Kaw Valley Almanac

Even though the ground is damp on the surface in may areas, this swale at the Wakarusa wetlands shows shrunken pools with brown dirt shores, as drought conditions persist. This week’s rains, if you get some, will provide a chance to see fresh animal tracks along the receded muddy shoreline.

Sycamores are white barked and easy to spot lining creeks, where this water-loving tree likes to grow. Another way to enjoy them is to see their smooth round seed balls that stay on the trees all winter long. They persist into the spring, when they can be pulled off and thrown at a wall, exploding into seeds.

This milkweed pod had most of its seeds float away to points unknown, save 5 little seeds which, bereft of the fluff, or coma, will likely slip to the ground near this plant, perhaps to grow there.

With super cold, snowy, windy conditions predicted this week, be sure to help overwintering songbirds survive by putting out plenty of bird seed. Don’t be surprised if you live in the country if wild turkeys, opossums and even a deer or two show up to grab a little snack to stay warm, too.

Much of the state has experienced foggy weather of late, without much precipitation.

Winter is full of unexpected opportunities for observing changes and scenes that you will never see in other seasons. Dress warmly and start looking around you!

Poison ivy is easy to identify even after the leaves have fallen, distinguishable from other vines by the white berries, which are a much sought after food by many birds. Don’t try them, though: poison ivy berries will give you a rash!

Milkweed seed is dispersed to the wind by tufts of hair called “floss.” During World War II, more than a million lifejackets were stuffed with the floss for soldiers, and it has also been used for coat insulation.

As prairies fade at the end of the season, there are still some colors to be found, such as the lingering goldenrod in the upper right hand corner. Taking photos from above will also reveal the incredibly varied textures and beautiful shapes lying within.

The sycamore leaves are dropping away, revealing the white barked limbs that will make them easy to spot in the winter. Their white figures typically line creek and river beds; look for the large nests built by herons in the biggest trees.