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Johnson County

Research-based Information You Can Trust — Localized for your needs

Johnson County
11811 S. Sunset Drive
Suite 1500
Olathe, KS 66061

Office Hours:

Monday - Friday,
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

(913) 715-7000
(913) 715-7005 fax
jo@listserv.ksu.edu

Map to our office

K-State Research and Extension is committed to making its services, activities and programs accessible to all participants. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting Johnson County Extension at (913)715-7000. Notify staff of accommodation needs as early as possible.

Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service

K-State Research and Extension is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Blue Valley School District Wilderness Science Center Garden

WSC_Rain_Garden_at_Work“Gardening for the Future of Our Earth”

This Johnson County Master Garden project, originating in 2006, is a partnership with the Blue Valley School District to manage a native garden/ habitat.  Located at Blue Valley Middle School, the garden exists to support the District’s Environmental Science Program.  The Science Center is a destination bus field trip/ learning experience for all the elementary students throughout the Blue Valley School system.  We think of the students as the environmental stewards of the future. The garden, as well as the surrounding woods, are used as a living laboratory by the Science Teacher. 

Our garden includes distinct areas.  All are designed and managed to provide a diverse plant habitat to attract birds, bees, butterflies, other pollinators and wildlife.  There are nine areas including two rain gardens, vine, shade and sun areas. One area is directed to the public, showcasing native plants that are practical and of scale for home gardens. All the gardens are continually changing and evolving as we learn.

The Master Gardeners work Monday mornings, April to October. We share our many daily finds with the Science teacher for his use - butterflies, caterpillars, insect eggs, bees, insects, what’s in bloom. We do not work with the students, but we love to see their enthusiasm when they visit the garden. 

The Wilderness Science Center (WSC) garden is a partnership between the Johnson County

Garden/School Address

163rd and Nall Avenue
Overland Park, KS

Garden Hours:

The public has access to the garden area when classes are not in session.

The adjacent walking trails are open to the public.

Return to Demonstration Gardens.

Do You Have Questions?

Have questions? The Garden Hotline is staffed by trained EMG volunteers and Extension staff who will assist you with questions.

Phone: (913) 715-7050

Email: garden.help@jocogov.org