Hi Kim, There is an active permaculture group in NE Kansas, hosting a variety of events, garden tours, and PDC courses. There is a community event happening the first week of June, in Lawrence. If you want to connect with other people building earthships, strawbales, and homesteading, it would be great to see you there. Check out the facebook page for the Kansas Permaculture Institute/Collaborative.
https://www.facebook.com/Kansas-Permaculture-Collaborative-138604256349317/