Cultivating Transformative Relationships
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains aims to cultivate transformative relationships between people and the land through various conservation initiatives. To promote a healthy relationship with nature and get children outside and involved with their natural surroundings, Dyck Arboretum has launched an Earth Partnership for Schools (EPS) Program focused on training K-12 teachers to restore prairie gardens on school grounds. In turn, teachers are able to study the model prairie with their students and then plan, plant, maintain, and research their prairie gardens as hands-on schoolyard learning laboratories.
Educating Our Future Leaders
In honor of Chris’ adventurous spirit, love of people, and passion for travel, the Chris Mikesell Foundation aims to support opportunities for young people to experience nature and recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Dyck Arboretum to further their Earth Partnership for Schools (EPS) Program. The current EPS Program not only engages students to learn about their Kansas natural and cultural history but also helps them develop a sense of place. By learning about the native plants, wildlife, soils, and water in the natural systems around them, students will be better equipped to make positive environmental decisions while becoming more competent, well-rounded future leaders.