Join us for Community Days at The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas! This event series focuses on experiential learning, community building, land stewardship, and creative placemaking. Community Days are designed for those interested in the intersections of agriculture, ecology, and art. The goal is to offer ways to build a more sustainable future through hands-on engagement at our campus headquarters.

This event will offer participants an opportunity to learn about wetland restoration, including the differences between wetland and upland zones for native prairie species. This work accompanies a community planting day for artist Jenny Kendler’s “House of Water” land sculpture project. It takes place on September 15th, 2026, from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Marty Bender Nature Area at 3028 S Holmes Rd, Salina, KS 67401. Plant ecologist Dr. Jennifer Moody will be on-site to provide education on the more than 30 prairie species that will be added to the site and to guide the community in planting. This is a great opportunity to be on the land and try your hand at a new art medium. The completed sculpture will be on display at our 2026 Prairie Festival, held in late September. 

The schedule for this event includes:

• 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Attendees enjoy conversation and a free meal catered by Prairieland Market while Dr. Moody talks about her work on the project and the plan for the evening.
• 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dr. Moody leads the community in planting more than thirty species of wetland and upland native prairie plants.

We welcome guests of all ages and abilities. Seating will be available for the presentation and meal, and restrooms will be available throughout the day.

Please RSVP so that we have a good estimate of total numbers. Also, this will allow us to communicate with you via email on the day before the event with instructions and final details. Note that this event is subject to the weather.