Kansas may help take the Illinois prairie chicken off life support and establish healthier numbers. Find out how during this engaging free presentation, Thursday, March 19 at 7:30 pm at Peters Science Hall, Room 229 on the Kansas Wesleyan University campus.

Before Europeans, it’s estimated that between 10 and 14 million prairie chickens roamed Illinois. However, by 2014 it had become one of the state’s endangered bird species. Join Bob Gillespie, natural resource coordinator for the Illinois Natural History Survey, as he shares the history of this iconic grassland bird and about the project he coordinates. Prairie chickens from neighboring populations, including those from the Smoky Hills area, are being used to conserve and grow the Illinois flock. Learn about the Illinois prairie chicken recovery project, the importance of this species and the successes so far. There will also likely be some foot stamping and booming for our feathered friends.

This free presentation is sponsored by Smoky Hills Audubon Society. Refreshments are available at 7:00 pm and the presentation begins at 7:30 on Thurs., March 19, 2015 at Peters Science Hall, Room 229.