Audubon of Kansas

Abundant Life: Prairie-chickens as Icons of the American Landscape

April 11, 2026
Fort Hays State University, Memorial Union

Join Audubon of Kansas for a special keynote event with Kenn Kaufman, renowned ornithologist, author, and artist, to conclude the 5th Annual Kansas Lek Treks Prairie-Chicken Festival.

Details

7:30 PM Keynote
8:30 PM Book Signing

In the early 1800s, prairie-chickens were widespread across vast swaths of North America, and today it’s hard for us even to imagine how numerous they were. Prairie-chickens were among a handful of iconic species that defined the wildlife of this continent. Kenn Kaufman has been studying the history of that era, and in this presentation he will take a trip back in time to describe North America’s wildlife spectacles of two centuries ago.

Of course, even if the cast of characters has shifted, there are still natural wonders all around us. This program will also celebrate today’s abundance of nature, and the conservation groups, government agencies, and private landowners who are working to preserve these treasures for the future.

Kenn is author of "The Birds That Audubon Missed" (2024), "Kingbird Highway" (2006), and many other popular titles in birding. Both of these titles will be available for sale with a book signing to follow the talk.

This event is free and open to the public.