James Locklear | Former Director of Conservation at Lauritzen Gardens in Omaha and Former Director of Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston
Astonishments, Sorrows, and Hope: Stories from the Country of the Kaw
In his recently published book, In the Country of the Kaw: A Personal Natural History of the American Plains, Jim Locklear brings to light the natural and cultural wonders found within the watershed of the Kaw (Kansas) River, which arises on the High Plains of Colorado, Kansas, and Nebraska and joins the Missouri River in Kansas City. Jim’s presentation will give an overview of landforms, woodlands, prairies, wildlife, and other aspects of the natural history of the Kaw watershed, as well as how people past and present have interacted with the land. He will also highlight inspiring work in conservation, restoration, and revitalization in communities natural and human.
Jim Locklear is a botanist and horticulturist and recently retired after fourteen years as Director of Conservation at Omaha’s Lauritzen Gardens. Jim previously served as director of the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Kansas and director of the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum. Jim has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Central Missouri and a master’s in plant and soil science from Southern Illinois University. In addition to his most recent book, In the Country of the Kaw, Jim is the author of Phlox: A Natural History and Gardener’s Guide and editor of the revised edition of Jewels of the Plains, Claude Barr’s wildflower classic. Jim grew up in Kansas City. He and his wife Lynn live in Lincoln, Nebraska.
