As of June 1, 2021, KWEC will reopen under FHSU's Phaseout Plan. Face coverings are not required in the building; however may be required during some programs. Physical distancing will be encouraged, but there will be no restrictions to normal room occupancies.  All KWEC exhibit pieces will be available, including the reopening of the AR Watershed Sandbox, Children's Activity Area activities, and Touch Tables.  Cheyenne Bottoms Van Tours can be scheduled!

Adventure for Everyone

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Welcome to KWEC!

Want a unique nature experience? Then, visit the Kansas Wetlands Education Center. KWEC overlooks Cheyenne Bottoms; the largest inland marsh in the United States and a Ramsar designated, Wetland of International Importance.

The KWEC is managed by Fort Hays State University in cooperation with the Kansas Department of Wildlife Parks and Tourism.

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.

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Bingo Board

Virtual Tour

Experience all that Cheyenne Bottoms has to offer from the comfort of your home or classroom.  Click on our virtual tour to experience 360 images, drone footage, educational videos, interviews with key Cheyenne Bottoms partners, and interactive games.  

Download this bingo board to guide your experience to a variety of activities.

Classroom teachers, click here to learn about how to use this in your classroom and participate in a nation-wide research colaborative to enhance virtual environmental education programs.

The Virtual Tour is best viewed by putting the image below in full screen (square brackets bottom middle) and then clicking on each individual icon to navigate to different areas of Cheyenne Bottoms.  You can then click an icon to return to map and choose another destination!

 

Thanks for Visiting!

Upcoming Events

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WILD Fly Tying

07/01/2021 3:00 PM - 07/01/2021 8:30 PM

WILD is an opportunity for school-age kids to get outside and explore nature away from devices. New families are always welcome to join our monthly activities. After taking a year off from WILD programs, we have an exciting summer line-up, please call 1-877-243-9268 or email amkern2@f... more

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July Gifts from the Garden

07/11/2021 2:00 PM - 07/11/2021 4:00 PM

This summer’s Gifts from the Garden adult classes, offer a variety of creative ways to combine plants and art. Participants must be age 16 and older. Class sizes are limited, with pre-registration required by calling KWEC at 1-877-243-9268. All classes run from 2 to 4 p.m. There is a $10 fee f... more

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Recent Bird Sightings

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Exhibits

The Kansas Wetlands Education Center building offers a panoramic view of our mitigation marsh. We have binoculars and spotting scopes available to help you get a closer look at the wetlands and wildlife outside the Center. Visitors enjoy the sights of birds at the feeder, frogs sitting at the water’s edge, blooming sunflowers, harriers gliding over the marsh, and whatever surprises nature has to offer.

Donate to the KWEC

The KWEC appreciates donations. Donations to the KWEC go toward enhancing our educational programming.

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