MANHATTAN — The Flint Hills Discovery Center held a ribbon cutting Friday for the grand opening of its Prairie Garden Terrace and Trail.
The visitor favorite attraction includes 15 informational signs highlighting the iconic flora and fauna and important historical, cultural and environmental topics to the Flint Hills eco-region. Discovery Center Curator of Education Stephen Bridenstine says it’s a project that’s been a little more than two years in the making.
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The panels were created by a team of collaborators including interns from Kansas State University who helped with the design and research. The enhancement project was made possible by the Caroline Peine Charitable Foundation/The Manhattan Fund, Bank of America, N.A. Trustee, Flint Hills Discovery Center Foundation, McCown-Gordon Construction, City of Manhattan and Manhattan Parks and Recreation. Discovery Center Director Susan Adams says it’s a project that aims to educate and inspire.
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The rooftop space is part of the Manhattan park system and not only features a green space but also impressive views of the city and the Flint Hills. Mayor Mike Dodson calls the exhibit an important piece of the city.
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The Prairie Garden and Terrace exhibit wraps around the southeast side of the building from the terrace to the ground level. Part of the Manhattan Parks System, it features a unique green roof that channels water into custom landscaped beds that mirror the vast Flint Hills eco-region. Native wildflowers are also part of the exhibit.
Officials say the ribbon cutting coincides with the Flint Hills Discovery Center’s seventh anniversary being celebrated in April.
