Educational Presentation: Prairie Turnips

Lisa will tell the story of “prairie turnips”—arguably the most important historical food plant of the Plains. Lisa has been monitoring populations of Pediomelum esculentum for twenty-four years. In the process, she has learned a great deal about these plants, which have edible tubers; and about the benefits and complications of long-term population monitoring; and harvest sustainability. Lisa will explain how problems with prairie turnips can inform other ethnobotanical and conservation initiatives. Lisa is researcher at the Kansas Biological Survey & Center for Ecological Research and a lecturer in KU’s Environmental Studies Program.

All presentations will begin at 7:00 pm. All events are free and open to all. See the descriptions below for details about how to participate. Unless otherwise noted, programs will be held in person at the Baker Wetlands Discovery Center in Lawrence. Presentations are also available to watch live on Zoom.

You may also like the following events from Lawrence Bird Alliance:

• This Thursday, 12th February, 08:00 am, Lake Perry Field Trip in Lawrence
• This month, 28th February, 08:00 am, Lone Star Lake with Globe Prairie Area Field Trip in Lawrence
• Next month, 21st March, 08:00 am, Loess Bluffs NWR Field Trip in Lawrence