Prairy Foundation is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2022 grants, recognizing organizations dedicated to preserving and enhancing Kansas prairie landscapes and heritage. The recipients for this year are R. Michael Rhoades Wetland Park in Newton, KS, and The School for Rural Culture and Creativity in Matfield Green, KS.
The R. Michael Rhoades Wetland Park located in Newton, Kansas, is on a mission to transform the land adjacent to the restricted-access wastewater treatment wetland into a dynamic, rainwater-fed, community wetland park. Prairy Foundation was particularly intrigued by this local project’s creative vision, which includes an ongoing prairie restoration element as part of the park ecosystem. The emphasis on wildlife watching and birding offers a unique and accessible way to experience the prairie in Harvey County.
“We were captivated by the creative vision of R. Michael Rhoades Wetland Park and its dedication to transforming the landscape into a vibrant community space,” said a family representative of the Prairy Foundation. Readers can follow the process on the KAWS website.
In Matfield Green, Kansas, The School for Rural Culture and Creativity serves as a developing space for community, art, agriculture, and ideas for a place-based life. This grassroots non-profit supports its historic community by honoring and invigorating community life despite a declining population. The Prairy Foundation was impressed by the organization’s premise that people need to live on the land to understand and care for it, creatively attending to this concept in various ways. Learn more about their vision on the The School for Rural Culture and Creativity website.
“We were especially drawn to the arts-based components woven throughout the space and the programming, as the Prairy brand also finds inspiration from regional artists as part of its product development,”
said Terri Gaeddert of the Prairy Foundation. “We applaud The School for Rural Culture and Creativity for its commitment to preserving and revitalizing rural communities with its unique and persistent approach.”
The Prairy Foundation is proud to support these organizations in their efforts to foster appreciation and stewardship of Kansas prairie landscapes and communities. One percent of Prairy® brand proceeds is dedicated to the foundation. We invite you to give to the Prairy Foundation at www.PrairyFound.org
The Prairy Foundation is a component fund of the Central Kansas Community Foundation.