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TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly has signed Senate Bill 473, which authorizes Audubon of Kansas (AOK) to convey real estate in Wabaunsee County upon the approval of the Kansas State Historical Society (KSHS). Most notably, this bill would amend K.S.A. 75-2731, allowing AOK to transfer the original 30 acres of Mount Mitchell Heritage Park to the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards, who have been dedicated caretakers of the park for over 20 years. This transfer would unify the original 30 acres with the over 130 acres that have been added since 2006, allowing the entire park to be under the authority of one management entity. 

“I’m glad to sign smart, commonsense legislation that will allow for the unification of Mount Mitchell Heritage Park under the management of the highly capable Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “During my time as Executive Director at the Kansas Recreation and Park Association, and through my work with the Guards during my time as a state Senator, I saw firsthand the profound positive impacts parks have on those who visit them. Under this law, Mount Mitchell Heritage Park will thrive for years to come.” 

The original 30 acres of Mount Mitchell Heritage Park were given to the Kansas Historical Society in 1953 by the son of abolitionist Captain William Mitchell. In 2006, over 50 years after the original land was donated, K.S.A. 75-2731 authorized the transfer of the deed of the 30 acres to AOK. A grassroots effort of locals, who would officially become the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards in 2009, have worked to turn the original 30 acres into what will now be an over 160-acre park that is one of the most visited historical sites in Kansas, fulfilling Capt. William Mitchell’s wish of the land being used for a park for all to enjoy. 

“I am so pleased that the Legislature is honoring the Mitchell family’s wish to allow for expansion of the park, preservation of a remnant of the tallgrass prairie, and development of an important historic site,” said Senator Marci Francisco, District 2. “Registration of the park with the National Park Service as a Network to Freedom Historic Site commemorating the Underground Railroad will certainly put this on my list of places to visit in Kansas.”  

Mount Mitchell Heritage Park is a popular visitation spot for school groups, scout groups, tourists, and countless other Kansans, and has been developed to include walking trails, parking, and an information kiosk. The park includes Capt. Mitchell’s still-standing log cabin, which operated as an Underground Railroad station. 

“The Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards have done an excellent job preserving this historic site and this transfer ensures that future generations will continue to experience Kansas’ unique nature and history at its best,” said Senator Kenny Titus, District 18.

In allowing AOK to convey real estate, this legislation permits the entirety of Mount Mitchell Heritage Park to be under one management agency, streamlining caretaking processes and ensuring the park continues to flourish for years to come under the care of the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards.

“The Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards are grateful for the passage of Senate Bill 473, which fulfills the long-time vision of the Mitchell family and the Prairie Guards, ensuring that the Park’s Underground Railroad associations and its many stories will be passed down to future generations,” said Michael Stubbs, President of the Mount Mitchell Prairie Guards. “This could not have been accomplished without the help of Audubon of Kansas, the Kansas Historical Society, and the Mitchell family. Special thanks to Senator Kenny Titus for shepherding the bill as well.” 

In addition to Senate Bill 473, Governor Kelly also signed the following bipartisan bills: 

Senate Bill 427: Providing additional legislative oversight for appointments to state offices who are subject to Senate confirmation. 

Senate Bill 396: Reorganizing the Clearwater cemetery district in Sedgwick County to remove Ohio township. 

Senate Bill 358: Requiring individuals convicted of certain felonies to be held without bond in the county jail until sentencing. 

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