Donation
The Kansas Wetlands Education Center is happy to accept donations of any kind and amount from individuals, businesses, memorials, and charitable organizations. The KWEC continues to strive to provide quality environmental education opportunities to a diverse audience in an effort to increase the public’s awareness about Cheyenne Bottoms and general conservation.
It is through donations that we can have some security and reassurance that we will be able to perform the programs and offer the services that we want to and not what we are limited to.
How to Donate
The KWEC is operated by Fort Hays State University, and accepts donations through the KWEC account at the FHSU Foundation. The FHSU Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was established in 1945. Its mission is to support and advance the university by actively seeking monetary gifts and bequests and to receive and administer those contributions in a prudent manner in accordance with donors’ wishes.
Donations to the KWEC are tax deductible.
A gift of a personal check is the most popular way to give to the KWEC. Checks can be made payable to the FHSU Foundation with Kansas Wetlands Education Center listed in the memo , and sent to the Center at 592 NE K-156 Hwy, Great Bend, KS 67530 .
For large donations, memorials, or donated items, please contact the KWEC site manager at 1-877-243-9268.
KWEC Wishlist
The KWEC staff maintains a “wishlist” of items to be purchased with donated funds.
Download: KWEC Wish List
Recent News:
- Morrison Foundation gift adds new exhibits, helps renovate Exhibit Hall at KWEC
- Nature Enthusiast Duane Shook Makes Generous Gift to FHSU’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center
- Morrison Foundation Gift Makes Cheyenne Bottoms Video Possible
Donor Honor Roll
We thank the following recent donors for their generosity:
Major Donors (Over $500)
Donor |
Date |
| Ken Stueve Memorial | May 2023 |
| Harold Larson Memorial | Aug 2022 |
| Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms | Jan 2022 |
| Barbara & Dave Partington | Dec 2021 |
| D & K Charitable Fund | Nov 2021 |
| Kimple-McReynolds Charitable Giving | Oct 2021 |
| Loren Kutina Memorial | Mar 2021 |
| Central Kansas Photography Club | July 2019 |
| Donald E. Baker Memorial | May 2019 |
| Chuck Carper Memorial | Feb 2019 |
| Judy Rusco Memorial | Apr 2018 |
| Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation | Oct 2017 |
| Dudley Fryman Memorial | Mar 2017 |
| Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation | Oct 2016 |
| Golden Belt Community Foundation | Oct 2016 |
| Duane Shook Endowed Fund | Aug 2016 |
| Grace VanSkike Memorial | Jun 2016 |
| Wilma Larson Memorial | Nov 2015 |
| Skip Yowell Memorial | Nov 2015 |
| Duane Shook Endowed Fund | Sep 2015 |
| Charles Hulme Endowed Fund | Jul 2014 |
| Dennis Herrman Memorial | Nov 2013 |
| The Nature Conservancy-KS Chpt | Sep 2013 |
| KDWPT-Dorothy Faye Roberts Estate | Sep 2013 |
| Iris Burns Memorial | Aug 2013 |
| Charles Hulme Foundation | Jul 2013 |
| Charles Hulme Foundation | Jul 2012 |
| Kenneth Sellen Memorial | Nov 2011 |
| The Cheyenne Partnership | May 2011 |
| The Nature Conservancy-KS Chpt | Jul 2011 |
| Lon P. Cale | Jun 2011 |
| Doretta Richardson Memorial | Apr 2011 |
| Glenn Erikson Memorial | Aug 2010 |
| Kansas Associated Garden Club | Jun 2010 |
| Ray Weber Memorial | Apr 2010 |
| The Nature Conservancy-KS Chpt | Feb 2010 |
| Donald Haines Memorial | Aug 2009 |
| Gaines Oil Trust | May 2009 |
| Fred C. & Mary R. Koch Foundation | Dec 2008 |
| The Cheyenne Partnership | Jun 2008 |
Some projects that have been graciously funded by donors include:
Project |
Donor |
Date |
| Stone Lion Puppet Show | Various Donors | Sep 2022 |
| 12 Tablet Computers | Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms | Jun 2022 |
| Barn Owl Nest Box | FHSU Giving Day | Apr 2022 |
| Washer and Dryer | Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms/FHSU Giving Day | Dec 2021 |
| Ava: The Avocet Children's Book | Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation | Jun 2021 |
| Fiber Optic Line to Lab | Various Donors | Jan 2021 |
| Penny Press Machine | Various Donors | Dec 2020 |
| Cheyenne Bottoms Video | Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation | Aug 2019 |
| Exhibit Window Shades | Various Donors | May 2019 |
| Lab Sink and Countertops | Charles Hulme Endowed Fund | Mar 2019 |
| KWEC Exhibit Renovation | Dorothy M. Morrison Foundation | Nov 2018 |
| Binoculars | Judy Rusco Memorial | July 2018 |
| Portable PA System | Various Donors | Jan 2018 |
| Nature Explore Classroom Planning | Golden Belt Community Foundation | Aug 2017 |
| Fire Pit | Jared Divis-Eagle Scout Project | Jul 2017 |
| Microscopes and Youth waders | Dudley Fryman Memorial | May 2017 |
| Fishin Magicians Butterfly Magic | Grace VanSkike Memorial and Landmark Bank | Apr 2017 |
| Outdoor classroom and stage | Alex Randolf-Eagle Scout Project | Aug 2016 |
| Water line install to shelter house | Kayne Millhollen-Eagle Scout Project | Dec 2015 |
| Electric and lights for shelter | Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms | Sep 2014 |
| Picnic Tables for Shelter | The Nature Conservancy-Kansas | Sep 2013 |
| All-purpose shelter | KDWPT-Dorothy Faye Roberts Estate | Sep 2013 |
| Prairie Dogs | Friends of Cheyenne Bottoms | Apr 2013 |
| Bronze Garden Statue | FOCB-Alvena Spangenburg Memorial | Apr 2013 |
| Flag pole light and landscape | Nick Gerdes-Eagle Scout Project | Aug 2012 |
| Shade Structure | The Nature Conservancy-Kansas | Jul 2011 |
| Garden Water Fountain | Glenn Erikson Memorial | Oct 2010 |
| Pieces of the Puzzle Exhibit | The Nature Conservancy-Kansas | Feb 2010 |
| Grass and Wildflower Seed | Star Seed, Inc | May 2010 |
| Binoculars | Wayne Rusco Memorial | Jan 2010 |
| Kansas Duck Stamp Prints | Kansas Ducks Unlimited, Inc | Dec 2009 |
| Metal pole art banners | Donald Haines Memorial | Dec 2009 |
| George Stumps Nature Trail | George Stumps Memorial | Apr 2009 |
| KWEC Classroom | H. Lee Turner Memorial | Apr 2009 |
| Wetlands Exhibit Gallery | Fred C. and Mary R. Koch Foundation | Apr 2009 |