Kansas Forest Service
March
Aviation Course March 4th, 2026
Silver Lake, KS
In addition to NWCG-certified instruction, we offer Kansas-specific wildfire training designed to fit within department schedules. These flexible trainings include Expanding Incident, Ignition, and Aviation classes, all tailored to address the unique wildfire conditions in Kansas. Contact DFMO Bryce Haverkamp for additional information.
Wildland Fire Basics, March 5th, 2026
Wamego, KS
This statewide course, established in 2020 in conjunction with multiple state partner fire agencies, provides standardized wildland fire training for firefighters across Kansas. The curriculum emphasizes firefighter safety, wildland fire behavior, tactical operations, aviation resources, and other critical components of wildland fire incident management. It is designed to ensure consistency and effectiveness in wildland fire response throughout the state. Contact DFMO Bryce Haverkamp for additional information.
Living with Fire, Prescribed Burning, Wildfire Safety, & Land Stewardship, March 14th, 2026
Douglas County Fairgrounds, 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Fire has shaped our landscapes for centuries—with both beneficial and destructive outcomes. This program explores fire as a management tool, covering prescribed burning, wildfire risk reduction, and practical steps homeowners can take to live more safely with fire. Participants will gain a better understanding of when fire helps, when it threatens, and how thoughtful planning can protect people, property, and ecosystems.
With presentations by:
- Andrew Rutter - Director, Baker University Wetlands
- Shawna Hartman - Fire Protection Specialist, Kansas Forest Service
- Jessica Layton - President, Kaw Valley Prescribed Burn Association
Pack Test & Shelter Deployement, March 14th, 2026
Seneca, KS
A "pack test" is a physical fitness assessment for wildland firefighters, primarily to qualify for arduous duties by completing a 3-mile walk over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes. Register today.
Pack Test & Shelter Deployment, March 18th, 2026
Seneca, KS
A "pack test" is a physical fitness assessment for wildland firefighters, primarily to qualify for arduous duties by completing a 3-mile walk over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes. Register today.
Science Sunday: I'm Not Dead Yet: Lessons Learned from Near Extinctions of Trees, March 22, 2026
KU Field Station, Armitage Education Center, 350 Wild Horse Road, Lawrence, Kansas 66044
Spanning 170 million years, this talk will explore the dramatic, tragic, and inspiring stories of tree species that were nearly, and may yet be, lost to the world. Join EJ Jamison, northeast Kansas District Forester and lover of trees, as she shares the stories of four genera of trees: ginkgo, chestnut, elm, and ash. Together, they offer powerful lessons about resilience and persistence.
What to bring: A mug for tea/coffee to help us reduce waste.
Please RSVP to Wendy (wendyholman@ku.edu) as space is limited. It also helps us plan for seating and snacks!
Timber Stand Improvement & Streambank Stablization Field Day, March 24, 2026
Marshall County, KS, 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Topics incdlue: Wildlife Habitat, Timber Production, Long-term Forest Health, Emerald Ash Borer Updates, Land Stewardship & Conservation, Financial Assistance & Streambank Stabilization. Learn more and RSVP.
Backyard Forest Management with Kansas Forest Service, March 24, 2026
Virtual Training
Does your yard back up to woods? Do you live in an HOA that has wooded areas? Let's explore how to make your wooded property healthier. Join EJ Jamison, Kansas Forest Service District Forester for Northeast Kansas, as she discusses invasive species management and proper woodland management practices for Johnson County. Learn more about this training.
Spring into the Garden, March 26th, 2026
Wathena Community Building 303 E. St Joseph Street Wathena, KS, 2:00 pm
Join Forest Health Coordinator Shad Hufnagel to learn more about tree health. Other topics include lawn and garden soil management and planning your flower beds. RSVP to 785-985-3623.
Chainsaw Course, March 27th, 2026
Stockton, KS
This S-112 Chainsaw Course will be held in Stockton, KS, at the Northwest Kansas Forest Service District Office on March 27th-29th. The registration will close March 18th, 2026. Space will be limited so that instructor/student ratio will be correct.
Register now.
Pack Test & Shelter Deployement, March 31st, 2026
Manhattan, KS
A "pack test" is a physical fitness assessment for wildland firefighters, primarily to qualify for arduous duties by completing a 3-mile walk over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes. Register today.
Living Roots: Book Launch and Community Table, March 31st, 2026
Lawrence, KS
Join us for a celebration of perennial foods and their deep roots in this land and community! We’ll gather around a common table to share and build local connections, enjoy perennial treats, and engage in conversation with Liz Carlisle, Aubrey Streit Krug, Megan Kaminski, and Kelly Kindscher about their new book, Living Roots: The Promise of Perennial Foods. This work features contributions from 35 farmers, scientists, poets, land stewards, Indigenous knowledgeholders, faith leaders, food writers, ethnobotanists, environmental historians, teachers, and community leaders. Learn more.
Future Events
Pack Test & Shelter Deployement, April 4th, 2026
Seneca, KS
A "pack test" is a physical fitness assessment for wildland firefighters, primarily to qualify for arduous duties by completing a 3-mile walk over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes. Register today.
Butler County Garden Show: Fire Resilient Landscaping Presentation, April 11th, 2026
Butler County, KS
Reach out to Fire Prevention Specialist Shawna Hartman for additional information!
Pack Test & Shelter Deployement, April 16th, 2026
Manhattan, KS
A "pack test" is a physical fitness assessment for wildland firefighters, primarily to qualify for arduous duties by completing a 3-mile walk over level ground carrying a 45-pound pack within 45 minutes. Register today.
Earth Day at the Topeka Zoo, April 18th, 2026
Topeka, KS
Join us at the Topeka Zoo & Conservation Center as we celebrate Earth Day 2026 — our annual Party for the Planet dedicated to protecting the incredible world we share. Each year, this community celebration brings together families, conservation partners, and organizations from across Kansas to inspire action for a cleaner, greener future.
Rice Woodland Trail Grand Opening, April 25th, 2026
Baldwin, KS
An Ode to Eastern Redcedar, April 25th-May 23rd, 2026
Lumberyard Art Center, Baldwin City, KS
Join the KU Field Station and partners, including the KU Department of Visual Art, the Kansas Forest Service, and the Lumberyard Arts Center, to celebrate the Rice Woodland! This juried exhibition will feature works crafted from eastern redcedar by local artists on display from April 25 – May 23, 2026. Learn more about the exhibit.
Riley County Earth Day Workshop: Campfire Safety, April 28th, 2026
Riley County, KS
Reach out to Fire Prevention Specialist Shawna Hartman for additional information!
Callery Pear Buybacks, May 12-14, 2026
Wichita, Ellsworth, and Manhattan, KS
There will be three Callery pear buyback events across Kansas in May 2026. These programs will offer replacement trees to folks who sign up and can show proof that they have removed a Callery pear tree from their property. Learn more and sign up.
