Kansas Students Compete in 26th Annual ECO-meet
The statewide competition concluded its latest regional event at Wilson Lake on October 7, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in National Parks
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Students across Kansas are participating in the 26th annual ECO-meet, a series of ecological competitions hosted by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The regional event at Wilson Lake held on October 7, 2026, is part of a program designed to foster interest in natural resources.
Why it matters
The program helps build appreciation for Kansas ecology by encouraging students to study native species and habitats. Scholarship opportunities for winners further incentivize students to dedicate time to learning about the state's natural environment.
The 26th annual competition evaluates students across four distinct categories, including animal identification and native-plant scavenger hunts. These regional events currently occur across seven locations, with eight counties participating from the Kansas City District.
The players
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
This state agency is responsible for the management and protection of Kansas natural resources and the administration of the ECO-meet.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This federal agency provides necessary facilities and staffing support to enable the execution of regional and state ecological competitions.
Dyck Arboretum of the Plains
This institution serves as the venue for the upcoming 2026 state finals in Hesston, Kansas.
The details
Participants prepare for the event by studying species lists and practicing identification skills before competing in animal identification, habitat-based testing, interpretive skits, and a native-plant scavenger hunt. The program relies on a network of volunteers, local businesses, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff to manage facilities and coordinate the events.
Timeline
The ECO-meet program began in 1999.
The Wilson Lake regional competition occurred on October 7, 2026.
The state finals competition is scheduled for November 5, 2026.
Travel Outlook
The ECO-meet program follows a pattern of educational outreach set by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers land management and conservation programs. By leveraging state-managed lakes as outdoor classrooms, the initiative aligns with broader efforts to integrate public land usage with regional environmental education cycles.
Visitors to Wilson Lake or the Dyck Arboretum should note that these facilities may host large groups of students during scheduled competition dates. Participants and supporters planning to attend the November 5 finals in Hesston should coordinate with the Department of Wildlife and Parks for event access details.
The takeaway
The ECO-meet demonstrates how long-standing educational partnerships can turn local natural sites into active classrooms for students. Families and educators can encourage student interest in the natural world by exploring species identification and local habitat conservation during routine visits to state parks.
What happens next
The state finals competition for the 2026 ECO-meet is scheduled to take place at the Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, Kansas, on November 5, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about conservation efforts and regional land use at Kansas National Parks.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Army.
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