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W
ant a unique nature experience? Then, visit the new Kansas Wetlands Education Center. KWEC overlooks
Cheyenne Bottoms; the largest inland marsh in the United States and a Ramsar designated, Wetland of
International Importance.
 . Walk
through state-of-the-art exhibits that tell the story of
Cheyenne Bottoms from its ancient geological formation to the
management challenges of the future. Discover the magnificence
of these wetlands and the animals and plants living there.
From inside the Center or out, watch Great Blue Herons stalking
prey or Mallards tending their young. Submerge yourself in the wetland experience
by walking to the observation platform. Naturalists will be on hand to enhance
your visit and answer questions.
Are you ready for the ultimate experience? Take
a tour of the Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and the Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve.
While driving the miles of dikes and roads, you will see American Avocets, Long-Billed
Dowitchers, and much more right out your car window. Have
your breath taken away as thousands of shorebirds or waterfowl take flight.
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The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) is a 11,246 square feet facility located
10 miles northeast of the intersection of US 281 and US 56/156 in Great Bend at 592 NE
156 Highway, Great Bend, KS 67530. KWEC is a branch of Sternberg Museum
of Natural History and, therefore, a unit of Fort Hays State University (FHSU). Although
located on land owned by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), the
Center will be operated by Fort Hays State University personnel. The facility overlooks
the 19,857 acre Cheyenne Bottom Wildlife Area managed by the Kansas Department of
Wildlife and Parks and the 7,694 acre Cheyenne Bottoms Preserve managed by The
Nature Conservancy.
Hours:
Tuesday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
The Center is closed Mondays, New Years Day,
Thanksgiving, and Christmas. The KWEC is
available for after hours use by reservation.
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