How We Got Here

The Kansas Land Trust works with voluntary landowners to protect prairies, preserving biodiversity, scenic landscapes, and wildlife habitat. Through this work, we conserve native stream banks, reducing flooding and protecting water downstream for recreation and drinking. We strive to expand public access to protected woodlands, streams, and prairies, enriching our connections to nature and each other. KLT protected spaces conserve agricultural lands, generating livelihoods for farm families and resilient local food systems.

The Kansas Land Trust vision grew out of a tragedy. Under the cover of darkness, the Elkins Prairie, a 70-acre prairie near Lawrence, Kansas, was plowed. After years of planning and organizing, KLT worked with the Kansas Legislature to authorize a legal framework to protect natural landscapes for future generations by working with voluntary landowners who value the natural heritage they steward. This led to KLT preserving the Akin Prairie in Douglas County under it’s first conservation easement in 1991.

Over the years, KLT has partnered with many supporters, landowners, Fort Riley’s Army Compatible Use Buffer program, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Ducks Unlimited, local governments, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to protect over 40,000 acres. Today our conservation footprint is similar to the size of Topeka spanning across 81 properties in 22 counties.

Where We’re Going

With a growing team and diversified partners, the Kansas Land Trust embarked on it’s first strategic Conservation Plan in 2024. This document is our compass that will guide the work ahead.

Strategic Conservation Plan

Quality of life, health, prosperity, and productivity arise from our connections to nature. They are rooted in access to healthy food, diverse habitats, healthy streams, clean air, and shared social relationships in nature. As we look forward we envision a future in Kansas where people enjoy our natural lands, clean air and water, access to public spaces, and flourishing livelihoods provided by sustainable connections to the land.

Over the years, the Kansas Land Trust has become an adaptive organization that effectively works with a broad range of landowners conserving diverse landscapes of all sizes.

As we approach nearly thirty five years of conservation experience, the Kansas Land Trust strives towards protecting more special places for future generations.

Our Staff

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kstanley@klt.org | (785) 749-3297
As the Director of KLT, I get to work alongside our incredibly talented team to find ways to protect more land and connect more people to the land. While I have my hands in all aspects of our work here, one of the best parts about my job is getting to develop relationships with the diversity of people whose lives are interwoven with the places we protect.
My favorite place in Kansas really depends on the season! In the winter months, I tend to gravitate more toward sandbars along the Kansas River. Public access is so hard to come by in Kansas and, as a navigable river, many sandbars on the Kaw are places people can readily enjoy and explore.
I recently welcomed a new little human into my life who I get to explore Kansas alongside. My husband and I lovingly call our new addition Toadis because his name is Otis and his pouting face looks remarkably similar to a toad!

Executive Director

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I am the Outreach Coordinator for the Kansas Land Trust. I manage communication and outreach with our community.
I love growing native and aromatic plants. One of my favorite activities is walking our property in Douglas County, it is a space that allows our family to connect with nature.
During my free time, I enjoy learning about medicinal and aromatic plants. As well as taking photos and spending time with family.

Outreach Coordinator

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As the Conservation Coordinator, I work to meet the responsibilities related to managing conservation easements. This includes land conservation and stewardship, fostering healthy partner relationships, and working with the KLT Board, Staff, and Interns to meet the vision and mission of the organization.
My favorite outdoor place in Kansas is Otter Creek, Greenwood County because this land is the origin of my Kansas roots. My great-great-grandfather Edward Beedles was a factory worker in Waterloo, NY when, in 1870, he was urged by a dear friend to consider settling in Greenwood County. I often visit this part of Kansas, stopping at the cemetery in Eureka and driving gravel north to Matfield Green, reminiscing about the many stories passed down to me by my family.
As a dual citizen of Australia and the US, I'm particularly interested in flora on the local, regional, and global scales. I have one cat, one dog, one daughter, and one husband, all of whom I enjoy spending time with.

Conservation Coordinator

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I am the Stewardship Intern for the Kansas Land trust. I monitor easements and help with various work in the land trust.
My favorite outdoor spot has to be my backyard by the river at my childhood home, as there is where I learned of the wonders of native plants, and the importance of creating a connection with nature.
When not working or attending classes, I love to explore natural areas in search of wildflowers to identify.