ESU to host free Science Saturday in celebration of Kansas' 165th birthday
Emporia, KS (01/19/2026) — Celebrate the 165th birthday of the State of Kansas in January when Emporia State's Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center teams up with the David Traylor Zoo of Emporia for a fun and educational Science Saturday all about the Sunflower State! The event will be Saturday, Jan. 24, from 10 a.m. to noon at the David Traylor Zoo Education Center.
Guests will interact with live animals native to Kansas while learning about local plants, ecosystems and how Kansas has changed over the last few centuries. Organizations providing booth presentations and zoo tours will offer eager learners immersive, interactive experiences while exploring the plants and animals that call Kansas home.
The day will culminate with a free live concert at the zoo performed by Annie Wilson of the Tallgrass Express Band. Wilson is known for her bluegrass songs about the Flint Hills and was recognized as the Flint Hills Balladeer of Kansas in 2013.
The event is free and open to the public, but attendees must register at esuparoc.com. Proof of registration is required to enter. Parents, children and all family members are invited to explore together! For those with multiple family members attending, each person must register individually.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its institute and seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business & Technology, Humanities & Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary Studies, Library and Information Management & Library and Archives, Science & Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
Emporia State University
Gwendolynne Larson, ESU director of media relations, (620) 341-5528, glarson1@emporia.eduShare this Story
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