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 March 25-31, 2024

Redbuds have begun to open a little early in northeast Kansas, as evidenced by these flowers poking out the ends of the clusters of red buds, ready to unfurl its pea-like flowers, even before all of last year’s seed pods have fallen.

Kaw Valley Almanac for March 25-31, 2024

Redbuds have begun to open a little early in northeast Kansas, as evidenced by these flowers poking out the ends of the clusters of red buds, ready to unfurl its pea-like flowers, even before all of last year’s seed pods have fallen.

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Kaw Valley Almanac for March 18-24, 2024

Redbuds have begun to open a little early in northeast Kansas, as evidenced by these flowers poking out the ends of the clusters of red buds, ready to unfurl its pea-like flowers, even before all of last year’s seed pods have fallen.

Kaw Valley Almanac for Feb. 19-25, 2024

Slender mountain mint seedheads, like beebalm seedheads, keep their aroma long after they have dried up. Smash them between your fingers and thumb and you’ll get a burst of minty essence that is surprisingly strong.

Kaw Valley Almanac for Jan. 1-7, 2024

Around dusk, many flocks of blackbirds find a safe place to alight in the upper reaches of cottonwoods, oaks, elms and other tall trees. You can see this dynamic play itself out across the state every year just past the winter solstice.

Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 25-31, 2023

This immature hawk perched on a cedar limb is looking for an
rodent or stray bird for a quick meal. Judging from the number
of hawks on power line poles, fences and trees this time of
year, there is enough to live on.

Kaw Valley Almanac for Dec. 11-17, 2023

Cedar (actually juniper) boughs are easily harvested as a fragrant and popular indoor decoration to festoon a mantle, window sill, or even as an alternative Christmas tree. The blue berries are a favored food of many an overwintering bird, too.