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
Tree transpiration is the process by which moisture (water) is carried through the tree from the roots to small pores on the underside of leaves. There it changes into vapor and is released into the atmosphere. About 10 percent of the moisture in the atmosphere is released by trees and plants through this process … Continued
In recent weeks, Kansas City has seen multiple storm events that caused damage to our tree canopy. Whether it be wind or snow, this damage can have lasting effects to the structural integrity of trees in your yard. It is important that you follow a few steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your … Continued
On January 17, 2019 Bridging The Gap honored our volunteers with a volunteer appreciation luncheon held at the Kauffman Conference Center. This event was a rare and unique opportunity to gather BTG volunteers across all programs into one room, thanks to a volunteer appreciation grant from Cargill Cares! The lunch was sold-out, with more than … Continued
Great Opportunity for Northlanders! Woodneath Neighborhood Tree Planting Near I-35 and 152 Highway Kansas City, MO 64157 Two Dates to Choose From! Saturday, November 3, 9:00 AM – Noon Sign Up Saturday, November 10, 9:00 AM – Noon Sign Up Volunteer with Heartland Tree Alliance to plant street trees in the Woodneath neighborhood in the … Continued
Great Corporate Opportunity! Riparian Tree Planting Pleasant Valley Skate Park, Shoal Creek Kansas City, MO 64119 Two Dates to Choose From! Tues, Nov 13, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sign Up Fri, Dec 7, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sign Up Looking for a fun team-building outdoor experience? Volunteer with our Heartland Tree Alliance program to plant … Continued
Want to know the “right” way to prune those small trees around your home? Looking for a new way to give back to the community and like pruning trees? Our new “Pruning for Beginners” course might be just for you. Heartland Tree Alliance (HTA) is offering a new 2-hour course on basic tree pruning skills … 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
