Monarchs & Native Plants
Celebrating Monarch Migration & Hispanic He
Monarch Butterflies and Their Connections Labor Day may be the unofficial end of summer, but September brings changes in our natural world as well. As the air (hopefully) turns cooler, there is a breathtaking natural wonder that unfolds every year: the monarch butterfly migration. Coincidentally, this event aligns with another important celebration – Hispanic Heritage … Continued
Garden Care with a Water-Conscious Mind
We’re heading into the hottest days of summer, and Kansas City, as well as other parts of Missouri and Kansas, continue to be in moderate to severe drought. Is there anything the average gardener can do to deliver water to parched plants, without standing around holding a hose for long minutes each morning, perspiring profusely, … Continued
In Appreciation of Winter
Winter’s not as long in Kansas City as it is in, say, Minnesota, but it’s long enough for most of us. While climate change is erratically spiking some very warm days even in December, we can generally count on it being cold, unpredictably icy or snowy, and somewhat gray for at least four months. I … Continued
Beginner Tips for Planting Native at Home
Kristin Riott, BTG’s Executive Director and a passionate gardener, shares her experience and knowledge from years of gardening with native plants at home. I have loved wildflowers since I was a child, picking armfuls of purple phlox and enchanted by the tiny pairs of pants called Dutchman’s Breeches, in a deeply wooded ravine near my … Continued
When Green Means Curbside Pickup: Supporting Kan
By Ben Carpenter, HTA Program Associate My little brother is getting married in July. I know, poor timing. If only he had considered the possibility of a global pandemic upsetting his years-long engagement. However, the show must go on, albeit from a distance. This is a situation in which a thoughtful gift from … Continued
COMPOSTING FOR OUR FUTURE
By Ami Freeberg I grew up composting in a big pile at the back of our large backyard garden – piling food scraps and grass clippings together to break down and nourish the food and flowers we grew. Separating food scraps to compost has always been the norm for me, so throughout my adult life, … Continued
Earth week series – 5
The best time to plant a tree is now. The Arbor Day Foundation provides resources to individuals who are interested in doing so, including where to find free or low cost trees in your area and tips about how to plant your tree so it thrive. For those interested in fruit trees are another excellent … Continued
Earth week series – 4
By John Fish, Litter Abatement Program Coordinator and Recycling Center Manager There’s no getting around the fact that our lives have been upended by this pandemic. We had forgotten just how much havoc something unseeable with the naked eye can cause. Although much of our ordinary life has been suspended by the need … Continued
Earth week series – 3
Each of us generate waste through practically everything we do, at an average rate of 4.51 pounds per day, according to the EPA (2017). Through the three R’s, reduce, reuse, and recycle, that number can be greatly reduced. Today we challenge you to think of ways you can reduce and reuse BEFORE you … Continued
Earth Week Series – 2
By James Joerke, Associate Executive Director With many of us spending more time at home these days, it’s the perfect time to take action to make your home more energy efficient. These simple steps will make your home more comfortable and reduce your energy bills. Install a programmable thermostat. Installing a programmable thermostat … Continued
Earth Week Series – 1
Quarantine isolation leaves many people feeling trapped inside, not able to enjoy nature as regularly as one may desire. However, the benefits of walking outside every day are proven to help keep you healthy. Your mood will improve. You’ll feel more creative. You’ll lower your risk of lung cancer. Your skin will look … Continued
3 steps you can take for bees in your garden
By Joe Wheelock, HTA Program Coordinator Feeling cooped up? Need to get outside and enjoy some fresh air and sunshine? Now is a great time to take some simple actions around your home to help protect and conserve bees! Everyone knows the European Honey Bee, but did you know there are about 4,000 species of … Continued
Drawdown
By Kristin Riott Executive Director, Bridging The Gap If you, like me, have been worried about climate change for a long time, the publication of the book Drawdown is a deep draught of water during a long walk through the desert: you can go on with renewed hope and vigor. Drawdown, edited by leading … Continued
September Native Plant Workshops
We have two Native Plant workshops scheduled for September! These workshops are for beginning gardeners or native plant-curious Johnson County homeowners. We will cover the basics including the importance of pollinator and native plants in your garden, tried and true favorite species, basic layouts of gardens, general landscaping and efficiency tips, and storm water benefits. … Continued
Spreading it on too thick?
Over-application of fertilizers is a source of water pollution. Use the proper amount of fertilizer to keep your lawn green and prevent algae blooms in our lakes and streams.It’s a waste of money to apply fertilizer to your lawn if it doesn’t need it. The only way to know how much fertilizer your lawn needs … Continued
It flows downhill.
If it’s on the ground in the Kansas City Metropolitan region it could end up in the Missouri River and then in the Gulf of Mexico. Litter takes on many forms – paper, aluminum, cigarette butts – everything that is improperly placed on the ground. Much of this waste finds its way into our water … Continued