HCCTC Student Senate Donates to Local Cancer Support Group
In a heartwarming display of generosity, Highland Community College Technical Center students came... Read More
VINEYARD, ORCHARD, AND VEGETABLE GARDENS
The farm has a two-year old vineyard of 250 wine grape vines: Chambourcin, Traminette, and Reisling grapes. These grapes are made into wine at our Wamego Enology and Viticulture program.
K-STATE RESEARCH AND EXTENSION
John Klinefelter’s will specifies that the farm can be used for experimental purposes so several of our projects have started to follow his intentions. Kansas State University Research and Extension conducts research in corn, soybeans, brome grass, and cover crops. Recently, KSU installed a small weather station at the farm which can be accessed online by anyone at http://mesonet.k-state.edu/ to see current weather conditions at the farm.
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THE LAND INSTITUTE
Since the 1970’s, the Land Institute of Salina, KS has been working to develop perennial grains by crossing perennial native prairie plants with genetically related annual domestic grain plants. Their scientists are growing several types of sunflowers, miscanthus grass, and Kernza perennial wheat grass here in their plots.
HONEYBEES
Although HCC has had several credit classes in beekeeping approved by the state, we have found that most people interested in learning about bees and beekeeping are more interested in attending non-credit seminars and workshops.
A local Bee Chat group meets at the Klinefelter Barn the thired Monday of each month to have an informal conversation about bees. Attendees range from those who have kept bees for decades to those who are just getting started or are just interested in bees in general. For more information about the Bee Chat group visit www.facebook.com/beechatter.
CAMPGROUNDS
Cottonwood Hollow campground is located just below the barn conference center in a former gravel quarry. Its tall majestic cottonwood trees turn brilliant gold each fall. The campground offers good wind protection with surrounding higher ground and cedars trees. Norton Bend campground in the west timber of the farm was developed as an Eagle Scout project. It has picnic tables, benches, and a fire ring. Both campsites are for primitive tent camping only and are reserved for organized groups with proper supervision.
WILDLIFE HABITAT IMPROVEMENT
The Northeast Kansas Quails Forever organization has planted native grass and wildflowers along a 2/3 mile long hedgerow on the farm with grain food plots in several breaks in the hedgerow. Several other habitat enhancing projects are in progress along the trail system. Bird watching platforms and nesting boxes were built along the trail as part of an Eagle Scout Project and will enable the farm to host scheduled birding events.
