Flatlander Podcast

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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

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Hey Flatlanders! Join us today as we learn about the many species of birds that call Cheyenne Bottoms home. Tanna and Lyndzee are joined on location at the Kansas Wetlands Education Center by Dr. Robert Penner, The Nature Conservancy, and Jason Wagner, Kansas Wildlife and Parks, to talk about shorebirds and migratory birds.

Hosts
Tanna Fanshier, Lyndzee Rhine

Sources
KDWP Waterfowl Report
Pocket Guide - Shorebirds and Migratory Birds
eBird
Cheyenne Bottoms
Kansas Wetlands Education Center
Kansas Birding Facebook Group
Sandhill Crane Identification Test
Sandhill Crane Regulations
Duck Stamp

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In Kansas, the term "furbearers" encompasses a number of species, including badger, bobcat, beaver, gray fox, red fox, swift fox, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, raccoon, striped skunk, and weasel. With abundant furbearer populations throughout most of Kansas, furharvesting opportunities abound. In fact, furbearers are probably one of our most under-utilized natural resources, and the benefits of their harvest are numerous. Regulated furharvesting during the legal seasons​ serves as the primary means of furbearer population and damage control.

Flatlander hosts Tanna and Lyndzee sit down with James Svaty, KDWP wildlife biologist, to talk about​ the biological impact of trapping ​as well as the cultural and social importance of furharvesting in the lifestyles of many participants.

Hosts
Tanna Fanshier, Lyndzee Rhine

Sources
KDWP Furharvesting Information

• Kansas Furharvesting Licenses and Permits
• Regulations
• Kansas Furbearers
• Best Management Practices

Furharvester Education Certificate
KDWP Hunting and Furharvesting Regulations Summary
KDWP Commission Meetings

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Spiders! They're typically misunderstood and tend get a bad rap but spiders serve a huge importance to an ecosystem and maintaining balance. Join Tanna and Lyndzee as we explore Kansas' eight-legged insects with Dustin Wilgers, Associate Professor of Biology at McPherson College, author, and spider expert.

Hosts
Tanna Fanshier, Lyndzee Rhine

Sources
Savannah Spider Book Series
Chickadee Checkoff
8-Leg Education Facebook Page

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The ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite quail, and two species of prairie grouse (greater and lesser prairie chicken) make up Kansas' coveted upland birds. In this episode, we're joined by Jeff Prendergast, KDWP small game specialist, to learn about these beautiful birds of the grasslands, their habitats, populations, management practices, and more. Jeff also gives us a sneak peek into this years Kansas Upland Bird Forecast for hunters.

Hosts
Laura Mendenhall, Tanna Fanshier

Sources
KDWP Upland Birds
Kansas Upland Bird Forecast

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Wander Woman of Kansas is a diverse women's outdoor group who are engaged in the enjoyment of adventuring and exploring the outdoors. Founded in 2018, Wander Woman Kansas was developed to bring women together in a tough outdoor industry that can be difficult to navigate. Founder Jessica White joins us in the Flatlands to discuss her personal journey, the ins and outs of Wander Woman, and how women everywhere can participate in these unique outdoor opportunities.

Whether you are an expert in outdoor sports, or have not had an opportunity, Wander Woman is here to make those outdoor bucket lists a possibility.

Hosts
Laura Mendenhall, Nadia Marji

Sources
Wander Woman of Kansas
Wander Woman Facebook Page
Wander Woman Instagram Page 

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Did you know that the largest wetland in the interior of the united states is located right here in Kansas? Tag along with Lyndzee and Tanna as they visit The Kansas Wetlands Education Center (KWEC) in Barton County, KS to learn more about Kansas wetlands and all that the KWEC has to offer! 

The KWEC is a cooperative effort between Fort Hays State University and KDWP dedicated to educating the public about wetland ecosystems, with an emphasis on Cheyenne Bottoms and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge. In this episode, we're joined by Mandy Kern, KWEC program specialist and published children's book author, to learn about the purpose and mission of the KWEC, local wetlands and their inhabitants, and what to do while you're visiting. 

In a future episode, we'll meet up with KDWP Public Land Manager Jason Wagner and the Nature Conservancy in Kansas Avian Conservation Manager, Dr. Robert Penner, to dive deeper into the importance of our local wetlands for migratory birds. Stay tuned!

Hosts
Tanna Fanshier, Lyndzee Rhine

Sources
Kansas Wetlands Education Center
Ava: A Year of Adventure in the Life of an American Avocet
Donate to KWEC

Follow KWEC on social media; Facebook, Instagram

 

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

Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Hosts
Laura Mendenhall, Nadia Marji

Sources
Kansas Fishing Regulations Summary
Kansas Fishing Atlas
Fishing Reports and Forecasts
Community Fisheries Assistance Program (CFAP)
Urban Fishing Program

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Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.

Chances are, if you live in or have passed through Kansas, you've heard of or passed by one of the 105 K-State Reach and Extension (KSRE) Offices across the state. Their mission:  improve Kansans lives, livelihoods and communities through education, research, engagement and leadership. Laura and Nadia are joined by Juju Wellemeyer, Natural Resource and Small/Mid-scale Agriculture Extension Agent at the Johnson County office to educate us about what KSRE does from education and resources for agriculture, food and health, lawn and garden, and more; and how outdoor enthusiasts can utilize their resources backed by data and science.

Hosts
Laura Mendenhall, Nadia Marji

Sources
K-State Research and Extension
Extension Master Gardeners
Johnson County Junior and Master Naturalists
Volunteer Programs

Correction: Johnson County Extension Master Naturalists monitor more than 40 bluebird routes, consisting of over 530 boxes.

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

Follow the Kansas Wildlife Federation on Facebook and Instagram.