Friday, April 4, 2008

April Events

Haskell Baker Wetlands Service Outing
Saturday, Apr 12th, 2008
County: Douglas
Lawrence, KS. Dr. Roger Boyd, Baker Wetlands Coordinator, has several projects that we will work on. We will remove invasive Tatarian honeysuckle, prune trees on the north levee, install wood duck boxes, and repair several bad spots in the Boardwalk. The Wakarusa Group of the Kansas Sierra Club is sponsoring this event. Further details and directions will be announced on the Wakarusa Group email notices list. Sign up for the email notices by contacting Carey Maynard-Moody (785) 842-6517.
Green Landscape Techniques for the Homeowner
Sunday, Apr 13th, 2008
County: Douglas
Class at Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS, 2-3pm. Learn to use safer, healthier techniques for creating a great landscape in your yard. Selecting appropriate plants and using safer chemicals for controlling herbicides and pesticides will be the focus of this class. Class is open to ages: 18 and older, fee: $3. Registration is limited to 40 attendees. (785) 832-7980

Papermaking from Plants Workshop
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: Shawnee
Karlyle Woods in Topeka, KS. Jeff Hansen, KNPS Past President, will teach us how to make paper using native plant fibers. In this class we will learn the different types of plant fiber, the process of extracting the fiber from the plant, and the process of forming sheets of paper from the resulting fiber. We will work in teams of two with each team processing a different plant fiber into paper. The resulting paper will be shared equally among class members. Class runs from noon to 4pm. Karlyle Woods is located at 3440 NW Button Rd in Topeka. The cost of the workshop is $25 and is limited to 12 people (Ages 12 and up). All materials and equipment are provided. Food will also be provided. Please sign up by contacting Jeff Hansen (785) 806-6917.
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: na
Missouri Prairie Foundation Spring Plant Sales 7am - noon. Location: City Market, 5th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO. [http://www.moprairie.org] (888) 843-6739

Prairie Maintenance
Saturday, Apr 19th, 2008
County: Jackson
Volunteers are needed for prairie maintenance and preservation projects. Assist the Grassland Heritage Foundation Groundhogs [www.grasslandheritage.org]. Wear appropriate clothing. No special skills or tools needed. For details, please contact Frank Norman, Kansas Native Plant Society Board Member (785) 887-6775 (home) or (785) 691-9748 (cell).
Spring Plant Sale
Saturday, Apr 26th, 2008
County: na
Missouri Prairie Foundation Spring Plant Sales 7am - noon. Location: City Market, 5th & Walnut, Kansas City, MO. [http://www.moprairie.org] (888) 843-6739
Gardening for Wildlife Class
Sunday, Apr 27th, 2008
County: Douglas
Prairie Park Nature Center in Lawrence, KS, 2-3pm. Create a mini-wildlife sanctuary in your own yard using plants designed to provide food and cover for wildlife. Learn about including the right food plants, nesting structures and hiding places. Class is open to ages: 18 and older, fee: $3. Registration is limited to 40 attendees. (785) 832-7980

Wildflower Seeds Germinating

The wildflowers that I planted in pots last fall are beginning to germinate. I notice most of the asters and goldenrods have germinated as well as the beardtongues. The evening primrose are germinating too. Milkweeds have not, but they tend to like warmer temperatures. Seeds in the garden haven't germinated. I need to put some grass clippings on the row to keep the soil moist.

First spring wildflowers blooming

I noticed my midland fawn lilies are blooming. Today I saw the first of the spring beauties beginning to bloom in my yard. The hazelnut catkins have been blooming for a few weeks now. Spring has finally arrived. Even the speedwell (a weed with blue flowers) is blooming.
I went for hike in the woods at the governors and saw the the dutchmans breeches are coming up as are the white fawn lilies. THe midland fawn lilies are blooming nicely in the woods. The honeysuckle unfortunately is leafing out now too. I cleared quite a bit of honeysuckle today, should give the spring ephemerals a chance to grow this spring.