Annual Fall Meeting 
Sept. 30, Oct. 1-2, 2005
Experience the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway to Coldwater
by Phyllis Scherich

Experience the Gypsum Hills Scenic Byway on US Hwy 160 from Medicine Lodge to Coldwater in Comanche County - and take a moment to stop at the turnouts to enjoy the view of the Gypsum Hills - also called the Red Hills - on your way.


In keeping with the decision made by the Board in 2003 to meet in different areas of the state to view the wide range of native plants in their Kansas habitats, plans have been made to meet in Coldwater, Kansas.


Outings are planned for the Belvidere & Sun City areas, the defunct town of Nescatunga that once vied for the county seat, and a private ranch which was once part of the Comanche Pool. For those who can stay for Sunday a stop will be made at Lake Coldwater, followed by a guided tour by locals through the heart of the Red Hills on your way home. The late season native plants of these areas will be featured. (On Oct. 3, 2004, I counted 42 wildflowers still blooming!)


Friday evening we will eat at Buster's in Sun City, known for their smoked BBQ ribs. For those who can't make the Friday afternoon foray, you may opt to meet us at Sun City for dinner - on your way to Coldwater.
Saturday evening the unique Wilmore Opry will have a show. Tickets are free, but must be reserved at least a month in advance as it always "sells" out.


The membership meeting will be Saturday morning, Oct. 1, at Measurement Inc, a renovated grade school, in Coldwater. A catered lunch, by reservation, will be prepared by the Timberwolf Cafe and served at the meeting site.


A bit of history of the Comanche Pool will be followed by a Power Point presentation by the Comanche Pool Prairie Resource Foundation. It will feature their efforts to regenerate and protect the natural resource ecology of our area. They will share how locals are trying to control the invasive eastern red cedar, and how they are assisting in the return of farm ground to native range lands.


Motel rooms are limited in Coldwater. There is one motel, the Comanche. If it fills up and more rooms are needed we have a list of persons who are willing to rent a room in their home for a small fee. Those with campers will enjoy using Lake Coldwater facilities with hook-ups - it is located 1/2 mile out of town. Other motels are available in area towns, but all are at least 25 miles away.

Schedule of Events

Friday, Sept. 30: Meet at Heritage Park in downtown Coldwater.
2:00-3:00 p.m. Reception by Coldwater Chamber of Commerce.

3:00 p.m. Meet at Heritage Park. An afternoon foray with Ken Brunsen, Kansas Wildlife & Parks and Stan Roth, Kansas Biological Survey. Car pool to areas near Belvidere & Sun City.

6:00 p.m. Supper at Buster's in Sun City, KS.

7:00 p.m. KNPS Board meeting near Buster's in Sun City.

Saturday, Oct. 1: Meet at Measurement, Inc., Downtown Coldwater.
8:00 a.m. Registration. Coffee, juice and cinnamon rolls.

Silent Auction begins.

Photo Contest - Place your photo entries with the judges. First, Second and Third Place ribbons will be given later in the morning.

Sales items and Displays.

9:00 a.m. Annual Meeting begins: KNPS President, Valerie Wright.

9:00 a.m. Greeting by Coldwater Mayor & MI Director.

9:20 a.m. KNPS Business Meeting: President Valerie Wright

Committee Reports

Nominations for new Board members.

10:00 a.m. Break for refreshments and continuation of Silent Auction.

10:20 a.m. Comanche Pool History - Phyllis Scherich

10:40 a.m. Comanche Pool Prairie Resource Foundation - Kay Anderson, NRCS, Ted Alexander & committee.

11:00 a.m. Nescatunga - Evelyn Reed.

11:20 a.m. Comanche County Wildflowers - Phyllis Scherich.

11:45 a.m. Announcement of Photo Contest Winners!
Silent Auction ends!

12:15 p.m. Lunch at Measurement Inc. catered by Timberwolf Café.

12:30 p.m. Introduction of President Elect Jeff Hansen

12:45 p.m. Announcements & organization for afternoon foray.

1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Foray to Nescatunga & the Merrill Ranch. Meet at Measurement Inc.

6:00 p.m. Supper on your own.

Sunday, Oct. 2: Breakfast on your own.
9:00 a.m. Meet at Heritage Park to caravan to Lake Coldwater, Deerhead & Flower Pot Mound in Barber County.

Noon. Return home from Medicine Lodge.