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KWEC open house, other events set
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Here are some events scheduled at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center, located at 592 K-156, Ellinwood.


Turtle Tots - Turkeys

Gobble Up Science - Turkeys! Turtle Tots, a nature-based program for preschool youth ages 3-5 attending with their caregiver, continues from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. Turtle Tot programs often include a story, craft, science experiment, and outdoor exploration time.

This one-hour program is offered at no charge. Registration is required. Call 877-243-9268 or email amkern2@fhsu.edu by Nov. 21 to register.

Turtle Tots - Prairie Dogs

Turtle Tots continues with Prairie Pup Science from 10-11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12. Registration is required. Call 877-243-9268 or email amkern2@fhsu.edu by Dec. 10.


Holiday Open House

Join the Kansas Wetlands Education Center staff in celebrating the Christmas season with a Holiday Open House from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 13.


Christmas Bird Count

The Cheyenne Bottoms Christmas Bird Count is scheduled from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15. Participation is open to the public regardless of birding experience. Participation for at least half of the day is recommended. Counters in small groups will be assigned particular areas within Barton County to identify and count birds. Preregistration is required. Lunch will be provided. Call the KWEC at 877-243-9268 for more information.

Christmas Bird Counts occur across the U.S. from Dec. 14 through the first week of January to identify and count birds in designated areas. Information from the counts is submitted to the National Audubon Society and the Kansas Ornithological Society and used by scientists to determine population trends of birds. In 2024, 13 volunteers witnessed 81 species, totaling 286,555 individual birds. Highlights included 269,077 snow geese and 21 species of ducks and geese.


Winter Wonders of the Wetlands - Drop-In STEAM Activities

Bundle up and bring the whole family for an afternoon of frosty fun and hands-on discovery at our Winter Wonders of the Wetlands Drop-In STEAM event from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 26. Explore how animals survive and thrive in Kansas wetlands during the coldest months through five exciting activity stations—each one tied to a different STEAM theme.

Free admission and fun for all ages—drop in anytime between 1 and 4 p.m. No registration required.