Guided Nature Walk: Prairies of Shawnee Mission Park
Grab your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure! Experience prairie blooms and butterflies firsthand on this guided naturalist walk.
Location
Shawnee Mission Park
Shawnee Mission Park Shawnee, KSRefund Policy
About this event
Deep Roots and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District present the 2024 Guided Naturalist Walks.
In partnership with Deep Roots and Johnson County Parks and Recreation District
LET'S TAKE A HIKE!
Grab your hiking boots and join us for a walk on the prairie! Enjoy a guided tour to learn the beauty and benefits of Kansas rare remnant prairies. Naturalist and native plant enthusiasts Cydney Ross of Deep Roots and Matt Garrett of JCPRD will host a day of fun exploring the various native plants and wildlife found at Shawnee Mission Park's prairies. Hear the story of natural resource management through the lens of passionate land stewards. Learn how old growth, new, and reconstructed prairies are stitched together across 2,000 acres. Together we'll experience nature in the best way possible - first hand!
At this time of year, prairie landscapes are rich with native flowers that provide food for wildlife. From the emergence of Prairie hyacinth to Purple prairie clover, experience the magic of nature in person. You'll meet other nature enthusiasts, find inspiration, information and practical resources for supporting nature at home.
Register for either the morning or afternoon session. We'll meet at a disclosed location and explore the prairies for two hours. If you've ever walked with a naturalist you may notice these aren't extreme endurance hikes. We like to take things slow, at our own pace, and soak in the beauty of the great outdoors! The prairies are relatively flat but may include uneven terrain. There is also no shade on the prairie. Wear sturdy footwear and weather appropriate clothing. We recommend you wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and bug spray. Please leave dog friends at home.
Tune in to Lunch and Learn: Shawnee Mission Park Prairies on Thursday, June 6th at noon for a preview of what you'll experience on this hike!
Questions? Please contact cydney@deeprootskc.org
Tickets are by donation. Suggested ticket price is $10/person. (i.e $10/1 ticket; $20/2 tickets) Please let Cydney know if you will be bringing more than one guest. All are welcome, but this event is recommended for adults 18+.
Frequently asked questions
We want everyone to join us! While tickets are necessary to fund the program, the rates are suggestions. If they pose financial difficulty, simply pay as you can. Conversely if the opposite is true, consider increasing your donation to help cover costs and make the tours possible for all. TY!
Not to worry! Our guide is not an athlete but a passionate naturalist who will likely stop to look at something interesting every 10 feet or so.
The trails we're exploring at Cedar Niles Park are natural and unpaved. The surface can be rocky at times but is rated for beginners.