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Kansas Public Radio commentator, director emeritus of the Kansas Geological Survey and FLAT member Rex Buchanan talks about the benefits of winter hiking–no chiggers, ticks, poison ivy, humidity or snakes–and points out the interesting geologic and natural features of Cross Timbers State Park in this audio commentary. The park is in Woodson County northwest of … Continue reading “Elsewhere in Kansas: KPR Commentator Rex Buchanan on Winter Hiking in Cross Timbers State Park”

We recently completed our first full year as an organization. And what a full first year it has been! Members of FLAT played a major role in reminding the Lawrence City Commission of the importance of the Lawrence Loop and how the community looks forward to its completion. Our advocacy campaign succeeded in convincing the … Continue reading “FLAT feats: A look back at 2018 accomplishments”

I like to hike solo, but my sense of direction isn’t always reliable on winding paths like the Kansas River Trails in North Lawrence or the Clinton Lake North Shore Trails. Luckily, there’s an app to help with that. GetOutdoorsKS, available for download for Apple and Android phones, provides directions to and along more than … Continue reading “Get Outdoors Kansas App Helps Navigate Winding Trails”

Lawrence has been presented with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to connect our historic Kaw River waterfront with Downtown Lawrence. A stronger connection to the river will create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take a stroll along the river, relax and watch local wildlife, and otherwise enjoy connecting with a beautiful natural area right in the heart of the city. It will … Continue reading “Take Me to the River”

Dear Friends – The last 5 miles of the 22-mile Lawrence Loop will not be completed in 5 years unless you tell city commissioners to budget for it now. At their July 10 meeting, commissioners will discuss possible changes to the city manager’s draft 2019 budget and 5-year capital improvement plan. The current draft budget … Continue reading “ACTION ALERT: Tell city commissioners to budget funds to complete the Lawrence Loop”

Completed sections of the Lawrence Loop shown with a black dashed line. The yellow arrows point to connecting trails.

Join FLAT and other local organizations at the family-friendly Trails That Connect Us celebration hosted by Free State Brewing Company. What: Enjoy beer, food, music, a brewery open house, activities for all ages — including a “Chalk the Loop” station — and numerous features about local trails. The event has easy access from the Burroughs … Continue reading “You’re Invited to Trails that Connect Us April 27”

Ever wonder who built the trails you enjoy today? In this post, Carl Ringler, who led the creation of the Clinton Lake Trails, tells the story of the trail system’s development. Thank you to Carl for providing this history, and for the countless hours spent building and maintaining trails that today’s adventurers enjoy.  Clinton State Park was … Continue reading “Perry and Clinton Lake Trails built by dedicated nature lovers”

Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT) wishes to contract with an individual or firm to assist with capacity–building for this newly forming organization by establishing systems for organizing and promoting trails events, creating a volunteer program, and developing partnerships with local organizations that share our mission.   Specifically, the contractor will:  Develop content for social media platforms along with a system for … Continue reading “Friends of Lawrence Area Trails (FLAT) is hiring a community coordinator”

The Douglas County Community Foundation recently made a $9,700 LiveWell Community Wellness grant to Lawrence Parks and Recreation to place wayfinding signs along the completed sections of the Lawrence Loop.