By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Most students around Barton County will be taking a break from the classroom next week for Spring Break. Kansas Wetlands Education Center Director Curtis Wolf reminds families of daily drop-in, come-and-go activities at the facility from 1-4 p.m. each day.
"We've done this the last few years," he said. "It's just a great opportunity. So many people, the kids are at home trying to figure out what to do. Each afternoon, we will be offering our Spring Break drop-in activities. Every day is a different activity."
"Jump Into Spring with Grasshopper Discovery" is the topic for Monday, March 11. The topic will include a craft. On Tuesday, participants can learn about bees and make a hotel for the insects. More crafts are planned for Wednesday's discussion about the differences between frogs and toads. On Thursday, participants can learn about birds, their beaks, and what they eat. They can also make a bird feeder to take home. The week winds down on Friday with general information about wetlands and their importance to the ecosystem with another craft planned. Those unable to attend can check out a livestream on the KWEC Facebook page around 10 a.m. for information about that day's activities. Wolf said Spring Break week is also an important time for part-time staff at the center.
"This is on them to come up with the program, come up with the advertising material for it, all the supplies they need, and everything else," he said. "Each day is a different part-time employee that's in charge of their program."
For a second straight year, KWEC is canceling its popular prairie chicken lek tours due to a lack of birds. KWEC staff will assist with the Kansas Lek Treks event in Hays from April 11-14. Find more information about Lek Treks by CLICKING HERE.