WSU's natural treasure

By Amy Geiszler-Jones

The Ninnescah Experimental Tract may be among WSU's best-kept secrets. Located in southwest Sedgwick County near Viola, the tract became a biological research station for WSU in 1983, when the Endowment Association acquired it.

As a field station, the tract has provided opportunities for lessons in prairie rebirth, aquatic life and other studies. Students from such departments as geology, anthropology and, of course, biological sciences, have used the station for field trips. High school science classes and science classes from other universities in Kansas, have visited the station, as well. Between 500 and 600 people visit the station each year, according to station director Don Distler.

Distler, an associate professor of biological sciences, maintains the field station and was instrumental in restoring native prairie and wetlands to the former farmland.

In 1989 the Sedgwick County Conservation District recognized the university's efforts with its Soil Conservation Award. In 1990 WSU's Endowment Fund was awarded a Testimonial of Honor from the Kansas Bankers Association because of the restoration project.

The station is operated with funds - about $6,000 a year - from the federal government's Conservation Reserve Program. A substantial grant from KGE helped begin the wetlands restoration. A number of university and community volunteers have contributed time, labor and equipment, as well.

Anyone wishing to arrange a visit to the station may call Distler at (316) 584-6626.