Deep Roots and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District present the 2024 Guided Naturalist Walks.
You are invited to enjoy a series of guided tours to learn about natural landscapes across Kansas. Experience nature in the best way possible – firsthand! Explore spring woodlands and early summer prairies with nature experts and enthusiasts. Guest speakers from JCPRD will share how their natural resource management practices have supported these areas. Deep Roots naturalist and self-proclaimed “native plant nerd,” Cydney Ross will provide interpretation and inspiration during the hike.
2024 Guided Naturalist Walks
September – Story of Landscape Changes
Lexington Lake Park
Lunch and Learn Webinar – Thursday, September 5th at 12:00pm
Lexington Lake Park
Guided Naturalist Walks – Saturday, September 21st, 2024
Register for free Lunch and Learn webinars – every first Thursday at 12:00pm CST
Explore old-growth prairies bursting with life and whimsical oak/hickory woodlands with historic stone wall features. Experience nature first-hand during our Guided Naturalist Walk with Deep Roots and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District.
Lexington Lake is a mixture of water, prairie, and woodland habitats. Located in DeSoto, Kansas, this 465-acre park features oak/hickory woodland and old growth prairie with more than 120 prairie plant species. One of these species is the federally threatened Mead’s Milkweed (Asclpeias meadii), a species that requires periodic burns for survival. The adjacent 27-acre lake provides food and habitat for fish, insects, birds, and mammals. Attractive to both wildlife and community, you can see folks walking, fishing, birding, and enjoying outdoor recreation.
From the late summer wildflowers to glacial erratics dotting the woods, experience the magic of nature in person. Learn about our changing landscape from JCPRD natural resource experts. Meet other nature enthusiasts and find inspiration, information, and practical resources for supporting nature at home.
Before the hike, tune in to Deep Root’s free Lunch and Learn series on Thursday, September 5th at 12pm for a glimpse of what to expect during this Guided Naturalist Walk!
Questions? Please contact cydney@deeprootskc.org
Tickets are by donation. Suggested ticket price is $10/person. This event is recommended for adults 18+.
November – Migratory Birds on the Kaw River
Nelson Island Branch
Lunch and Learn Webinar – Thursday, November 7th at 12:00pm
Nelson Island Branch
Guided Naturalist Walks – Saturday, November 16th, 2024
PAST EVENTS
April – Woodland Spring Ephemerals
Cedar Niles Park
Lunch and Learn Webinar – Thursday, April 4th. View the recording here.
Cedar Niles Park
Guided Naturalist Walks – Saturday, April 13th, 2024
June – Prairie Birthday Party
Shawnee Mission Park
Lunch and Learn Webinar – Thursday, June 6th at 12:00pm
Shawnee Mission Park
Guided Naturalist Walks – Saturday, June 15th, 2024
Sign up for the Pollinator to receive info on upcoming Guided Naturalist Walks