Kaw Valley Almanac

Note from the Times: The Kaw Valley Almanac is a contributed piece that runs each week. Find more information and older editions at kawvalleyalmanac.com, and follow @KVAlmanac on Bluesky.

this week’s Almanac

Environment January 4, 2026 – 9:57 pm

Kaw Valley Almanac for Jan. 5-11, 2026

by Ken Lassman

This cardinal brings a little color and entertainment to the new year. It’s not too late to set up a bird feeder; it might take some time for the birds to find it, but word travels fast.

Environment January 4, 2026 – 9:57 pm

Kaw Valley Almanac for Jan. 5-11, 2026

by Ken Lassman

This cardinal brings a little color and entertainment to the new year. It’s not too late to set up a bird feeder; it might take some time for the birds to find it, but word travels fast.

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Environment May 24, 2021 – 4:30 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for May 24 – 30, 2021

by Ken Lassman

Recent rains have begun a significant increase in fruiting mushrooms which will only increase as temperatures warm. There are more than 400 mushroom species in Kansas, so keep an eye out for a wide variety of these fungi in coming weeks.

Environment May 17, 2021 – 4:30 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for May 17 – 23, 2021

by Ken Lassman

There’s been lots of publicity about 17-year cicadas in the Northeast U.S. emerging this year, but the local “Kansas” Brood IV emerged in 2015 and won’t reappear again until 2032.

Environment May 10, 2021 – 4:30 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for May 10 – May 16, 2021

by Ken Lassman

This may be the time of year with the most variety of bird
species easily visible or heard. Smartphone apps can record birds and ID them by their songs.

Environment May 3, 2021 – 4:45 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for May 3 – May 9, 2021

by Ken Lassman

In area woodlands, black locusts and May apples are blooming as are strawberries, while wild cherry blossoms are winding down.

Environment April 26, 2021 – 4:45 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for April 26 – May 2, 2021

by Ken Lassman

Warmer temperatures predicted for this week may end morel season unless we get more rain, which might actually happen.

Environment April 19, 2021 – 4:30 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for April 19–25, 2021

by Ken Lassman

Environment April 12, 2021 – 8:20 am

Kaw Valley Almanac for April 12–18, 2021

by Ken Lassman

Ken Lassman will be posting his weekly nature updates here to help you tap into ancient, ever-renewing cycles that might help you find your place on this planet more interesting.