2008 Sunflower Journeys Season Discs Now Available

The 2008 Sunflower Journeys shows are now available on DVD. You can order a complete set or a single disc. $24.95 for one disc, plus shipping
$125 for the complete set, plus shipping

You can order online

Or call to order (785) 670-1111
1-800-866-KTWU

Or drop by our station KTWU
1901 SW Jewel Ave (on the Washburn Campus)
Topeka, Kansas 66621-1100

Disc 1 - Includes #2101 and #2102
#2101- "Fame & Notoriety"
We'll take a look at three individuals who achieved some big-time notoriety. First, we'll look into the lives of two sisters from Newton, Kansas, who found great success in New York. Then we'll meet Vern Miller, a man who became Attorney General of Kansas in the 1970s with enough tough tactics that he earned the nickname "SuperCop." And in our Plains People segment, we meet legendary singer Marilyn Maye, a woman who keeps performing her unique cabaret-style of music.
#2102 - "Community Niches" We see how the spirit of community can bring people together to meet each other's social, educational and culinary needs. First, we visit Manhattan's Aggieville - a shopping and entertainment district that occupies a special place in the heart of many K-Staters. Then we take a short jaunt up the street to find out about the UFM Community Learning Center. And in our Plains People segment, we meet Courtney Neill, who has hand-built a business that took the town of Toronto, Kansas, by storm.

Disc 2- Includes episodes #2103 and #2104
Episode #2103 - "Native Stone & Native Plants"
We venture out into the Kansas prairie to learn a few things about the native plants and limestone found there. First, we will learn how invasive species of plants are crowding out plants considered native to this region. Then we take a drive along the Native Stone Scenic Byway through a portion of the Flint Hills. In our "Plains People" segment, we meet Duane Vonada and his family who have made a business out of working with limestone in post rock country.
Episode #2104 - "Environmental Kansas" First, we visit with high school and college students who reflect on environmental concerns. Then we see how Southwest Junior High in Lawrence has involved students in adding solar power to its mix of energy resources. We meet Kate Delehunt in our Plains People segment. She has a passion for clean rivers and is eager to share her enthusiasm with others.

Disc 3 - Includes episodes #2105 and #2106
Episode #2105 - "Bridges Over Water, Time and Space"
We explore the bridge-building process - looking at physical bridges as well as bridges across time and space. We'll reflect upon the construction of a highway bridge that crosses the Missouri River at Atchison and hear about its fate. Cross a bridge in time to historic Leavenworth as we learn about an old soldier's home that once served veterans returning from the Civil War. Then we meet Jessica Vaughn and learn about life on post at Fort Riley, and how she has stayed connected with her husband - an American soldier serving in Iraq.
Episode #2106 - "State of the Arts"
We travel to the Crossroads Arts District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, and see why all eyes are focused on this revitalization project. Then we take a short jaunt over to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art to see how they have also revitalized their facility. We continue with our arts theme in our Plains People segment and meet Jon Rappleye, who spent some time in central Kansas sharing his artistic talents with a community that embraces the arts.

Disc 4 - Includes episodes #2107 and #2108
Episode #2107 - "Western Lore"
Western Kansas is full of wide-open spaces where the buffalo once roamed. In this show, we step back in time to reflect upon the role of some legendary figures from the wild west. Visiting Oakley, Kansas, we view a larger-than-life statue of Buffalo Bill. After that, we head to Ellsworth to see how the former cow town is striving to create a Drovers Hall of Fame, and spend some time with John Schaffner, the trail cook on the Great American Cattle Drive.
Episode #2108 - "Out on the Farm"
Although their numbers have been dwindling, farming is still a treasured way of life for many Kansas families. First, we'll learn about an educational program designed to help keep kids from being killed or injured in farming accidents; then we'll travel to Stafford County to visit one of the last remaining independent flour mills in the country; after that, we'll see how one farm family generates a little supplemental income with a device they call "The Pumpkinator."

Disc 5 - Includes Episodes #2109 and #2110
Episode #2109 - "Selfless Servants"
Many of today's spiritual traditions stress the importance of loving one's neighbor. On this program, we encounter some dedicated women who've taken that admonition to heart, demonstrating what it means in daily practice. We'll find out about a compassionate woman in Poland who risked her own life to save scores of children from Nazi concentration camps; travel to Concordia, Kansas to visit the motherhouse of the Sisters of St. Joseph as they celebrate 125 years of service; and meet Dr. Rebecca Allard, who gladly chose to begin her medical practice in a rather remote area of northwestern Kansas.
Episode #2110 - "Adaptation & Growth"
As we deal with concerns about climate change and explore new ways of meeting our energy needs, we're faced with questions about how to adapt to changing realities. In this show we see what some Kansans are doing to deal with our environmental and social challenges. We'll learn about the role of carbon dioxide in global warming and see how agricultural practices can help alleviate the problem; visit Greensburg, Kansas, to see how the town is rebuilding itself after the tornado; and in our Plains People segment, we meet Charles Eby, a man who volunteers his time with Habitat for Humanity.

Disc 6 - Includes #2111, 2112 and 2113
Episode #2111 - "Outside the Box"
We're checking out some examples of thinking outside the box. We'll visit Lawrence to learn the history of one of the first racially integrated preschools in the nation; find out about the art of Aaron Douglas, a native of Topeka who became a key figure in the Harlem Renaissance; then in our Plains People segment, we'll meet Jay Armbrister - a sheriff's deputy who demolishes cars as a hobby.
Episode #2112 - "Imagination & Moving Images"
We'll visit the Boyer Gallery in Belleville, Kansas, where Paul Boyer has created a unique set of animated woodcarvings. Next, we will find out how a small photo studio that opened in 1890 has remained a family business throughout the years. And in our Plains People segment, we'll meet Jay Antle, a storm chaser who photographs and analyzes tornadic activity in Kansas.
Episode #2113 - "Different Perspectives"
We'll examine the impact of a high school foreign exchange student program, focusing on a Russian student and her experiences in a small Kansas community. Then we will travel to south central Kansas to visit the Hedrick's Bed and Breakfast Inn and Exotic Animal Farm. And in our Plains People segment, we'll meet Dr. Gilbert Parks, a horse enthusiast who once rode bucking broncos. Now he can be found sharing his knowledge of horses and training next generation of rodeo riders.

Sunflower Journeys Presents: The Nature Of Kansas In the summer of 2008, KTWU premiered a new collection of Sunflower Journey segments in a show entitled "Sunflower Journeys Presents: The Nature Of Kansas." It's a series of programs with stories selected from our archives, dealing with various aspects of the natural environment in Kansas. The whole series is now available on a two-disc DVD set. Order Online Here Episodes Show 1 - "Off the Beaten Path" In this show, we meet Gus van der Hoeven, a retired extension specialist in landscape and environmental horticulture at Kansas State University, who shares his observations about the way we perceive and interact with the Kansas landscape. Then we stop in Big Springs, a town that was once a watering hole for travelers on the Oregon Trail. After that, we meet the authors of a Kansas hiking guide on a scenic trail near Elk City. Show 2 - "Northwestern Kansas" In this show, we visit the badlands known as the Arikaree Breaks. Jim McCauley and Craig Freeman explain how geological forces acted together to form the picturesque ridges and deep canyons of the region and what kind of plant life survives here. Next we head about 50 miles east of Colby to a farm near the small town of Morland, where a rich deposit of fossils several million years old have been discovered. And finally, we visit Osborne County, where a group of local boosters organize bicycle tours to teach local history while enjoying the fresh air and open roads of the area. Show 3 - "Southeastern Kansas" The first story explores The Red Buffalo Ranch near Sedan, acquired by veteran television journalist Bill Kurtis. Kurtis reflects upon his broadcasting career and demonstrates why he still feels a special connection to this part of the world. Next, we stop to reflect on life in the small southeastern Kansas town of Cedar Vale, exploring the community's relationship with the Big Caney River. Then we visit the Neosho Wildlife Area in southeastern Neosho County, examining the ecological dynamics as well as the various inhabitants of this habitat. Show 4 - "Western Kansas" We learn the history and lore of Waconda Springs, a sacred spot for Pawnee and other Plains Indian tribes, flooded in 1970 by the waters of Glen Elder Reservoir. Next, we travel to Lake Scott State Park to learn how the state acquired this property, learning about El Cuatelejo, the remnants of a 17th century pueblo occupied by Taos Indians from the Southwest. And finally, we explore a large ranch north of Lake Scott in Logan County. Acquired by The Nature Conservancy, the ranch represents a prime example of the shortgrass prairie that once extended across much of western Kansas. Show 5 - "Northeastern Kansas" In the first story, we learn what fossils can tell us about the prehistoric animals that roamed the region of the Kaw Valley. We examine various Ice Age fossils that have been exposed by the Kansas River. Then we look at private bison herds in Kansas with visits to two bison ranches in the northeastern part of the state. Once near extinction, bison have made a big comeback in the US, and many Kansas ranchers are discovering the benefits of returning them to the prairie. The last story explores some of the scenic byways of Kansas and how nine back-roads in the Kaw Valley area have been designated as "Rustic Roads." Show 6 - "Central Kansas" First we focus on the McPherson Valley Wetlands. These wetlands were drained during the early 20th century for farming, but local citizens are working with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks to bring the wetlands back to their natural state. Next, we visit the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge located in the wetlands between Hutchinson and Great Bend for a look at the waterfowl that stop at the refuge on their migratory flights. Then talk with Gus van der Hoeven to find out about the Kansas Landscape Arboretum at Milford Reservoir near Wakefield. Show 7 - "The Flint Hills" We travel to a pasture near Winfield where The Paul Winter Consort performs a symphony called "Grasslands" in an outdoor concert with the Winfield Regional Symphony. Then we find out how the National Park Service has developed a management plan for the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve in Chase. And in our final segment, photographer James Nedresky and painter Louis Copt head for the prairie together to see how each artist captures the essence and the beauty of the Flint Hills region. Show 8 - "Southwestern Kansas" First, we explore the unique geology, geography, and flora of the Red Hills of south central Kansas. Next we explore the semi-arid Cimarron National Grasslands near Elkhart, observing snakes and other reptiles commonly found in these grasslands, which cover more than 100,000 acres in southwestern Kansas. Then we talk with two veteran photographers from the Kansas Department Wildlife and Parks in Pratt, who share their knowledge of the state's diverse wildlife and their passion to capture its beauty. Past Journeys Viewer's Guides Go Digital Past Journeys guides go digital Before websites were used to enhance learning, KTWU’s Sunflower Journeys team produced a booklet each year that accompanied the series. These “Viewer’s Guides” were available upon special request, and sent out to libraries and educators. Few people knew of these guides and we had many copies taking up storage space at our station. Yet the information they contained could be valuable to someone studying a subject that was presented on our series. Documenting the history, heritage and culture of Kansas has been the central theme of our show and these booklets summarized seasons 1989 to 2001 and allowed teachers the benefit of having a study guide to accompany a classroom presentation. Since Sunflower Journeys has been in production over 20 years - in honor of our 21st season, which has a “coming of age” theme - our past material is “coming of age” as well. These booklets are now available in an online form that can be easily downloaded and viewed. Click Here to pick a guide.