Event Details

Fort Hays State University’s Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) will host a variety of free daily hands-on activities each afternoon of Spring Break March 16-20, providing a chance for people to get out and explore the diversity of the wetlands.

A different activity will take place from 1-4 p.m. each day. The event is informal, come-and-go, and no registration is required. Activities are geared toward school aged children.  After enjoying the hands-on activities, visitors can check out the center’s interactive exhibit hall, classroom with live animals, 16-minute video about Cheyenne Bottoms, and walk the nature trail. They can also grab a map and take a self-guided tour of the wetlands.

Following is a synopsis of each day’s activities.

Monday, March 16 –All About That Bass

Get ready for a fintastic fishy adventure! Students will discover how awesome fish features—like cool mouths, speedy tails, and wiggly body shapes—help them survive and thrive. Then it’s time to get crafty and create their very own paper fish with fun adaptations of their choice.

Tuesday, March 17 – Terrariums to Go

Ever want to have your own pocket-sized world? Well now you can! Come learn what goes into making a perfect habitat for living creatures and put it into practice making your very own terrarium to take home and enjoy your own little world.

Wednesday, March 18 – Bioluminescent Beetles: Fantastic Fireflies

Fireflies, lightning bugs, glowworms, blinkies, moon bugs, golden sparklers, marsh flickers; no matter what you call them, these bioluminescent beetles have a unique way of capturing our attention!  Flash on over to learn more about these insects.  We will learn about how and why they glow at night and craft a paper lantern inspired by fireflies for you to take home with you.

Thursday, March 19 –Cheyenne Bottoms Buffet 

As many as 41 species of shorebirds migrate to Cheyenne Bottoms each year. With so many migrants you might be wondering how all of these birds find enough food to eat.  Migrate out to the Kansas Wetlands Education Center to learn about microhabitats as well as how these shorebirds eat.  In addition, we will be making a flapping bird for you to take home.

Friday, March 20 – A Wild Introduction to Field Journaling

Did you know some of history’s most groundbreaking ideas, expeditions, and discoveries began in the pages of a field journal? Such as Charles Darwin sketches from the Galapagos Islands and Lewis and Clarks charts from their expedition. So, let’s get started on your very own field journal. Together you will learn about tricks and tips to not only draw your observations but also write and understand what your observations mean. Afterwards we will put your skills to the test with a walk through our very own KWEC trail.

Can't join us in person or want a teaser of the activity? At 10 a.m. each day, tune in to https://www.facebook.com/wetlandscenter for a chance to meet the staff member presenting that day and a story that fits the theme of the afternoon activity.