Skip to the content

Kansas State University

News – Archives

Out on the Prairie: Ecological Engineering Conference Features Flint Hills Ecoregion

You don't have to be an expert in ecology to enjoy a trip to Konza Prairie, a biological research area known for its unique ecosystem, scenic rolling hills, and phenomenal sunsets.

But for participants of the American Ecological Engineering Society conference, a visit to Konza is the ultimate field trip.

What better place to hold this year's conference, “Ecological Engineering in the Great Plains Ecosystem,” than at Kansas State University, located in the heart of the Flint Hills.

Over 150 university students, faculty, engineers, and practicing professionals attended the conference in Fiedler Hall on the K-State campus, May 21-25.

“We have this tallgrass prairie ecosystem that we model a lot of our work after,” said Trisha Culbertson, K-State biological and agricultural engineering graduate student. “People visiting Kansas for the first time saw a really good example of the prairie ecosystem.”

Culbertson, a third-time participant of the conference, worked with a team of four other K-State students to construct a rain garden microcosm for the conference's Student Design Competition.

“The goal was to design an ecologically engineered structure that absorbs water into the soil very quickly, but holds as much water as possible,” said Culbertson. “These small-scale systems are modeled on the natural landscape and help control stormwater runoff.”

The K-State team's exceptional infiltration dynamics and other design elements earned them this year's competition award, according to competition organizers.

Culbertson says her experiences at the competition, conference sessions, and out on the prairie gave her a better understanding of the long-term sustainable solutions for the upkeep of prairie ecosystems with engineering components.

“I will definitely keep attending this conference in the future,” Culbertson said. “It's a really great opportunity to network with practicing professionals and consultant engineers and hear about the obstacles they face in a real urban setting.”

To learn more about the American Ecological Engineering Society annual conference, visit the conference website at www.dce.k-state.edu/conf/aees/

For more information about upcoming conferences, contact the K-State Division of Continuing Education at 1-800-622-2KSU (2578) or informationdce@k-state.edu, or visit the website at www.dce.k-state.edu/conf/