In his recently published book, In the Country of the Kaw, Jim Locklear brings to light the natural and cultural wonders found within the watershed of the Kaw (Kansas) River, which arises on the High Plains of Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska and joins the Missouri River in Kansas City. The Kaw watershed encompasses much of the southern part of our state, what Jim calls Nebraska’s “Quiet Quarter”—not as well-known as the Sandhills, Pine Ridge, Niobrara River, or other iconic landscapes. The book is based on Jim’s 30-plus years of “rambling and rooting around” in the country of the Kaw. Jim’s presentation will describe the geographic setting of the country of the Kaw as well as landforms, woodlands, prairies, wildlife, and other aspects of its natural history. His book has two chapters devoted to the bird life of the region, including one on the Rainwater Basin, which will be highlighted a well. He will also profile inspiring work in conservation, restoration, and revitalization in communities natural and human.

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Jim Locklear is a botanist and horticulturist and recently retired as Director of Conservation at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. Previously he was Director of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains (Hesston, Kansas) and the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum.

Jim is a member of Wachiska and lives in Lincoln.

 

Join Wachiska on Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM at Lincoln’s Unitarian Church, 6300 A Street, to learn more about Jim Locklear and his book.

This free, public talk will also be live-streamed on YouTube at:

https://youtube.com/live/FKUUt-9eKe4?feature=share

 

No registration needed. This program can also be viewed at a later time. Check Wachiska’s website for links to past programs.