Flatlander Podcast

KDWP District Wildlife Biologist, Vickie Cikanek, joins us to chat about working lands for wildlife in the southern Flint Hills and Chautauqua Hills. We get into fun things like blackjack oaks, where trees belong, soil composition, big deer, trailer backing-up, shy snakes, Habitat First, fire culture, passenger pigeons, losing meadowlarks, what people get wrong about quail and deer, Kansas' outstanding landowners and hunters, and much more! Habitat First Program: https://ksoutdoors.com/Services/Private-Landowner-Assistance/Wildlife-Biologists/Habitat-First-Program Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

The Kansas fall turkey season was suspended--what does this mean? What data informed the decision? Listen as we chat with Kent Fricke about turkey declines, ongoing and upcoming research, and the future of turkeys in Kansas. Kent was recently quoted in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/11/23/us/turkey-population-declines-oklahoma.html Learn more about turkey seasons in Kansas here: https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Applications-and-Fees/Turkey Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Hey Flatlanders! We've missed you. Co-hosts Tanna, Lyndzee, Laura, and Nadia (and Megan) are back on the mics and catching up after a hiatus. We're getting back into the podcast groove and starting with a hosts episode! Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Tanna and Lyndzee are flying solo in this episode to talk about a program that is near and dear to their hearts. Becoming an Outdoors-Woman is a workshop focused on the learning of outdoor skills - skills usually associated with hunting and fishing, but useful for many outdoor pursuits such as foraging, backpacking, camping, outdoor cooking, boating, and more! Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Sources Becoming an Outdoors-Woman Kansas BOW Events Notification Sign-up International BOW Follow the BOW Facebook page for event updates and information. Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

What's that...you haven't read the Kansas Water Plan yet? Fret not! Join us for an hour while we learn about Kansas reservoirs, irrigation, groundwater management districts, important meetings, local enhanced management areas, soil moisture probes, municipal water reuse, and some cool Kansans doing heroic things for water conservation. If you hunt, fish, eat food, or drink water in Kansas, this episode is for you! Hosts Laura Mendenhall, Nadia Marji Sources Kansas Water Office Kansas Water Authority The Kansas Water Plan Book Recommendations Running Out: In Search of Water on the High Plains Cadillac Desert: The American West and Its Disappearing Water Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants Finding Trails in Kansas Hiking, Biking, Horseback Riding TrailsGet Outdoors KansasTrail LinkTravel Kansas Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

The Kansas Wildscape Foundation (KWF) was established by the Kansas Legislature in 1990, in coordination with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. They are an independent, 501(c)(3), tax-exempt foundation dedicated to raising funds to benefit wildlife and outdoor recreation activities in Kansas. Their mission, to create and promote outdoor opportunities in Kansas. Executive Director of KWF, Marc Murrell, visits us on Flatlander to tell us about the projects and programs that make up this amazing organization and how Kansans benefit. Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Sources The Kansas Wildscape Foundation KWF Programs KWF Projects KWF Fundraisers Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

This episode is chock full of trivia night factoids: the defunct mussel button industry, 30 miles of hand-laid limestone fencing, 1800's style refrigeration, prescribed fires, bison wallows, and the secret Flint Hills pronghorn herd. Join Laura and Nadia as they chat Flint Hills ecology and history with Brian Obermeyer, Director of Protection and Stewardship at The Nature Conservancy in Kansas. Hosts Nadia Marji, Laura Mendenhall Sources Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve The Nature Conservancy in Kansas My Flint Hills by Jim Hoy Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks operates four fish hatcheries across the state located at Farlington, Meade, Milford, and Pratt. Each contributes in its own way to supply the varied needs of Kansas anglers. This system produces approximately 39.5 million fry, 3.5 million fingerling, and 385,000 intermediate fish for stocking in Kansas public waters annually. Pratt Fish Hatchery manager, Brett Houdyshell, joins Lyndzee and Tanna to tell us about what goes on at Pratt's fish hatchery, how fry are artificially hatched, treated for disease, and readied for stocking or rearing ponds. Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Sources Learn more about KDWP's fish hatcheries Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Zebra mussels! Carp! Giant snails! Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are animals and plants not native to Kansas that cause harm to the economy, environment, or human health. In this episode, Nadia and Laura, are joined by Vanessa Salazar, KDWP aquatic invasive species biologist, to talk about the aquatic invasive species currently found in Kansas, how they effect aquatic ecosystems, and what we should do to prevent or mitigate their spread. Hosts Nadia Marji, Laura Mendenhall Sources KDWP Aquatic Nuisance Species Recognize Aquatic Nuisance Species Clean. Drain. Dry. Don't Let It Loose Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Audubon of Kansas (AOK) is an independent grassroots nonprofit organization that promotes appreciation and stewardship of natural ecosystems in Kansas and the central Great Plains, with special emphasis on conservation of prairies, birds, other wildlife, and their habitat. It is neither funded nor administered by the National Audubon Society. AOK executive director, Jackie Augustine, joins Tanna and Lyndzee to talk more about the mission of AOK and the annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival. Hosts Lyndzee Rhine, Tanna Wagner Sources Audubon of Kansas Audubon of Kansas Facebook Page AOK Kansas Lek Treks and Prairie-Chicken Festival Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

This year 2023, marks the 50th anniversary of Kansas' Hunter Education Program! KDWP outdoor education supervisor and hunter education coordinator, Kent Barrett, sits down at the mic with Tanna and Lyndzee to tell us about the Hunter Education Program, its history, multiple learning environments, and how to get involved. Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Sources KDWP Hunter Education Kansas Hunter Education Upcoming Courses Become an Instructor Hunter Education in our Schools Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

The National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) is an in-school program aimed at improving educational performance among students in grades 4 – 12. And through it, students are learning focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life. Flatlander host, Lyndzee Rhine, is our special guest in this episode! She coordinates the program for KDWP and shares what NASP is all about, how it's impacting students across the state, and how to get involved! Host Tanna Wagner Sources National Archery in the Schools Program KDWP NASP NASP Upcoming Classes NASP Kansas Regional Coordinators Gary Keehn – NE KS Regional Coordinator Gary.Keehn@ks.gov Dave Adams – SE KS Regional Coordinator David.Adams@ks.gov Joyce Ellis – NE KS Regional Coordinator Joyce.Ellis@ks.gov Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Wildlife viewing is among the fastest growing outdoor recreation activities in the United States. Wildlife agencies, including KDWP, are interested in gathering data about wildlife viewers (those who intentionally observe, feed, or photograph wildlife; travel to parks, protected areas, or other natural spaces with the purpose of feeding, observing, or photographing wildlife, and those who maintain plantings or natural areas for the benefit of wildlife) behaviors, experiences, perceptions, needs, and preferences. This information is essential for more meaningful and substantive engagement for state agencies with this often underserved constituency. KDWP wildlife diversity coordinator, Daren Riedle, shares with us a recent study that Kansas participated in to learn more about this significant group and how we can better serve them. Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Sources Kansas Results of the Wildlife Viewer Survey Chickadee Checkoff Program Wildlife Diversity - Facebook page Learn More About Wildlife Watching Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

No stranger to the outdoors but rather new to hunting, Garrett Lyon shares his personal journey into becoming an adult on-set hunter. Join Tanna and Lyndzee as we learn about Garrett's perspective on how and why he chose to learn something new, what it's meant for him so far, and as he recounts his first hunting experiences. Hosts Tanna Wagner, Lyndzee Rhine Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Today we're talking about big cats, and not the feline variety, with Ernesto Flores, KDWP Fisheries Biologist stationed in Emporia, Kan. Originally native to three rivers in Kansas, blue catfish now inhabit much of the water found in sunflower state. Blue catfish have the potential to reach “River Monster” status and are a great angling opportunity for those fishing in Kansas! Flatlander hosts, Nadia and Laura, learn about the big blue cat, their biology, and how KDWP manages populations. Hosts Nadia Marji, Laura Mendenhall Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Vamos a Pescar is a national grant-based program focused on introducing Hispanic families to fishing and providing resources for recreation. Today, hosts Laura and Nadia sit down with Patricia Saenz-Reyes and Phil Taunton, Vamos a Pescar organizers in Emporia, Kan. who tell us about their experience with the program and why it's an important resource for families in our state. Hosts Nadia Marji, Laura Mendenhall Sources Vamos a Pescar National Website/Resources - Spanish Take me Fishing Website/Resources - English Hispanics of Today and Tomorrow (HOTT) Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Favorite duck hunting spot dry this year? Increased hunting pressure got you down? Learn about the state of waterfowl conservation in Kansas, what more needs to be done, and how you can help. Get informed, share your knowledge, and make a difference. Hosts Laura Menhenhall, Nadia Marji Sources Become a Member of Ducks Unlimited DU Events List Climate Change and Waterfowl Climate Change Projections for Kansas Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

True stewards of the land, Keith and Eva Yearout, managers of Z-Bar Ranch in western southcentral Kansas, have spent more than 20 years ranching with the goal of bringing the land back to its native state while managing a sizable herd of bison. Hosts Laura and Lyndzee get an in-depth glimpse of life on the ranch and how consistent and evolving management practices have helped Z-Bar Ranch become a healthy habitat for their livestock and wildlife alike. Hosts Laura Mendenhall, Lyndzee Rhine Sources Z-Bar Ranch Reintroducing Bison Results in Long-running and Resilient Increases in Grassland Diversity Tree Encroachment on the Prairie Follow the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks on Facebook and Instagram. Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.