The Manhattan Plant Materials Center (PMC) will host a field day on August 6 to showcase cover crop species, mixes, and related studies.  “The field day will allow participants to walk through the studies with PMC staff who will be available to answer questions,” said Richard Wynia, manager at the PMC.  Soil health demonstrations are also planned for the event.  The field day will start at 9:30 am and end at noon.  Lunch will not be served. 

 Established in 1936, the Manhattan PMC develops plants and new plant technologies for America’s heartland.  The PMC offers services to a diverse region of the heartland including northeastern Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and northern Oklahoma.  The primary objective of the PMC is to develop plant materials for conservation purposes.  The PMC is a part of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).  

 Wynia invites anyone interested in plants for conservation—farmers and ranchers, the public, K-State faculty and students, garden club members, and others—to join them for the field day.  There is no charge.

 If you are in need of special accommodations, please call the PMC at 785-539-8761.  This field day will be conducted outdoors so dress appropriately.  Items you might want to bring are a hat, sunscreen, walking shoes, and a lawn chair (if desired).  Also, participants are asked to bring their own water.  The PMC is located southwest of Manhattan, Kansas, at 3800 South 20th Street.   

 Directions to the Manhattan Plant Materials Center

From Manhattan:  From Ft. Riley Blvd. or Tuttle Creek Blvd. (east side of Manhattan by Manhattan Town Center Mall) cross the Kansas River Bridge.  Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn right on Riley Co. 901-McDowell Creek Rd.  Travel 6.0 miles, turn right on Riley Co. 424.  Follow Riley Co. 424, 3 miles north and 1 mile west to the PMC.

 From I-70:  Going east, turn left or going west, turn right to Exit 307-McDowell Creek Road Interchange. On Riley Co. 901-McDowell Creek Rd., travel 3.6 miles to West 40th Avenue, turn left and travel 3 miles north to PMC.

 USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.