Wildlands
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
Spotlight On: Native Sunflowers
In a few weeks people from all over will be flocking to sunflower fields in both Missouri and Kansas, aka The Sunflower State. These fields are planted with monocultures of annual sunflowers that provide fun outings, beautiful photo backdrops, and are agriculturally important. But did you know we have several native sunflower species that provide … Continued
Spring hiking on the wild lands
Spring Has Sprung! The sun is shining, birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and trails are calling your name. Spring is a great time to Hike a WildLand and see some of the best remnant spaces the Kansas City area has to offer. Before the trees have fully leafed out and the tall grasses have … 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
The Season’s Reflections
Hey Kansas City. It’s Jacob here, the coordinator for Kansas City WildLands’ Seed Team. We’ve spent the last year out in the field searching for and collecting seed, or in the barn cleaning and sorting our harvest. Finally, the seed has found its destination – public lands undergoing restoration. Places in our city that are … Continued
Kansas City’s WildLands need you
Kansas City is home to stunning landscapes, wide prairies, sunny woodlands, shaded forests, and rich wetlands. Our unique natural systems are part of our heritage and our identity as Kansas Citians, and we take care of our land and take pride in its natural history. Bridging The Gap’s Kansas City WildLands program preserves and restores the healthiest … Continued
Vote for BTG with Target Circle!
We are honored and excited to announce that Bridging The Gap has been chosen to participate in a special charitable giving campaign, sponsored and funded by Target. And you have a chance to help direct a portion of Target’s donation to us! Now through June 30, vote for us through the Target Circle program to help … Continued
DIY National Prairie Day Celebration!
The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day AND National Prairie Day… two of our favorite things! Celebrate on June 5th with a self-guided walk at Jerry Smith Prairie – a perfect way to spend time with family and friends or alone! We’re supplying a few ideas and downloads to help you do it. And … 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
Long Johns & Loppers on Leap Day
Volunteer with KC WildLands! Saturday, February 29, 1:00 – 4:00 PM Join our Kansas City WildLands team and layer up for our 17th Annual Long Johns & Loppers Ecological Restoration Workday! Volunteers will cut and treat invasive woody plants from several beautiful, natural communities in the region, helping native flowers and grasses flourish again in … Continued
WildLands Citizen Science: Bee Poo Science
Text and Photos by Tom Schroeder You have got to love Bee Poo Science. I recently had the opportunity to do a Citizen Science project as part of KC WildLands volunteer work. In 2016 and 2017, a Native Bee Survey was done on KC WildLand sites. It uncovered a population of the Snail Nesting Mason … Continued