00 – 6:00
Covered Wagon Rides
Presentations in History and Heritage Tents
Kansas City Symphony Instrument “Petting” Zoo

PRAIRIE WALKS
1:00 – 5:30
Guides will discuss native grasses, wildflowers, birds and other wildlife, habitats, geologic formations, cattle grazing, and other characteristics of the tallgrass prairie. The walks will begin at the Prairie Walks Tent where there will be exhibits by Audubon of Kansas, the Kansas Native Plant Society (the guides for the walks), and Kansas Watersheds.

HISTORY AND HERITAGE TENTS

Sunflower Tent: Flint Hills Natural and Archaeological History
2:00 – 2:20 Prairie Plants & Wildflowers ………………………………Tom Eddy
2:30 – 2:50 Birds of the Prairie ………………………… ……… ………Ron Klataske
3:00 – 3:20 Geology of the Flint Hills ………………… ……… ………Rex Buchanan
3:30 – 3:50 Archeology of the Flint Hills ………………………………Lauren Rittenbush
4:00 – 4:20 Geology of the Flint Hills ………………… ……………… Rex Buchanan
4:30 – 4:50 Prairie Plants & Wildflowers ………………………………Tom Eddy
5:00 – 5:20 Birds of the Prairie …………………………… …………… Ron Klataske
5:30 – 5:50 Archeology of the Flint Hills ………………………………Lauren Rittenbush

Blue Wild-Indigo Tent: Stories from Morris County
2:00 – 2:20 The Cosgrove Family: Early Homesteading ………………John Cosgrove
2:30 – 2:50 The White Family: Early Homesteading …………………John White Family
3:00 – 3:20 Kaw/Kanza Indians …………………………………………Kaw Nation
3:30 – 3:50 Santa Fe Trail ………………………… ………… ………… Leo Oliva
4:00 – 4:20 Singleton (Black) Settlement ……………………………… Ustaine Talley
4:30 – 4:50 Kaw/Kanza Indians …………………………………………Kaw Nation
5:00 – 5:20 Santa Fe Trail …………… …………………… …………… Leo Oliva
5:30 – 5:50 Singleton (Black) Settlement ……………………………… Ustaine Talley

Butterfly Milkweed Tent: Ranching in the Flint Hills
2:00 – 2:20 The White Family: Early Homesteading …………………John White Family
2:30 – 2:50 The Cosgrove Family: Early Homesteading ..……………John Cosgrove
3:00 – 3:20 History of Cowboys and Ranching in the Flint Hills …..Jim Hoy
3:30 – 4:20 Contemporary Flint Hills Ranching …………………Don and Peg Jenkins, Alta Vista; Kevin and Mary Ann Kniebel, White City; Larry and Linda Johnson, Council Grove; with Mike Beam, moderator
4:30 – 4:50 Rodeo in the Flint Hills ........................................Wayne Alexander, Council Grove and Bob Alexander, Council Grove; with Jim Hoy, Moderator
5:00 – 5:50 Stories of Early Day Flint Hills Cowboys ……………Bob Alexander, Council Grove; Wayne Alexander, Council Grove; Jack Gieswein, Wilsey; and Kenneth Muller, Council Grove; with Jim Hoy, Moderator

CONCERT
6:30 Concert begins (90 minute performance plus 20 minute intermission)
During intermission food and beverages will be available in the High Point Tent and the Big Tent

AFTER THE CONCERT
9:00 – 11:00 Music with The Blackbury Band: L.B. Taulbee – Lead guitar, Garry Bury – vocals, Bob Black – Fiddle and Vocals, Richelle Basgall – Fiddle and Vocals, Dick Kruger – Bass, Felix Baz-Dresch – Banjo
Ongoing food and beverages served at the High Point Tent and the Big Tent until 10:00 p.m.
9:00 till deep dark. Stargazing at the observatory tent with telescopes hosted by Kansas Astronomical Observers.

The walking trail and parking lot will be illuminated as darkness falls.
Linger and enjoy a prairie evening. The parking lot is expected to be congested for a while.