By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Saturday’s weather forecast for Hays is calling for a high of 73 degrees and sunny–perfect conditions for the “2016 What’s In Your Water? Family Fun Fest Nature Trail Walk” at Hays Medical Center, 2220 Canterbury Drive.
The free event is a partnership between a Fort Hays State University leadership class, KSU Watersheds, the city of Hays and HaysMed. Activities include fun, hands-on educational stations about soils, water, plants and the environment, according to KSU Watershed Specialist Stacie Minson, WaKeeney.
It’s also an opportunity to learn about the natural vegetation at HaysMed which recently won an award from the city for water-smart landscaping.
“They’ve done an excellent job of establishing native plants and taking a more ‘wild’ approach,” said Greg Sund, Hays Public Works Director. “It lets nature highlight what it does in this area and look more like a prairie in some cases.”
“At the same time, it provides ample opportunity for those plants to clean the stormwater that runs off. Instead of having to be regularly cared for and receive fertilizer, these plants clean the water rather than put more nutrients in the water. So, when we have people who don’t clean up after their pets, or whatever, these plants will help clean the water (runoff) before it reaches our waterways,” Sund explained.
“The landscaping can also help catch litter that can be cleaned up before it becomes a problem in our waterways, creeks and rivers,” he added.
HaysMed has converted the majority of the hospital grounds to environmentally friendly landscaping. This type of landscaping diminishes erosion, improves habitat and also reduces the use of water. The project decreased six acres of fescue grass to one acre, thus substantially reducing outside water use while maintaining an attractive grounds presentation for patients, families and the public.
The hospital also incorporated a water barrel tree watering system.
The nature trail walk is 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8. Participants should park in HaysMed parking lots G or F, adjacent to the nature trail.
There’s no charge to attend and free snacks and drinks will be provided.
For more information, contact Minson at [email protected] or (785) 814-7100.