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
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
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
By Ami Freeberg, Volunteer Program Manager This week, May 3-9, 2020, we celebrate International Compost Awareness Week, a global initiative to educate and inspire people about composting. 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 … Continued
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Planning a neighborhood clean-up? Bridging The Gap has tools and other supplies! Is your neighborhood looking a little rough in late-winter with litter, leaves, and brush piling up? Late-winter/early-spring, while the weather is mild and before new growth gets going, is the perfect time to organize a volunteer clean-up with your neighborhood group or homeowners … Continued
Update: all opportunities at Maple Woods have been filled. Please contact Linda to discuss opportunities at other sites throughout the metro. Min group size: 15. Maple Woods Ecological Restoration Workday Set a Date With Us, February 1 – March 30 Great for Corporate Groups! The following opportunity is available for groups (up to … Continued
By Tom Schroeder The amazing diversity of native bees in the Kansas City area has been revealed in a two year study of four native remnant areas. Burroughs Audubon Society, Johnson County Parks, and Bridging the Gap/Kansas City Wildlands funded two studies. In 2017 Ogg Prairie in Shawnee Mission Park and Kill Creek Park Prairie … Continued
