Big Bluestem Bash!

Join The Resilient Activist for our 2nd annual fundraiser at native plant nursery Botanical Belonging.

The Big Bluestem Bash!

Sunday, August 20th: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm

***Weather Note:  With 100+ degrees predicted on Sunday, we have planned different cooling strategies to keep you safe. We will have *shade tents, *umbrellas, *fans, *water misters, *icy washcloths, *extra free water, and *an air-conditioned cottage for people to sit in.

The morning time will be the best time to come with the heat of the day peaking about 2 pm. Hopefully, the weather shifts and will cool down.

We see this day as an example of the extremes of Climate Change. Let's show our resilience to the event because, in the end, we can all be resilient activists!*** 

Festivities begin in the heart of restored prairie within a luscious home garden bursting with summer blooms and seasoned native plants. Tour the greenhouse, spot insects and wildlife, inhale delightful fragrant blossoms, take your picture next to a sheath of big bluestem, and relax in the shade of mature trees swaying in the breeze. 

Connect with local resources at our vendor fair. Offering an array of sustainable goods and activities for Earth lovers of all ages. Purchase native plants, or enter to win a variety of artistic and intriguing raffle items!

General Admission:

Includes a guided Native Garden Tour, access to the vendor fair, site exploration, and a lunchtime presentation by the Resilient Activist. 

Coordinate your day with a morning or afternoon session and check out our add-ons for additional offerings.  

During the event gather ideas for your own home pollinator garden with an opportunity to purchase plants onsite! 

The Day's Schedule:

Guided Native Garden Tours:

• 10:30-11:00 am (sold out)
• 12:10-12:40 pm
• 1:30-2:00 pm 

Tours are limited to 20 adults per guide. 

Kids are welcome to attend along with your selected time. Do NOT sign them up online. 

Lunch & Presentation:

• 11:30 - 12:00 pm

Tickets purchased on or before 11:00 am August 13th have the option to include a delightful sack lunch from Raven's Table Catering, a local Lawrence favorite. You are welcome to bring your own lunch items.

Strengthen your nature connection during our lunchtime program offered by the Resilient Activist - Five Essentials for a Resilient World.

Please bring a refillable water bottle; water will be available on-site. A limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages will be available at $1 per recyclable can, cash only.

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Add Ons: $25 each

*Pre-Registration required; space is limited. You do not have to register your child if you bought a kids’ ticket.

• 10:20-11:20 am Guided Prairie Walk: led by Patti Ragsdale, founder of Botanical Belonging. 
  • Join us for a guided tour on mowed paths through the 8-acre prairie remnant at Happy Apple's Farm, home of Botanical Belonging. Experience the native plants and amazing blooms and critters that can be found in the summer prairie. 
• 12:45-1:30 pm Deep Nature Connection: A Guided Meditation by Sami Aaron, founder of The Resilient Activist. 
  • Experience the profound relaxation and sense of well-being that comes with mindful time spent in nature. This seated meditation is suitable for ages 10 or older. *Please bring a blanket or lawn chair if you do not want to sit on the earth.

Free Fun Events!

• Kids crafting table
• Native plant/insect scavenger hunt
• Free exploration on trails of the 8 acre prairie (not available during our guided prairie walk session)
• Shopping with our vendors and Botanical Belongings native plant nursery
• Connect with other Earth-Centered Non-profits
• Win a cool raffle item ($5 a ticket)
• Meet other conscientious humans in your community

Additional Information/What to Bring:

• Dress for the weather. We recommend a sun visor/hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, and comfortable shoes.
• Parking information will be included with your ticket purchase. This is a rural site so some walking may be required from the parking sites to the event venue. 
• This is a Zero-Waste event! Please join us as we intentionally set the day to bring only reusable or compostable items to the site. 
  Bring a refillable water bottle, water will be available on site.  A limited selection of non-alcoholic beverages will be available at $1 per recyclable can, cash only.
  
• Lunch will be picnic-style, we’ll have limited seating and picnic blankets. Feel free to bring one if desired.

*Please let us know of accessibility concerns or special needs by contacting Indigo Gilmore at admin@theresilientactivist.org