Water is critical to our survival. Kansans are fortunate to have developed an infrastructure to capture surface water in reservoirs in the eastern part of the state and tap into the Ogallala Aquifer in the western part. These systems have provided clean, plentiful, inexpensive water for decades and we tend to use it as if there is an endless supply. But as Kansas water usage increases, threats to our water supply and quality are ever more present.
On Saturday, March 7, 2015, the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains hosted its annual spring educational symposium on the theme of water. Participants became more informed about the state of Kansas water, where we get it and how we use it, what it means to our livelihood and economy, and how well-prepared we are for the next drought cycle when it occurs. They learned what conservation solutions are available for our agricultural systems, municipalities, and landscapes, and how important water is to our state’s natural history and eco-tourism.
Schedule
**CLICK ON EACH SPEAKER’S TITLE/NAME TO SEE THEIR FULL PRESENTATION**
- 8:30 a.m. Check-in and Continental Breakfast
- 8:50-9:00 a.m. Introduction: Brad Guhr, Dyck Arboretum, Education Coordinator
- 9:00-9:45 a.m. The Problem (The Long View) – Drought Cycles Over the Last 1,000 Years: Tony Layzell, Kansas Geological Survey
- 9:45-10:30 a.m. Non-Point Source Pollution and Anticipated Effects of Drought: Richard Basore, Kansas Department of Health and Environment
- 10:30-11:15 a.m. Kansas Water 101 – A Summary: Bobbi Luttjohann, Kansas Water Office
- 11:15 a.m.-Noon South Central Kansas Water Issues: Tim Boese, Equus Beds Groundwater Management District
- Noon-1:00 p.m. Lunch
- 1:00-1:45 p.m. Advances in Irrigation Technology: Danny Rogers, Kansas State University
- 1:45-2:30 p.m. Municipality Water Conservation Solutions: Martha Tasker, Salina Department of Utilities
- 2:30-3:15 p.m. Waterwise Solutions with Warm Season Grass Turf: Ross Braun, Kansas State University, Department of Horticulture
- 3:15-4:00 p.m. A Conservationist’s View on Kansas Water: Joyce Wolf, Audubon of Kansas
Registration Fees:
$40 for arboretum members or $50 for non-members (includes a full day of presentations, breakfast, and lunch. To register, contact the Dyck Arboretum at 620-327-8127 or arboretum@hesston.edu.
*RSVP BY WEDNESDAY, MARCH 4, TO BE INCLUDED IN MEAL COUNT.*