Wings and Wetlands Festival - April 29-May 1, 2011

Building on the success of the past, Great Bend, KS will once again attract birdwatchers to central Kansas for the 2011 Wings and Wetlands Festival in Great Bend, KS. The festival is scheduled for April 29-May 1, and will offer participants a unique opportunity to bird two of the best birding spots in the region, Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, as well as other area hot spots. Beyond the great birding, the weekend festivities will also include fun workshops, relaxing socials, and opportunities to experience area attractions along the Wetlands and Wildlife National Scenic Byway.

Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are two Wetlands of International Importance, and provide thousands of birds a stopover along their North and South migration routes. The festival dates coincide with the historical peak of shorebird migration, and is sure to provide some excellent viewing of well over 150 species of birds. Paid registration for the festival includes four guided birding fieldtrips with transportation, workshops and seminars, 2 breakfasts, 2 dinners, and snacks. Events will take place at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center at Cheyenne Bottoms and the Best Western Courtyard in Great Bend.

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is excited to organize this event in conjunction with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, The Nature Conservancy, and the Great Bend Convention and Visitors Bureau. Other sponsors of the festival include the City of Great Bend, Barton County, and Barton County Community College. For more information and to access registration information, visit the Kansas Wetlands Education Center website www.wetlandscenter.com or contact the Center at 1-877-243-9268.