Meetings & Program Schedule
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Meetings
start at
7:00
P.M. - Room 102, Yates Hall, (across from the North end of football
stadium) at 1702 S.
Joplin St., Pittsburg, KS.
Click here
for a Google map. |
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Thursday September 25, 2025 |
Our speaker will be Tyler Rafter, Kansas State Coordinator for
Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever. Tyler has past experience as a
farm bill biologist and land management specialist, jobs where he
helped landowners work with partner organizations to implement habitat
improvements. Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever is a national organization working to conserve upland habitat. Kansas has 45 local chapters that focus on youth events, education and outreach, hunting heritage, outdoor education, and habitat improvement. A specific focus of many chapters in Kansas, where 98% of land is privately owned, is increasing public access to hunting areas. Tyler will present information about the biology and ecology of pheasants and quail, highlight some of the work being done in Kansas, and share opportunities to get involved with Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever and support their work. |
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October 30, 2025 |
Shadows
in the Caves: The Gray Bat - Braidy Hunt, Pitt State graduate.
Southeast Kansas is the only place in the state to find federally
endangered gray bats and the Pittsburg storm drain system provides them
critical breeding habitat. Hunt will talk about her research on gray
bats and efforts to track their seasonal migration. You might find out
bats aren't so spooky after all! Click here for postable Flier. |
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November 2025 |
Due to conflict with Thanksgiving and Christmas, the November and December meetings have been combined, and held on December 4, 2025. |
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December 4, 2025 |
Pondering the Pond as a Wildlife Habitat - Linda Bower, who spent seven years filming wildlife in and around one pond. Her macro and micro footage provides evidence that ponds are essential to supporting wildlife. We will see over 100 species from tardigrades to bobcats. We will also discuss how to create a great wildlife pond. Linda has been a Missouri Master Naturalist since 2013. |
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January 29, 2026 |
Dr.
Delia Lister presents, "Bridging Science and Story: Communicating
Climate Change in Two Iconic National Parks" How can we bring
together science, personal experiences, and teachable moments to better
communicate the realities of climate change—especially in places where
the very namesakes are at risk? This talk dives into some of how
climate change is reshaping Joshua Tree and Glacier Bay National Parks,
what influences the way people understand environmental threats, and
how personal stories can make scientific information more meaningful. |
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February 26, 2026 |
"How Birds Became Dinosaurs and Vice Versa: What the Fossils, Feathers and Genes Finally Made Clear", by Megan Corrigan, VP of Sperry Galligar Audubon. If you are old enough to remember when birds were not dinosaurs you might be wondering what changed. This program will trace key discoveries that have helped advance the understanding of bird evolution and convince many scientists that birds didn't evolve from dinosaurs, they actually are living dinosaurs flying among us today. |
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March 26, 2026 |
Dr. Jamie Phelps, PSU's Biology Dept. will present "Pupal Fortresses: Defenses Against Predation" - Moth and butterfly pupae (cocoons and chrysalises) are immobile, preventing direct means from escaping predators. This talk will explore the many interesting and unique ways moths and butterflies have adapted to avoid predation during this vulnerable life stage. Click here for a postable flier. |
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Thursday April 30, 2026 |
Pollinator Pop-up Gardens' by Peyton Kessler of Payton's Potting Shed
in Oswego. Pollinator Pop-up gardens are small native gardens that serve
as convenience stores for pollinators on their long journeys of
migration. Join us to learn what native plants
grow well together and what you can plant to support pollinators. |
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May 28, 2026 Annual Picnic |
To be announced. |
| Summer Hiatus | SGAS will not hold regular meetings in the months of June, July & August. |
