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Details

Price: TBD
Dates: TBD 2027
Location: Council Grove, Kansas, USA
Expedition Language: English
Nearest Airport: Wichita, KS or Kansas City, MO
Accommodation: Tent camping
Maximum participation: 10
Minimum Age: 14

Summary

We'll be conducting a broad survey of insects in and around the last remaining 4% of North America's tallgrass prairie ecosystem from our campsite in Council Grove, Kansas. Situated close to the geographic center of the United States, it's an area rich in both human and natural history.

Throughout the weekend we'll be visiting several private lands and national preserves to record as many insect species as possible during this weekend, including dung beetles, moths, butterflies, grasshoppers, mantids, stick insects, and so much more.

This is a perfect mini-expedition for everyone, and particularly those involved in our Great Insect Quest!

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We provide you with tents (you can bring your own if preferred), all meals and non-alcoholic beverages while you're with us, transporatation between our campsite and survey sites, all entomological equipment, and guided excursions.

Activities

  • Sweep Netting

  • Aerial Netting

  • River Sifting

  • Bison dung sifting

  • Nocturnal surveys (light sheets & UV flashlights)

  • ​Insect Identification

  • Discussions & guided tours

Gallery

Meet Your Expedition Leaders

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Expedition Leader

Jace Porter

Jace is the founder of the Global Entomology Coalition, Explorer's Club Member National, general entomologist, and recipient of one of the Entomological Society of America's Science Communication awards. 

While his research goals span insect ecology, behavior, conservation and discovery, his primary purpose is to ensure GEC's research and education programs provide impactful, fun, real-world / hands-on scientific research that engages people at all levels.

Jace has led field-based programs on every continent (except Antarctica).  The only thing he loves more than insects and spiders, is talking about insects and spiders.

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Expedition Leader

Christie Collins

Christie is an enthusiastic naturalist, educator, and Vice Chair of GEC's Board of Directors with a deep passion for the natural world, especially the misunderstood creepy crawlies. With a background in biology and marketing, Christie combines scientific knowledge and communication expertise to inspire others to appreciate the beauty and importance of biodiversity. Whether hiking through forests or observing pollinators in a garden, Christie is dedicated to connecting people with nature, emphasizing the essential roles that insects and arachnids play in our ecosystems.

Important Disclaimers

We will be spending a majority of our time outside in wildlife rich areas and exposed to the elements. It could be very hot, and we may be caught in the rain, and we'll probably get dirty… and that’s half the fun.

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We provide you with tents, all meals, and a single parking spot at camp, but please bring sleeping bags and/or anything else you may need to be comfortable camping with us. You're also more than welcome to bring your own tent if you prefer.

Suggested packing list:

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  • Field clothes (lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, T-shirts, hat/cap).

  • Hiking Shoes.

  • Camp clothes (shorts, several t-shirts, walking sandals or light shoes)

  • Light raincoat

  • Small backpack to carry water/lunch/camera in the field (~20 L)

  • Something to protect any electronic equipment you bring.

  • Refillable water bottle/hydration bag (recommended size: 32 ounces/ 1 litre)

  • Headlamp or flashlight

  • Sunscreen

  • Toiletries

  • Prescription medicine if any (allergies and other)

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The following items are non-essential but may come handy:

  • Your favorite snacks (chocolate, cereal bars, trail mix, etc.)

  • Electronics: camera, phone/tablet, e-reader and chargers

  • USB Power Bank for your phone/tablet/e-reader.

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