The Barn Dance
2026-05-02 18:00 - 21:00 (America/Chicago) | Pioneer Bluffs Ranch Main Barn, 695 Kansas Highway 177, Matfield Green, KS, 66862, United States
The Pioneer Bluffs annual old-time barn dance will be held on what many consider to the “the best dance floor in the Flint Hills.”
The main dance begins at 6:30 p.m., but beginners are invited to come at 6:00 p.m. for caller-led-dance instruction. The dance will end at 9:00 p.m.
Dances will alternate between dances for couples (two-step and waltz) and caller-led, group or “contra” dances (in lines, circles and squares).
Caller Lisa Harris has extensive experience and specializes in calling for all levels of dancers, including beginners.
The evening will feature the seven-piece Land Band, including musicians from several popular Kansas bands who come together on special occasions: Lauralyn Bodle on fiddle, Lisa Grossman on bass, Matt Kirby on hammer dulcimer & accordion, Frank Martin on Irish flute and banjo, Chris Martin on accordion, Annie Wilson on guitar, and Ann Zimmerman on keyboard.
Everyone is invited to dance, or simply come and enjoy live music provided by the Land Band. Songs will include old-time fiddle tunes and as well as classic and vintage country music.
Snacks and drinks will be provided. The dance is free, but donations are appreciated.
For questions: call 620-753-3484 or info@pioneerbluffs.org.

Prairie Talk: Woody Invasion of the Tallgrass Prairie
2026-06-06 14:00 - 16:00
Our Prairie Talk Panel will address the issue of woody encroachment on grasslands. This program is 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.
Schedule
2:00 Welcome by Jeff Davidson, President, Pioneer Bluffs Board of Directors
2:05 Luke Westerman – Introduction to the program: “The Problem of Woody Encroachment”
2:20 Jackson Lindamood – “Woody Cover Impact on Grassland Values” – discuss economics of woody invasion
2:55 Break
3:05 Katie Schmidt – “Cedars, Flower & Pollinators” – how the proliferation of cedars affects nearby populations of flowers and pollinators
3:35 Luke Westerman – “Solutions to Woody Encroachment”
3:45 All Panel – Q & A
4:00 Snacks downstairs
Panelists
Luke Westerman has worked for NRCS for 23 years. All of those years being in Kansas. He started as a Soil Conservationist for NRCS in 2002 and is currently a Supervisory District Conservationist in the Eureka Field Office. Luke received an undergraduate degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology from Kansas State University and a Master of Science degree in Environmental Biology from Emporia State University. Luke is passionate about teaching others about the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the importance of the Flint Hills of Kansas. In Luke’s spare time he enjoys birdwatching, woodworking and teaching the young and old about the natural world around them.
Jackson Lindamood is from a ranching family in Greenwood County, and earned his Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University. His thesis work examined how environmental factors, primarily woody encroachment and water restriction policies, affect agricultural land values across Kansas.
Katie Schmidt has served as the grounds manager and horticulturist at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, KS for ten years. She manages the greenhouse, provides landscape consultations and design services, and maintains Dyck Arboretum’s thirty acres of lawns, gardens, prairie reconstruction and pond. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences from Bethel College and is currently pursuing a masters degree in ecology from WSU.

Ice Cream Social & Day of the Cowboy: “What Makes a Good Cowhorse”
2026-07-25 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for our annual Ice Cream Social and special Day of the Cowboy program on the cowhorse, who plays such a big part in Flint Hills ranching.
We’ll gather at 6:30 p.m. for our old-time Ice Cream Social plus homemade cobbler, and time to visit and look around the barn and grounds.
Around 7:00 p.m., the program will begin with a special talk by Eureka 4-Her Allie Knowles: “Horse of Many Colors.”
Celebrate Day of the Cowboy at Pioneer Bluffs with an Ice Cream Social, cobbler, and a cowhorse panel at the historic 1915 Rogler Barn in the Flint Hills.Then our expert panel of cowboys and cowgirls will discuss “What Makes a Good Cowhorse.” Gwen Hoy, Marcia & Wayne Bailey, and Shawn Rogers will share their knowledge on this topic, gained from many years of working and moving cattle from horseback.
The program will take place outside on the shaded lawn by the restored classic 1915 Rogler Barn. In case of rain, festivities will be inside the barn. There will also be horse-themed art on display and for sale.
As the “Center for Flint Hills Ranching Heritage,” Pioneer Bluffs participates in the National Day of the Cowboy whose goal is to “permanently protect our cowboy culture and pioneer heritage for all generations to come.”

Prairie Talk: The Scribner Ranch
2026-08-08 10:00 - 11:30
Ranching has been a way of life for several generations of the Scribner family. Their ranching operation currently involves 3 brothers along with some of their children. They own a cow-calf operation and run yearlings in the Flint Hills of Northeastern Butler County. To sharpen their cattle handling skills, they are often seen participating in area ranch rodeos. Come and join us as Doug and his family share their ranching story with you.
(Photo: from left, David Scribner, Sterling Scribner and Doug Scribner)

Prairie Talk: Stories of Chase County
2026-08-22 10:00 - 12:00
Intrigue in Chase County: Murder, Politics, Gambling and Bigotry
The rich history of Chase County is filled with stories of conflict, controversy, and the
complexities of human nature. Themes of murder, political maneuvering, high-stakes
gambling, and the challenges of bigotry have all played a part in shaping the community
over the years.
Firsthand Accounts from Jeff Davidson
Pioneer Bluffs board president Jeff Davidson will share compelling historical accounts drawn from his own Chase County ancestry. Through his stories, listeners will gain insights into the significant events and social dynamics that have influenced the county’s development.

Fall Roundup
2026-10-10 13:00 - 17:00
This year the Pioneer Bluffs Fall Roundup will focus on family activities such as face painting, pumpkin painting, carnival-type games, some demonstrations, etc. There are plans to have food trucks on site and perhaps some boutique vendors. The day will conclude with a performance by the 3 Trails West band. More information to follow.
