Water Wars for Wild Wetlands

Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area and Quivira National Wildlife Refuge are two marshes in west-central Kansas that are designated as wetlands of international importance. They are critical stopover habitat for Whooping Cranes and abound with migrating ducks, shorebirds, and Sandhill Cranes during migration. They also host several rare and endangered species including Black Rails, Snowy Plovers, and Interior Least Terns. With drought, climate change, and over-utilization of water for agriculture adjacent to the preserves, these wetlands are losing the water they need to support wildlife. Audubon of Kansas Executive Director Jackie Augustine will discuss the ecology of these wetlands, as well as how Audubon of Kansas has worked and is working to ensure that these wetlands thrive, in this one-hour presentation. 

Learn about the Speaker:   

Dr. Jackie Augustine joined Audubon of Kansas (AOK) in January 2021 as Executive Director.  She received her doctorate degree in biology at Kansas State University studying the mating behavior of Greater Prairie-Chickens.  As Executive Director, Jackie works to support AOK's three-fold mission of advocacy, conservation, and education.  She is also a birdwatcher devoted to providing native plants around her home.