Prairiewood Connect Foundation: Roots, Vision, Future
Twenty-five years ago — led by their belief that experiencing the wonder of the natural world is vital — the proprietors of Prairiewood, Rebecca and Kail Katzenmeier, have been strategically acquiring, preserving, managing, and sharing undeveloped land along the Wildcat Creek Valley just west of Manhattan, Kansas. Today, their efforts stand as a beacon for private land conservation and have resulted in the ownership of 600 contiguous acres of what is the most depleted native ecosystem in North America: the tallgrass prairie. In accordance with the original vision of the Katzenmeiers — that this land not just be protected from development but be held in a more durable structure that ensures the viability of its preservation for generations to come — the Prairiewood Connect Foundation (PCF) was born.
Our Mission
To preserve and protect the native tallgrass prairie ecology of the Wildcat Creek Valley just west of Manhattan, Kansas, and to provide critical connection to it through education, recreation, and husbandry opportunities.
Land Preservation & Stewardship
With resources raised through charitable contributions, the 600 acres of currently preserved native tallgrass prairie — the Preserve — is being acquired incrementally by PCF, protected in perpetuity, and managed with practices that optimize its ecological health.
Educational Courses & Programs
Offering a variety of dynamic programming and educational content for all ages, PCF cultivates first-hand opportunities for increased knowledge and appreciation of the tallgrass prairie.
Recreational Events & Activities
Through fun, engaging, and accessible events set amongst and inspired by the tallgrass prairie, PCF intends to bridge the gap — from merely knowing about to emotionally connecting with — this majestic but too often overlooked ecosystem.
Husbandry & Volunteerism
By providing opportunities for engagement in land stewardship, PCF will benefit from the additional resources available through organized volunteerism, while reciprocally providing those volunteers the invaluable and enriching satisfaction that comes from land husbandry.
“Without love of the land, conservation lacks meaning and purpose, for only in a deep and inherent feeling for the land can there be dedication in preserving it.”
— Sigurd F. Olson
A Preservation Partnership: A Model of Reciprocity
With Prairiewood’s robust business operations highly aligned with PCF’s values and mission, a preservation partnership has been forged. This innovative collaboration provides the necessary framework for the Preserve’s native ecology to be effectively managed while alleviating PCF from otherwise having to provide for its own land-care resources. In an exemplary model of reciprocity, Prairiewood’s many guests gain access to hundreds of acres of inspiring tallgrass prairie which, in turn, allows PCF to fulfill a critical aspect of its mission: providing visitors first-hand experiences in this landscape that build lasting connections with it.
Step One: PCF Acquires Allen Prairie!
Preserve
Allen Prairie
The first acquisition in our preservation partnership with Prairiewood centered around a very special parcel of land known as Allen Prairie. This 80-acre parcel is contiguous to the eastern edge of the current Preserve and is in the direct line of Manhattan’s westside housing development expansion — with a dead-end road ending right at its fence line. Thanks to the very generous engagement of more than fifty individuals and organizations, with donations ranging from as little as $15 all the way up to $300,000, PCF was able to raise over $700,000 in private funding toward the acquisition of Allen Prairie! Though we fell short of our goal, this monumental accomplishment allowed us to obtain a generous short-term bridge loan for the remaining total needed to complete the purchase. As a result, PCF is one of the few nonprofit organizations in Kansas that can claim the distinction of successfully raising funds and purchasing land for the purpose of protecting its native ecology. Whether you have donated before or are considering doing so for the first time, your contribution, large or small, will directly help us fully secure Allen Prairie.
Step Two: Complete the Mission
For the nearly two decades since its inception, founders Rebecca and Kail Katzenmeier have operated Prairiewood as a missional business, providing world-class event space and lodging amongst the inspiring tallgrass prairie landscape. During those years, in addition to procuring the additional facilities needed for the growing demand on its lodging and event spaces, Prairiewood patiently acquired over 500 acres of contiguous and undeveloped native tallgrass prairie — the most depleted ecosystem in North America. Today their efforts stand as a beacon for private land conservation, affording direct connection to this cherished landscape for thousands of guests and visitors each year.
In accordance with the original vision of the Katzenmeiers — that this native prairie and access to it not just
be protected during their lifetime but for generations to come — a movement is underway to transition the
ownership and operation of Prairiewood to the nonprofit Prairiewood Connect Foundation.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Ryan Kegley
Board Chair
Brand Steward, Brushpoint
Sue Maes
Former Dean of Continuing Education
Kansas State University
Chung Park, DMA
Conductor
St. Olaf Orchestra
Lisa Senuta, MDiv
Canon for Spiritual Life and Clergy Care
Episcopal Diocese of Kansas
Advisory Committee
Kent Glasscock
Former Speaker of the House
Kansas House of Representatives
Kelli Pyle
Events Specialist
Union Hall
Bruce Snead
Former Mayor and City Commissioner
City of Manhattan, Kansas