Carl and Mary Ice to be recognized April 11
The Flint Hills Discovery Center (FHDC) Foundation will recognize Carl and Mary Ice as their 2025 Friend of the Flint Hills at their annual spring event on Friday, April 11.“It’s an honor to introduce and recognize our 2025 Friend of the Flint Hills. Kansans, Carl and Mary Ice, have demonstrated in many ways their love for the Flint Hills by not only owning and preserving a part of the prairie but in their support of the Flint Hills Discovery Center to help future generations understand the history and vital role our tall grass prairie continues to play”, said Foundation President Lyle Butler.
The FHDC Foundation has given the “Friend of the Flint Hills” award to an individual, couple, non-government organization or public institution each year since 2012. The award honors significant time, effort and resources devoted to the cause of conserving the Flint Hills of Kansas and northern Oklahoma.
Carl and Mary, both Kansas State University graduates, have a true passion for protecting and conserving the region and the ecosystem.Carl, now retired, built a distinguished career with BNSF Railway. Mary, a graduate of the College of Health and Human Sciences, earned her master’s degree from the College of Education. Over the years, she worked as a substitute teacher and volunteered in the various communities where they lived. Improving the lives of others is her life’s passion and for this work, she has been recognized and honored by several organizations that support education
Together, Carl and Mary were the major benefactors to the Prairie Playscape, the newly renovated children’s exhibit, which opened in May 2022 at the Flint Hills Discovery Center.“The Ice’s generous gift towards the Prairie Playscape contributed to the complete renovation and upgrade of the second-floor children’s area. Thus, allowing very young children the opportunity to experience and learn about the basics of the tall grass prairie in a fun age-appropriate environment”, said Lyle Butler.