Celebrating Wetlands, Wildlife, and Shared Stewardship
Each year, the Baker University Wetlands & Discovery Center brings the community together to recognize World Wetlands Day and explore the ecological, educational, and cultural importance of wetlands. Hosted within the 927-acre Baker University Wetlands in Lawrence, Kansas, the event invites visitors of all ages to learn how wetlands support wildlife, store and move water, sustain biodiversity, and create opportunities for research, education, and recreation.
Past World Wetlands Day programming has combined presentations, hands-on activities, staff interpretation, family learning, and opportunities to explore the Discovery Center and surrounding landscape. The event reflects the Discovery Center’s broader mission to make environmental science accessible and connect the public with the ongoing work required to care for a rehabilitated wetland ecosystem.
Why World Wetlands Day Matters
Wetlands are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world. The Baker University Wetlands includes wetland, prairie, open-water, and riparian habitats that support 278 documented bird species, 98 other vertebrate species, and 487 plant species. The landscape also serves as Baker University’s field station, allowing students and faculty to study ecological processes directly.
World Wetlands Day gives visitors an opportunity to look beyond the scenery and better understand how the landscape functions. Wetland health depends on water movement, native vegetation, habitat diversity, and active management. At Baker, that work can include prescribed fire, invasive-species control, seed collection, plant surveys, water management, trail maintenance, and the management of overly dominant vegetation.
A Community Learning Experience
The event is designed to serve visitors with different levels of experience. A family visiting a nature center for the first time, a student interested in biology, an experienced birder, and a community volunteer can each find a meaningful way to participate.
Past programs and related Wetlands activities have included:
- Interactive environmental education
- Family-friendly activities
- Discovery Center exhibits
- Native wildlife interpretation
- Guided exploration
- Conversations with Wetlands staff
- Information about habitat restoration
- Opportunities to learn about volunteer stewardship
- Connections to Baker University research and academic programs
The Discovery Center’s exhibits, classrooms, interpretation spaces, and live animal ambassadors help visitors connect concepts discussed during the event with species and habitats found across the property.
A Living Classroom
World Wetlands Day also highlights the Wetlands’ value to students. Baker students use the property for field labs, ecological monitoring, plant surveys, biodiversity research, service learning, internships, and land-management experience. The Wetlands is located approximately 10 miles north of Baker’s Baldwin City campus and provides a distinctive hands-on learning environment for students interested in biology, ecology, biochemistry, pre-health fields, education, and interdisciplinary research.
“We used the wetlands for service learning, giving students hands-on experience through classes and labs. I never imagined the program would gain the resources to expand into what it is today.”
Roger Boyd, emeritus professor of biology
Conservation Is Ongoing Work
World Wetlands Day reinforces that conservation is not a single project or completed milestone. A rehabilitated wetland requires continued observation, informed decision-making, partnership, and community support.
In October 2024, Baker University entered an active conservation partnership with Ducks Unlimited and the Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams. The partnership supports the management of nearly 1,000 acres of upland and riparian habitat, including more than 600 acres of wetlands, while bringing additional biological, engineering, watershed, fundraising, and interpretation expertise to the site. [alumni.bakeru.edu], [bakeru.edu]
Event Details
Location:
Baker University Wetlands & Discovery Center
1365 N 1250 Road
Lawrence, KS 66046
Audience: Families, students, educators, birders, conservationists, community groups, and visitors of all ages
Event format: Educational presentations, family activities, interpretation, and opportunities to explore the Discovery Center and Wetlands
Programming, registration requirements, accessibility information, and schedules may change each year. Visitors should consult the current event listing before attending.
Related Links
Venue information
Baker Wetlands Discovery Center
Address:
1365 N. 1250 Road
Lawrence, KS 66046
United States
