Our Mission
The Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center at Pioneer Bluffs is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the ranching heritage of the Flint Hills.
Located on the historic 12-acre Rogler homestead in Chase County, KS, Pioneer Bluffs serves as a gateway to understanding, interpreting, and safeguarding the past, present, and future of ranching in the Flint Hills for the ranching community and the public in general.
Day of the Cowboy
Pioneer Bluffs hosted its annual Ice Cream Social and special Day of the Cowboy program on the cow horse, who plays such a big part in Flint Hills ranching.
After the ice cream social the program began with a special talk by Eureka 4-Her Allie Knowles: “Horse of a Different Color.” Next, our expert panel of cowboys and cowgirls discussed “What Makes a Good Cow Horse.” Gwen Hoy, Marcia & Wayne Bailey, and Shawn Rogers shared their knowledge on this topic, gained from many years of working and moving cattle from horseback.
Gathering friends & ice cream social
Allie Knowles - "Horse of a Different Color"
Shawn Rogers
Gwen Hoy
Wayne Bailey
Marcia Bailey
Pioneer Bluffs selects new Executive Director & Operations Manager
John Rogler brings extensive skills, experience, and a unique connection to the position (his ancestors homesteaded Pioneer Bluffs).
Lt. Colonel John Rogler is a 28-year Air Force Fighter Pilot, with four combat deployments. He has widespread experience in business, sales, and management. Most recently, Rogler was an economist with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. He has a BS in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University, and MBA from Barry University.
John has an excellent business background, and just as important, he has great passion for this work. We are excited to see how Pioneer Bluffs will prosper under his leadership.
For the entire press release click here.
Annabelle Arndt has been named Operations Manager at Pioneer Bluffs, working closely with Executive Director John Rogler and Donor Relations Director Lynn Smith.
Raised in the countryside of Lyon County, Annabelle brings a deep appreciation for rural communities and the traditions that have shaped the Flint Hills region. She is passionate about preserving rural heritage, fostering meaningful connections, and creating opportunities for future generations to engage with the history and culture of the Flint Hills.
Woody Invasion of the Tallgrass Prairie
Our most recent Prairie Talk Panel addressed the issue of woody encroachment on grasslands. This program was for ranchers, land managers, and laypeople.
Note: This is our first annual “Josh and Jim Hoy Memorial Prairie Talk,” and continues the educational mission of the Symphony in the Flint Hills.
Luke Westerman – Introduction to the program: “The Problem of Woody Encroachment”
Jackson Lindamood – “Woody Cover Impact on Grassland Values” – discuss economics of woody invasion
Katie Schmidt – “Cedars, Flower & Pollinators” – how the proliferation of cedars affects nearby populations of flowers and pollinators
Luke Westerman – “Solutions to Woody Encroachment”
The full track and lyrics to “Stop Those Cedar Trees” is available on the Tallgrass Express’ web site.
Pleae click on the event title for more information
Plan a trip out to see us with information about lodging, food, and area attractions.
Things to Do
Donate or learn about volunteer opportunities.
Explore our library of of educational, community-focused lectures and panel discussions exploring the ranching heritage, ecology, and history of the Kansas Flint Hills.
