True Dreams of Wichita: Prairie, Sun and Wind
We bid Nebraska farewell and headed south to Junction City, Kansas. After a day to catch up on sleep, laundry and video editing, we visited the Konza Prairie Biological Station to learn first-hand about prairie management and preservation. Director John Briggs and biologist John Blair showed us how management, including the periodic use of fire and animal grazing, can play an important role in ensuring a healthy mix of prairie grasses and plants.
Later, we visited Kansas State University in nearby Manhattan and the lab of Daniel A. Higgins to learn about solar materials research. Dr. Higgins’ lab focuses on using advanced imaging techniques to better understand the structure of nanoscale materials. These materials could, eventually, lead to inexpensive and relatively “green” photovoltaic coatings that can be painted on surfaces or printed on sheets.
After enjoying Junction City’s Sundown Salute 4th of July fireworks, we drove south on scenic Highway 177 through the Flint Hills to stop by the Tall Grass Prairie National Monument and visit the historic towns of Council Grove and Cottonwood Falls.
Our last stop in Kansas was at the Elk Grove Wind Farm, a 150-megawatt installation located in part on the ranch of Peter Ferrell. Peter, a fourth generation cattle rancher, has become a passionate advocate for the benefits of wind power. According to Peter and his ranch manager, Jamie Nelson, the turbines provide a key additional source of revenue and don’t perturb the cattle or interfere with the operations of their ranch. And of course wind is a renewable source of power that is abundant in Kansas and throughout the heartland.
Oklahoma, here we come!
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