Akin Prairie, Douglas County
16 Acres
Kansas Land Trust’s first easement protects a native wildflower prairie. The Akin easement has hosted numerous wildflower walks over the years because of the high quality of the prairie and the diversity of plant species (218 plant species have been identified on this biologically diverse prairie). The tract provides natural, scenic, open space, ecological, and educational values and is open to visitors during daylight hours. The location of this easement is 1850 North 1150 Road, Lawrence, KS 66044.
The Akin Prairie: Honoring KLT’s First Easement
In 1994, landowner Tom Akin permanently protected 16-acres of native wildflower prairie on his farm in southeastern Douglas County. He did this to honor his late wife, Dorothy, who loved wildflowers, but by preserving this prairie, Tom also provided an invaluable gift to the community and made history along the way.
"My dad wanted to do something after mother died, and this was a project that helped him move on, in a way," says Linda Renner, Tom and Dorothy's daughter. "My mother loved wildflowers and we would walk around on the prairie in spring and summer looking for different ones. I was always fascinated that this was a piece of land that was just like it has always been forever and ever."
In addition to being a lovely memorial, the Akin Prairie was the very first conservation easement established by the Kansas Land Trust, and also the first established in the state of Kansas. At least 218 plant species have been identified on this biologically diverse prairie, and over the years, KU professor and KLT Board Member Kelly Kindscher has led numerous public wildflower walks at the Akin Prairie.
Linda recalls the first prairie walk at Akin after it was protected:
"My dad was really pleased when all of this came together." Linda says. "We had the first prairie walk, and Kelly Kindscher came out. Everybody was fascinated with his talk. He could identify every wildflower and blade of grass and anything people picked up out of the prairie and held up, Kelly could tell them about it."
Kelly continues to lead yearly wildflower walks on the Akin Prairie, which Linda says are a great way for people to develop an understanding for how the landscape of the prairie has changed over time.
Linda now lives in California, but says she come back every year to visit and spend time with her brother Larry, who now lives at the farm and is the caretaker of the Akin Prairie.
"It’s good to know the farm is there and the prairie is safe," says Linda. "I’m glad it’s all worked the way it has. I’m sure my mom would be pleased. I am also happy to be part of the Kansas Land Trust and to see how much land has been saved by people who value the land. It’s a good thing, the Kansas Land Trust."
