The Nature Conservancy in Kansas

05/25/2026

A new generation is roaming the grasslands. 🦬🌾

Smoky Valley Ranch and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Kansas are welcoming the newest members of the herd, and although they might be small now, they have already begun to play an important role in shaping the landscapes they live in.

Through seed dispersal, natural soil disturbance, and grazing, bison are vital in shaping the ecosystem in which they live. They also help create habitats that various other species rely on to thrive. These actions help create grasslands that are resilient and diverse in not only plants but also wildlife.

Visit Smoky Valley Ranch or Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve today and see what you can spot roaming the grasslands.

📸: Audrey Kovac

05/20/2026

Smoky Valley Ranch, a TNC preserve in western Kansas, is a 20,000-acre working cattle and bison ranch with thriving wildlife populations—including the lesser prairie chicken.

In western Kansas, 80% of the native prairie has been converted to some other use. Showing that healthy wildlife and successful ranching go hand-in-hand is critical to retaining the 20% of the prairie that’s left.

Read why Justin Roemer, manager of the preserve, says Smoky Valley gives him hope: https://nature.ly/4dvBWQa

📸: Morgan Heim

05/19/2026

Join Friends of the Kaw - Kansas Riverkeeper for Kaw Currents: Prairies and the Kansas River, this Thursday, May 21, to explore the important connections between the prairies and Kansas River.

You'll learn how water quality reflects changes in the landscape and how prairie conservation can help protect waterways.

Our own Chris Janssen, the Freshwater Program Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Kansas, will be featured as guest speaker for this exciting conversation. Learn more and RSVP today: https://nature.ly/4dDuUZZ

05/08/2026

The Nature Conservancy in Kansas has permanently protected 960 additional acres at Smoky Valley Ranch Preserve. This is a major milestone that strengthens one of the state’s most ecologically significant grassland landscapes.

“This acquisition checks all the boxes for our work at Smoky Valley Ranch, from habitat diversity and connectivity to restoring native prairie. We’re grateful for the stewards who cared for this land before us and are excited to carry that forward.”
— Justin Roemer, Smoky Valley Ranch Manager

With this acquisition, more than 20,000 acres at Smoky Valley Ranch are now protected. The newly conserved grassland helps safeguard critical habitat for species like the lesser prairie-chicken and Ferruginous Hawk. That’s a big win for conservation in Kansas!

Learn more: https://nature.ly/4nwuF7H

📸: Lance Nells

04/24/2026

We're excited to see targeted grazing back in action at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve and can’t wait to watch how these fields respond!

04/22/2026

Make this an Earth Day for all.

However you choose to celebrate—big or small—you’re part of a global community working toward a better future for people and nature.

This Earth Day is for all the generations that got us here, and for all the generations to come.

Explore ways to get involved, find inspiration, and take action: https://nature.ly/4m0x21L

04/16/2026

We’re so grateful for the quick, coordinated response from all parties involved!

04/15/2026

This Saturday, join the 12th Annual Kansas Riverbank Cleanup in Lawrence with Friends of the Kaw. Each year, more than 100 volunteers come together to care for the riverbank below Bowersock Dam – and we’re proud to be a partner in the event. Help care for the Kansas River this Saturday and be part of something special!

Here are the details:
– North 2nd St. & Locust Ave., Lawrence
–Saturday, April 18
– 9:00–11:00 a.m.

Learn more and RSVP here: https://nature.ly/4cniowP

04/13/2026

Our Director of Conservation, Matt Bain, joins Ask A Kansan to talk about conserving native grasslands, working alongside ranchers and communities, and why prairie chickens are such an important part of Kansas’ landscape and heritage. It’s a great conversation for anyone curious about TNC's conservation work happening across Kansas.

Watch the interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frgCh912j5Q

🎙 Episode 52 is live!
We’re joined by Matt Bain, Director of Conservation for The Nature Conservancy in Kansas. From protecting native grasslands to working alongside ranchers and communities, Matt shares insight on conserving the land while supporting the people who rely on it.

04/08/2026

We teamed up with the Kansas chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA) for a workday at Welda Prairie in eastern Kansas.

Nine volunteers showed up (some traveling from Topeka and Kansas City!) to help reduce cedar tree encroachment on about five acres of native prairie along Bradshaw Creek. They brought their own equipment, worked nonstop from 9 a.m. to noon, and made a real difference for this landscape.

Huge thanks to this hardworking crew for giving their time and energy to Kansas prairie conservation!