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 Twitter.
this week’s Almanac
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 21-27, 2024
Maple leaves are starting to fall and, while colorful, are at times almost pastel because of the dry, sunny skies that have almost bleached them before they fell.
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Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 17-23, 2022
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.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 10-16, 2022
With the continuing drought, tree colors seem muted as is evidenced by the trees in the background; however, the sumac at Prairie Park Nature Center didn’t get the memo! Colors or not, this coming weekend is Baldwin City’s Maple Leaf Festival — check it out and take a walk with a friend, too.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Oct. 3-9, 2022
Some goldenrods are still blooming, attracting a northern paper wasp on the right. These wasps are omnivores and this one clearly likes carbohydrates!
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 26-Oct. 2, 2022
Asters of many color have begun to bloom across the state, including these purple New England asters, which also bloom as far west as the Plains states and as far south as Mississippi.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 19-25, 2022
Monarch migration is in full swing, though south winds this past week have made it difficult to move ahead. This monarch was finding refuge in some goldenrod.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 12-18, 2022
This gayfeather/blazing star can be found blooming into October. Its flowers attract many types of bees, butterflies and even hummingbirds, and other birds like its seeds in the winter.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Sept. 5-11, 2022
Ashy sunflowers continue blooming this week. They are shorter perennial sunflowers with lighter green leaves than many other sunflowers.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Aug. 29 – Sept. 4, 2022
Tall thistles are in the middle of their blooming season, and if you watch a fresh flower for any length of time, you will see any number of pollinators coming to check out their sweetness.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Aug. 22-28, 2022
Walking sticks are around and about, as are praying mantises, which are superficially similar. Praying mantises blend in to the vegetation to catch unsuspecting prey, while walking sticks blend in so they don’t become prey.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Aug. 15-21, 2022
Pitcher’s sage, also known as blue sage or Salvia azurea, has begun to bloom in some northeast Kansas prairies and will continue to grace late summer prairies for the next month or so.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Aug. 8-14, 2022
Ornate box turtles are found in every county in Kansas. These fine omnivores beat the heat this time of year by burrowing and being active in the coolest parts of the day.
Kaw Valley Almanac for Aug. 1-7, 2022
Sumac produces seedheads that can be collected and the crushed berries soaked and strained create a delicious “sumac-ade.”
Kaw Valley Almanac for July 25-31, 2022
This beautiful little moth with furry legs is found throughout eastern North America. Take your own photos of moths and submit them to nationalmothweek.org all week long!
Kaw Valley Almanac for July 18-24, 2022
Ironweed is a sturdy perennial that attracts butterflies and other pollinators this time of year. The purple blossoms are like a daisy without the “petals” and supposedly provide a brief, sweet chew.
Kaw Valley Almanac for July 11-17, 2022
Pollinators and their predators are very busy these days: flies, moths, butterflies, beetles, as well as spiders, wasps and other predators. Watch a clump of flowers to catch the unfolding drama.