Make a difference with Match Day!
2021-11-15 | Pioneer Bluffs: Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, KS, 66862, United States
Once again Match Day is upon us, that day when a huge percentage of annual support originates for Pioneer Bluffs.
You may wonder how Match Day affects your giving. The Emporia Community Foundation provides a pool of matching funds to selected organizations. The more we raise, the greater the match.
We are all experiencing COVID fatigue but, alas, the virus is still with us. This creates additional costs, such as extra care of the facilities and technology updates to stay relevant. Did you enjoy our virtual Day of the Cowboy? Have you seen our self-guided tour at tour.pioneerbluffs.org?
Your Match Day gift will fund family programs and exhibits that you choose, especially critical in today’s world.
We deeply appreciate your consideration and support. Pioneer Bluffs offers family, friends and community a place of peace and refuge in our busy world. We are grateful you have chosen to be part of our family. You make it all possible.

Volunteer Workday
2021-12-04 08:30 - 13:00 (America/Chicago) | Pioneer Bluffs: Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, KS, 66862, United States
Volunteers are happy people. Does volunteering make them happy, or are happy people more likely to volunteer? According to studies, the answer is both!
Volunteers gather every month at Pioneer Bluffs and enjoy sharing a few hours of time. They chat, laugh, and get to know one another while making a difference.
The next Volunteer Workday at Pioneer Bluffs is Saturday, December 4. The day begins around 8:30 a.m. with a conversation about the day’s plans. At about 9:00 a.m., volunteers split into teams and go to work. The day ends close to noon with a lunch and more conversation about what was accomplished.
All are invited to the December 4 Workday, whether to join in the fun or simply to meet and ask questions of the volunteers.
Volunteer tasks vary from physical to nonphysical, skilled and unskilled. To be a Pioneer Bluffs volunteer, it takes only a big heart and an interest in preserving and maintaining an important historic site. Those interested can simply show up, no RSVP needed.
The plan for December 4 includes cleaning in the buildings, trimming hedges, doing an inventory, and picking up sticks. In addition, the original grain chute will be installed in the granary, which involves several hands holding it up while it is secured in place.
Details of the day’s plans can be found on the Pioneer Bluffs Facebook event page. For information, contact Lynn Smith, Executive Director, at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or 620-753-3484 (office) or 785-393-1569 (cell).

Chef Tracey returns, Italian Style
2021-12-11 17:30 - 20:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Historic Rogler Home, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States

Preserving YOUR family history
2022-04-02 12:00 - 14:00 | The Granary at Pioneer Bluffs, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Preserve your family history at a digitization day. Bring your photos and letters (up to 15) to be scanned by students with the Chapman Center for Rural Studies at Kansas State University. You will leave with your original documents and a thumb drive with the digital files.

Prairie Talk: History of the Flint Hills
2022-04-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Mike Holder, Kansas State University Extension Agent (retired), begins at the beginning of the Flint Hills, “why it is what it is,” says Holder. He will discuss formation of the Flint Hills, the Native American presence, and the influence of ranching. Holder is known as a good storyteller and draws on 47 years with the Extension Service for his stories.
Donations appreciated but not required.
Come early to preserve YOUR family history with digitization.

The Music of Patsy Cline
2022-04-30 14:00 - 16:15 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Kim Coslett and her 4-piece band perform all of Patsy’s hits, while including biographical information, history, and stories behind the songs. In the loft of the historic barn at Pioneer Bluffs.
2:00 p.m. Appetizers and beverages
3:00 p.m. Concert
Cost: $50 per person
This is a fundraising event to support future music programs at Pioneer Bluffs. Half the cost – $25 per person – is a tax deductible contribution. Sponsored by an anonymous donor.
To guarantee your seat, reservations are recommended. To make a reservation, mail payment to:
Pioneer Bluffs
695 KS Highway 177
Matfield Green, KS 66862
When reserving your seats online, please leave your name and email address. We need this information to send you a receipt and confirmation.

Old-time Barn Dance
2022-05-21 18:00 - 21:30 | KS
It will be a classic, old-time Barn Dance in the loft of the 1915 barn at Pioneer Bluffs, considered by some to be the best dance floor in the Flint Hills.
On Saturday, May 21, the dance begins at 6:30 p.m. and will continue until 9:30 p.m. (or when dancers wear out). Beginners are invited to come at 6:00 p.m. for instruction.
Music will be provided by the Land Band, and include a variety of dances, alternating group and couples’ dances (two-step & waltz) with old-time contra dance songs and vintage country music.
Everyone is invited to dance or simply enjoy the music.
Players from several popular Kansas bands come together occasionally to perform as The Land Band: featuring Lauralyn Bodle on fiddle, Lisa Grossman on bass, Matt Kirby on hammer dulcimer and accordion, Frank Martin on Irish flute and banjo, Chris Martin on accordion, Annie Wilson on guitar, and Ann Zimmerman on keyboard. Derrick Doty will be the caller for group dances.
Reservations are requested but not required and will help ensure plenty of chairs are out while leaving space for dancing. RSVP on the Facebook event page or to Executive Director, Lynn Smith, at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or 620-753-3484.
Donations are appreciated and will support future program events.

Symphony Day Open House (and Barn)
2022-06-11 10:00 - 14:00 | Pioneer Bluffs: Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, KS, 66862, United States
Our barn and house will be open on Saturday, June 11. Whether you are heading to the Symphony in the Flint Hills (which is just up the road from Pioneer Bluffs this year), or simply out enjoying the Flint Hills, this is a chance to tour our National Register Historic District. Our volunteers will be in the house, ready to greet you with cold water and homemade cookies. And our restroom facilities will be open.
Bring a picnic, hike our Nature Trail, take our self-guided tour.

Prairie Talk: The Hatcher Family story
2022-07-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
An upcoming Prairie Talk will tell the story of a Flint Hills family that began in 1897 at the Emporia Stock Yards.
At 3:00 p.m. Saturday, July 9, Jeanne Hatcher shares the history of six generations of the Hatcher family. From Emporia to Chase County, the Fox Creek Ranch grew. Today the children and grandchildren of Jeanne and Bill Hatcher have joined the family cattle business; they are all neighbors of Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve.
The Prairie Talk will be in the loft of the 1915 barn at Pioneer Bluffs .

Butler County Brass returns
2022-07-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
At 6:30 p.m. on July 9, the Butler County Brass returns to Pioneer Bluffs by popular demand for an outdoor concert.
In the event of inclement weather, the performance will be moved to the loft of the barn.
The six musicians of the Butler County Brass are music educators who love what they do and enjoy sharing their talent. They are Robert Gusé, Christine Moose, Rick Moose, Eric Pretz, John Templin, and Josephine Trout.
Visitors are invited to explore the grounds, bring a picnic, or hike the nature trail. Wading shoes may be recommended to access the trail, depending on recent rains.
Beverages and snacks will be available. Reservations are requested but not required and will help ensure plenty of chairs are out. RSVP on the Facebook event page or to Executive Director, Lynn Smith, at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or 620-753-3484.
Donations are appreciated and will support future program events.

Day of the Cowboy
2022-07-23 13:00 - 19:00 | KS

Music from "Great American Songbook" coming to Pioneer Bluffs
2022-08-27 18:30 - 20:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
An 18-member orchestra that has performed for notables that include President George W. Bush and Luciano Pavarotti is coming to the Flint Hills for a special concert.
On Saturday, August 27, the Great Plains Jazz Orchestra will present Big Band Jazz and music from “The Great American Songbook” on the shaded lawn of Pioneer Bluffs. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the 90-minute concert begins at 7:00 p.m.
The “Great American Songbook” features the most important and influential popular songs and jazz standards that have stood the test of time. The Great Plains Jazz Orchestra includes vocalists reminiscent of Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, and Frankie Valli, who will perform familiar tunes such as “Mack the Knife,” “The Lady is a Tramp,” and “Young and Foolish.”
The Great Plains Jazz Orchestra is a highly acclaimed ensemble under the direction of Keith Woolery. “We look forward to sharing our music with the people of the Flint Hills,” says Woolery. “We hope you will feel the same sentiment as former president George W. Bush, who exclaimed after our performance, ‘I love the band; this was great entertainment!’”
Cowboy caviar, prepared with locally sourced food by Chef Tracey Graham, will be served, along with ice cold bottled water. A cash bar will be available.
If inclement weather, the concert will be held in the loft of the Pioneer Bluffs barn.
A donation of $20 is suggested for this unique program. Reservations requested, but not required. For reservations or additional information, contact Lynn Smith at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or (620) 753-3484.

Prairie Talk: "Cowboyin' is women's work"
2022-10-08 14:00 - 15:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Bobbie Hammond has managed as many as 25,000 acres of Flint Hills grass and 8,000 head of cattle. At the same time, she was a professional rodeo barrel racer. She won in the Old Timers’ Rodeo National Finals when she was a grandmother – and that was 40 years ago. Hammond will share her unique life story in an upcoming Prairie Talk.
The Prairie Talk will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8, at Pioneer Bluffs.
“I always thought cowboyin’ is women’s work,” said Hammond. “It never occurred to me there was anything I couldn’t do because I was a woman. I was working with my dad from the time I was big enough to ride.”
“I know it isn’t the kind of work every woman would want to do. Probably not every man can do it,” she continues. “It’s a lot of hard work. I do everything from breaking colts to fixing water gaps to treating sick steers. It’s knowing what an old steer will do before he even thinks of it himself.”
Hammond has been featured in “Larry Hatteberg’s KANSAS PEOPLE,” and Forbes Magazine.
Today at age 83, Hammond is still working. “I don’t let a lot of grass grow under my feet,” she says. “It is a lifestyle, I think.”
There is no cost to attend this Prairie Talk; donations are gratefully accepted. Reservations requested, but not required, and will help ensure ample seating is available. For reservations or additional information, contact Lynn Smith at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or (620) 753-3484.

Match Day 2022
2022-11-14 | Pioneer Bluffs: Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, KS, 66862, United States
Dear Friends,
Match Day is almost upon us. A very busy 2022 is bringing us to that day again, the day on which our donors’ generosity defines what we can offer in the coming year.
Big things happened this year at Pioneer Bluffs. More people visited than ever before and we had more programs than ever before. Music of all kinds filled the air around Matfield Green; people working in their gardens enjoyed concerts without leaving home (although we think it was more fun at PB, sitting in the shade and seeing the orchestra). Our website is chock full of videos of Prairie Talks, vintage film clips of ranch life, a showcase of Kansas ranches, virtual tours of the grounds and trail. Check it out at pioneerbluffs.org.
The Nature Trail is open for exploration during daylight hours and is used almost every day. Plus, we are in the process of building a log cabin which will be our new information center.
All of these things are possible only because of you, our donors, and volunteers. With hours of work generously given, our volunteers multiply the power of your gift by stretching every dollar. Your Match Day gift to Pioneer Bluffs, in any amount small or large, is pooled together and makes the big things happen.
The Emporia Community Foundation provides the pool of matching funds which is shared with selected organizations on Match Day. This year Pioneer Bluffs will be one of 28 that were selected. The more we raise, the greater the match.
Our success is only possible because of your support. All of us at Pioneer Bluffs appreciate your participation in Match Day!
To make a Match Day contribution, choose one of these options:

Make your check payable to: Emporia Community Foundation and send to Pioneer Bluffs | 695 KS Hwy 177 | Matfield Green, KS 66862. We must receive your gift before November 14.
Go online any time on Monday, November 14, and make your contribution at emporiamatchday.com/pioneerbluffs.
Visit Pioneer Bluffs on November 14, tour to see what’s been happening, and bring your check. Executive Director Lynn Smith and volunteers will be there from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on November 14.
Drive through at the Emporia Community Foundation | 527 Commercial St | Emporia, KS 66801, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. November 14.

Thank you – come see us.
Nancy Mattke, Board President Lynn Smith, Executive Director

An Evening of Enchantment
2023-01-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Historic Rogler Home, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
All seats are now taken for “An Evening of Enchantment.” Mark your calendar now for April 15, a special dinner in the barn by Guest Chef Gus Bays.

Radius at the Ranch
2023-04-15 17:00 - 20:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
A fine dining experience in a historic barn
5:00 pm Happy Hour begins
5:30 pm *Music by Howard Glanton and Excier Rodriguez, Classical Guitar Duet
6:30 pm Dinner by Gus Bays, featuring Filet of Beef Tenderloin
FUNdraising Auction following dinner.
Cost: $150 per person, of which $100 is a tax-deductible contribution.
Chef Justin “Gus” Bays will be our guest chef for Radius at the Ranch.
Gus began his award-winning career right where he grew up, in Lawrence, Kansas, working at high-end restaurants. He was trained at the Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona. He then made his way back to Kansas where he accepted the position of Executive Chef at the Grand Central Hotel Bar and Grille in Cottonwood Falls. Today Gus is co-owner and Chef of Radius Brewing Company, Emporia’s first brewery since prohibition and full-service restaurant with a made-from-scratch menu.
*Classical guitar music is sponsored by Bryan Folk, Kathy Kelly, and Homestead Ranch.
Seating limited to first 100. Reservations required no later than April 7, 2023. To reserve your seats, contact Lynn Smith at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or (785) 393-1569 (cell). After confirming seating is available, you can pay online using the donate link here, or bring a check that evening.
FUNdraising Auction
with Guest Auctioneer, Jeff Davidson
A few fun and unique items and experiences will be auctioned after dinner. Proceeds from the sale will support Pioneer Bluff’s programs and exhibits.
Auction includes:

4 nights in a 4-bedroom, 3,200 sq ft condo, facing the San Sophia Range near the town of Telluride, Colorado. The 4-night stay will be between May 27 – June 15 or September 18 – October 3 in 2023, or similar dates in 2024. Click here for photos and details.
Design a Beer experience with Radius Brewmaster Jeremy “JJ” Johns – style, design, create, and name your craft beer that will be on tap at Radius.
Handmade “Kansas Prairie” quilt, made by Candy Johnson, quilted by Monty Smith.
Tickets to Broadway show – Disney’s Aladdin at the Kansas City Music Hall, June 3 @ 2 pm.
“Running with the Storm,” photo by Dave Leiker. Canvas wrap. 32 ½” x 48”
“Pottawatomie County Sunset,” photo by Dave Leiker. Matted and framed. Photo size is 19” x 30 ½” – overall with frame is 28” x 39 ½”
Prairie Nature Walk & Music with Annie Wilson, Five Oaks Ranch, for 1-6 persons, to be scheduled at your convenience.
A homemade pie, made by award-winning baker, Janet Post.

Flint Hills Festival
2023-05-06 10:00 - 17:00 | KS
Flint Hills Discovery Center, Manhattan, KS
Pioneer Bluffs will be at the Flint Hills Festival at Flint Hills Discovery Center in Manhattan. Stop in to experience the culture and beauty of the Flint Hills at the FHDC annual community festival, and say hi to our volunteers who will be sharing Pioneer Bluffs at this event.
You can find more information here.

Land Band Barn Dance
2023-05-06 18:00 - 20:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
6:00 pm Beginner Instructions
6:30 pm Old Time Barn Dance
Join us in the loft of our 1915 barn for an Old Time Barn Dance. Wear your dancing shoes or just come and enjoy the lively music of the Land Band, a 7-member band providing music for contra and two-step dances.
Cash bar available

Prairie Talk: The Bill House and Methvin Family Stories
2023-07-01 13:30 - 15:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Flint Hills ranch families have stories to tell of their unique heritage. We will have the opportunity to hear two such stories from Carol House and Nancy Methvin.
1:30 The House Story
2:30 The Methvin Story
At 1:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Carol House of Arkansas City will discuss her late husband, Bill House, who went from being an attorney to raising Grand Champion Herefords. After practicing law in the 1940’s, Bill House returned to the family Hereford business in Chautauqua County. By the early 1950’s, House had risen to the top of the National Order of Hereford Growers, winning Grand Champion four times at the American Royal in Kansas City, MO. In his 65 years of ranching, House was a strong influence in legislative initiatives that impacted the entire beef cattle industry. He served as past president of the Kansas Livestock Association, the American Hereford Association, and the American National Cattleman’s Association, now the National Cattlemen’s Association. In 1964, House was named Distinguished Jayhawk of the Year by then Governor Anderson. During the Prairie Talk, Carol House will tell many stories, possibly even how an 1,800 lb plastic ornamental bull came to be in her front yard.
At 2:30 p.m. Saturday, July 1, Nancy Methvin of Lincolnville will tell how her Louisiana ranch family’s summer adventure turned into 46 years of living in, and loving, the Flint Hills of Kansas.The Methvin family ranched in Louisiana Bayou Country on land that had been in the family since 1714. The family came to the Flint Hills for one summer in 1977, and stayed on land that was once part of the original 101 Ranch and the Frye/Ronsick Ranch. Nancy will discuss the history of the areas they have lived.
There is no cost to attend these Prairie Talks, but donations are appreciated and will support future program events.
Refreshments will be available. Reservations are requested but not required and will help ensure plenty of chairs are out.
RSVP on the Facebook event page or contact the Executive Director, Lynn Smith, at lynn@pioneerbluffs.org or 620-753-3484.
Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and come out early to visit with friends. Picnic tables are provided.

National Day of the Cowboy
2023-07-22 11:00 - 20:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Music and ice cream social: 5:30pm – 8pm
5:30 Ice Cream Social
6:00 Music by Jeff Davidson
7:00 Music by Annie Wilson
In addition to the National Day of the Cowboy, July 22nd marks the 100th Anniversary of the railroad coming to Matfield Green.
A model train exhibit from the Chisolm Trail Model Train Club will be on display from 11am – 7pm

Feel free to come out early, bring a picnic (picnic tables provided), enjoy the trains, and visit with your friends as we celebrate these notable events..

Prairie Talk: The Anderson/Patton/Johnson Stories
2023-08-19 12:30 - 14:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Matt and Julia Anderson, along with their son and daughter-in-law, manage the family ranch outside of Alma. They run an award-winning cow-calf operation, annually raising roughly 500 head of Angus cattle from birth until the calves are one or two years old. They also offer birth to butcher beef, direct to consumer.
The Patton and Johnson families came to southern Chase County shortly after the Civil War. The Pattons settled west of Matfield Green and the Johnsons settled east of Matfield Green. Both families farmed the fertile soil along the creeks and ranched in the rich upland native tallgrass prairie pastures. Six generations later, some Patton/Johnson ancestors still live and work in the Flint Hills. This Prairie Talk will focus on how farming and ranching were equally important to the economic survival of pioneer Flint Hills families. The symbiotic relationship between farming and ranching still exists in 2023.
12:30 Anderson Story
1:30 Patton/Johnson Story
Feel free to bring a picnic lunch and come out early to visit with friends. Picnic tables are provided.

The Music of Patsy Cline
2023-09-23 14:00 - 17:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Kim Coslett and her band perform all of Patsy’s hits, while including biographical information, history, and the stories behind the songs. Sponsored by an anonymous donor, this is a fundraising event to support future music programs at Pioneer Bluffs.
2pm Happy hour with cash bar and light appetizers
3pm Concert
Reservations recommended
Cost: $50 per person, half of which is a tax deductible contribution

Pioneer Bluffs Fall Round-Up
2023-10-14 12:00 - 18:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Reception 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
An “open barn” reception will welcome and thank Executive Directors at Pioneer Bluffs. Lynn Smith, the recently retired Executive Director, and Christie Reinhardt, the new Executive Director, will greet visitors in the barn. The community is invited to stop in and visit, enjoy light refreshments and stay for the Round-Up activities. Smith is the first Executive Director of the nonprofit and helped the organization grow into the well-respected Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage that it is today. Reinhardt is originally from Kansas, and has recently retired from a public health leadership position in Alaska.
Originally planned for Saturday, September 2nd, this reception had to be postponed due to illness. This is the rescheduled event.
1:00 Ranch Activities for all ages
2:00 – 3:00: Prairie Talk: Prairie Talk: Kansas Music History by Derrick Doty

Derrick Doty
In addition to the talk, Derrick Doty will include a music performance featuring the fiddle of Henry Rogler. This activity is sponsored by Humanities Kansas.
Cowboy Poetry

3:15: Scott Wiswell
3:45: Carl Stueve

4:30 – 6:30: 3 Trails West

This performance features vintage Western Music drawn from the Silver Screen Era of Cowboy Music and Bob Wills-style swing. Laced with humor and audience interaction, 3 Trails West is a family-oriented show band.

Where the Buffalo Roam
2023-11-11 12:00 - 17:00 | Pioneer Bluffs: Flint Hills Ranching Heritage Center, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, KS, 66862, United States
Photo courtesy of Zach Bell
The American Bison was named the official state animal of Kansas in 1955. Come celebrate the “Monarch of the Plains” with us on Saturday, November 11, 2023.
12-1 pm: Locally-sourced smoked buffalo lunch by Chef Tracey Graham and other Pioneer Bluffs volunteers. Suggested donation $15-25, depending on your appetite!
12-4 pm
. Bison Art Show – interested in showing? Contact Tracey at PBTracey@yahoo.com for details.
. Bison Coloring Contest for the kids.
. Bison wool spinning demonstrations.
. Take a selfie with a bison!
1 pm “Buffalo George” LeRoux – Sharing a wealth of bison facts and artifacts.
2 pm: Prairie Talk: – A Bison Expert Panel, moderated by Josh Hoy.
Locals (Zack Bell, Tony Capizzo, Jim Hoy, George LaRoux, Stuart
Schrag) will share what they’ve learned raising bison here in
Kansas. Bring your questions!
Reservations are requested, but not required. We just want to make
sure we have enough BBQ and seating available. No-one goes
hungry at Pioneer Bluffs!
For reservations or additional information, contact us at
info@pioneerbluffs.org or (620) 753-3484

Volunteer “Work-Is-Fun” Brunch at Pioneer Bluffs
2023-12-02 09:00 - 13:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
We invite all past, present, and potential future Pioneer Bluffs volunteers to join us for a special brunch, prepared by volunteer coordinator Tracey Graham.
A brunch buffet featuring Eggs Benedict, Biscuits & Gravy, Breakfast Bundt Cake, Bacon/Egg Muffins, Cheesy Hash Browns, Peach Blackberry Flognarde, French Toast, Donuts, Coffee, Tea, Hot Chocolate, and Hot Cider will be served at 11 am.
Those who really wish to “work” on our volunteer day are welcome to come as early as 9 am to put away the tables and chairs in the barn, but no-one is required to do any work on this day. We just want a fun time for our Pioneer Bluffs “family” to come “home” and enjoy each other’s company.
Please RSVP if you can by emailing pbtracey@yahoo.com, marking “going” on the facebook event page, or texting Tracey at (620) 343-4397. Please let Tracey know if you have any form of dietary restrictions.

Emil Redmon's Cow: Wisdom Keepers
2024-04-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Join us at Pioneer Bluffs on April 28th to hear more stories from Emil Redmon’s Cow!
Mark Feiden – photographer, videographer, and creator of Emil Redmon’s Cow – returns to share his latest round of interviews funded in large part by a generous grant from the Trusler Foundation of Emporia, in collaboration with Pioneer Bluffs Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage, and the Wabaunsee County Historical Society and Museum.
This ongoing project seeks to preserve great stories from Flint Hills farm and ranch folk, focusing not on the stories of people’s lives so much as it is the “tales that people tell—folklore.”
To date, more than 250 thoroughly entertaining stories have been archived at www.RedmonsCow.org
As has been the case in years past, you are sure to recognize any number of familiar faces!
The presentation will begin at 2 pm in our historic 1915 Barn, followed by an informal reception for our VIP guests – the storytellers themselves! Cookies and water will be provided. Come early to tour our grounds and see updated displays in our historic 1908 ranch house. RSVP appreciated, but not required.

Barn Dance at Pioneer Bluffs
2024-05-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
It will be a classic, old-time Barn Dance in the loft of our 1915 barn, considered by some to be the best dance floor in the Flint Hills.
Pioneer Bluff historic ranch is located just north of Matfield Green on the beautiful Flint Hills Scenic Byway.
Dances will begin at 6:30 and alternate between couple’s dances (two-step and waltz) and caller-led, group or “contra” dances (in lines, circles and squares). Beginners are invited to come at 6:00 p.m. for caller-led-dance instruction.
New to the event this year, Lisa Harris is featured as caller for the group dances. She specializes in calling for all levels of dancers, including beginners.
Music will be provided by top notch musicians from across Kansas – in the seven-person Land Band. Specializing in traditional music – fiddle, accordion, etc. – songs will include old-time fiddle tunes as well as classic and vintage country music.
For more info: contact Annie – five_oaks_ranch@yahoo.com

Prairie Talk: The Crocker Ranch
2024-06-29 14:00 - 15:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
At 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 29, the story of the Crocker family will be shared by Matt Methvin in a Prairie Talk at Pioneer Bluffs.
The Crocker Ranch, with extensive cattle and farming operations, was begun in 1866 by Captain Erastus Bryant Crocker, a Civil War veteran. The Captain’s sons, Edward and Author Crocker, expanded and by 1918 had a 10,000 acre ranch, one of the most extensive in the area.
Today, the Crocker Ranch is an excellent example of an early 20th century working cattle ranch complex and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Homemade cookies and water will be served at the Prairie Talk. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, and can be made to 620-753-3484, info@pioneerbluffs.org, or on the Pioneer Bluffs Facebook event page. Donations will support future program events.

The Journey to Kyrgyzstan
2024-07-06 14:00 - 15:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
What did Josh and Jim Hoy see and learn in the high Central Asian country of Kyrgyzstan? The story will be told in a Prairie Talk at a historic ranch near Matfield Green at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 6.
In 2017, the Hoys toured the country extensively, riding hundreds of miles of mountains with nomadic herdsmen, traveling with a warlord through his vast holdings, and hunting with eagles. In the Prairie Talk, the Hoys will speak of the nomadic culture, horsemanship, and stockmanship of the Kyrgyz people, and the flora and fauna of the high steppe. They will contrast the culture to what they have seen in the Argentina gaucho, Australian outback stockmen, American cowboy and buckaroo, and Mexican vaquero.
Josh Hoy plans to bring a horse to demonstrate with gear and artifacts from Kyrgyzstan.
Homemade cookies and water will be served at the Prairie Talk. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, and can be made to 620-753-3484, info@pioneerbluffs.org, or on the Pioneer Bluffs Facebook event page. Donations will support future program events.

Prairie Talk: Frederic Remington
2024-07-13 14:00 - 15:30 | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
Join us at 2:00 Saturday, July 13 for a Prairie Talk Featuring Frederic Remington and presented by Doug Claassen.
Frederic Remington (1861 – 1909) was an American painter, illustrator, sculptor, and writer who specialized in depictions of the Old American West, specifically concentrating on the last quarter of the 19th century American West and images of cowboys, American Indians, and the U.S. Cavalry.
Claassen grew up in the Plum Grove community in northwest Butler County and is still involved with the family livestock and crop farm. His interest in Remington began at an early age with the stories told by his grandfather about Frederic Remington. Claassen and his brothers purchased the Remington sheep ranch in 1983, which further sparked his interest to learn more about Remington’s.
Homemade cookies and water will be served at the Prairie Talk. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required, and can be made to 620-753-3484, info@pioneerbluffs.org, or on the Pioneer Bluffs Facebook event page. Donations will support future program events.
