Community programs
Curious to learn more about the world around you?
Curious to learn more about the world around you? Join us to explore nature through science, art and community. Our experts are excited to share their passion and help you connect with the natural world. No science degree required, just curiosity!
We offer two types of community programs:
- Public programs: Open to everyone. Many are stand-alone programs that pop up in response to something happening outdoors, such as a seasonal event or a special natural phenomenon.
- Private programs: Customized experiences for specific groups like naturalist clubs, scouts, or other community organizations.
RSVPs are required for all community programs to help us plan and prepare.
Find out more
Most of our programs are geared toward adults and older teens, but they’re usually family-friendly, and younger children are welcome. If you're unsure whether a specific program is a good fit for your kids, feel free to reach out. We never want having little ones in tow to keep you from joining us. Just give us a heads-up, and we’ll do our best to make a plan together.
These free monthly talks are held on Sunday afternoons from January through October. Most talks focus on Kansas wildlife, ecology and research, while others explore broader global connections. These gatherings offer a chance to learn more about the world around us and connect with a community of curious minds. You don’t need to be a scientist to come learn and enjoy!
While the content is typically geared toward adults and older teens, families with younger kids are always welcome. Space is limited, so please RSVP to Wendy Holman at wendyholman@ku.edu to help us plan ahead.
Join us for one or more of these popular events:
- Spring and fall tours of the Baldwin Wood Forest Preserve;
- Summer solstice tour of the KU Native Medicinal Plant Research Garden;
- Visitors' Day at the KU Field Station (even years in fall).
We keep our community programs free whenever we can. However, some may include a registration fee to help cover materials. Private programs typically require a fee to support customization.
Stay in touch
Want to keep up with what’s happening at the KU Field Station? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter and follow us on social media for information about upcoming public programs and volunteer opportunities, current research and highlights from across the field station.