Current Projects

• Inventory of Natural Areas in Linn and Anderson Counties, Kansas
• Ft. Leavenworth Military Reservation
• Conservation Planning for Echinacea Species
• Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Kansas

An Inventory of Natural Areas in Linn and Anderson Counties, Kansas

Point of contact: Kelly Kindscher

The conservation of natural areas and their biological diversity is an issue of state and global significance. Healthy natural areas buffer the effects of pollution, protect water quality, prevent soil erosion, improve land values, and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation. In 2008 and 2009 we will continue our work of identifying natural areas in Kansas by con-ducting surveys in Linn and Anderson Counties. This work is being funded by a State Wildlife Grant provided by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks.

 

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Ft. Leavenworth Military Reservation

Point of contact: William H. Busby

Ft. Leavenworth, located on the west bank of the Missouri River, contains forested bluffs and floodplain habitats. The area supports mature oak-hickory upland forest and one of the best examples of old-growth bottomland hardwood forest along the lower Missouri River.

The KSNHI has conducted several studies of natural features on the fort since 1996. This work has documented the presence of many state-rare species of plants, reptiles, birds, and mammals, and characterized the installation’s outstanding forest communities and importance to neotropical migrant birds.

Continuing work will result in the development of a natural resource plan to guide future research, monitoring, and conservation efforts.

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Conservation Planning for Echinacea Species

Point of Contact: Kelly Kindscher

We are studying this medicinal plant because of the large number of Echinacea angustifolia plants harvested in the wild in Kansas and across the Great Plains.

In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, state Natural Heritage Programs and United Plant Savers, we have set out to conduct a range-wide conservation assessment of the genus Echinacea.

This study, funded by the U.S. Forest Service, is surveying existing data and literature as well as gathering baseline data in order to make recommendations for conservation and future monitoring of these species on federal, state, and other lands.

Echinacea species are widely used both as a medicinal plant and as a beautiful ornamental. Two species of Echinacea are on the endangered species list and widespread wild harvesting for the herbal product trade leads to concern over population pressure on the others. Species-by-species maps of Echinacea distribution throughout its entire growing range in United States and Canada are being created. These maps will integrate large numbers of herbarium records to try to produce the most accurate distribution maps.

View Echinacea distribution maps.

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Atlas of the Vascular Plants of Kansas

Point of Contact: Craig Freeman

Work is underway to produce both printed and electronic versions of an atlas of the nearly 2,300 native and naturalized plants documented in Kansas. ArcView maps have been prepared for 1,500 species based on herbarium specimens examined at Baker University, Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, Kansas State University, Pittsburg State University, and the University of Kansas.

Occurrences are being mapped at the sub-county level, and Heritage state-ranks are assigned as species are mapped. Work on several of the state's largest plant families already has been completed, including the Poaceae and Cyperaceae.