Landowner Prairie Restoration Spotlight – Carolyn and Terry Schwab

Posted on August 13, 2020 by Brad Guhr

The Schwabs have developed a deep relationship with the land through the processes of prairie restoration and wildlife monitoring.

What is a Living Landscape?

Posted on August 4, 2020 by Scott Vogt

What brings life to a landscape? Some say it’s the plants – after all they are alive. But what about the wildlife they attract? In my opinion, it is a combination of the two that make the landscape vibrant and sustainable. The plants need the wildlife and the wildlife need the plants. And we, the […]

New Favorite Plants

Posted on July 29, 2020 by Katie Schmidt

Every plant sale I find myself enthusiastically telling customers, “This is my favorite plant!” And every plant sale, that plant changes. Lets be honest, every DAY that plant changes! I am always finding new favorite plants that excite and inspire in the landscape. I have been especially impressed with the new shrubs and perennials in […]

Shrubs for Wet Areas

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Last week while splashing around in a lake in Missouri, I noticed a shoreline of shrubs blooming and covered with pollinators. And wouldn’t you know, someone had just recently asked me to recommend some shrubs for wet areas in their landscape. (Yes, there ARE wet places in Kansas.) The first example was right in front of […]

A Flint Hills Visit: Inspiration for Native Landscaping

Posted on July 15, 2020 by Brad Guhr

The prairie and its environment at Chase State Fishing Lake (CSFL) are an inspiring landscape. Its plants, wildlife, substrate, and sky are iconic Kansas.

Why Native Plants?

Posted on July 8, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Achieving any goal is a challenge. I find those goals that matter to me the most especially difficult and daunting. Success in moving toward these big goals needs a compelling “WHY”. Whether in self-care, your job, or with your family, why you want to make the effort helps keep you motivated and moving the ball […]

The Mystery of the Orange Bug

Posted on July 1, 2020 by Katie Schmidt

As a lover of nature and all its small, crawly things, I often drop everything to observe and identify even the smallest bug. Much to the annoyance of my coworkers and volunteers, I just can’t give it up! Learning to correctly identify the creatures around me brings a lot of fun and joy, but also: […]

Pollinator Week: Seen Through a Child’s Eyes

Posted on June 24, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Children are naturally inquisitive. We see it all the time. Children marvel at the world around them. They ask questions and are passionate about so many different things. At some point along the way as we grow up, that desire to learn and observe gets muted. Often, I find myself walking past the natural world to […]

Help Us Count Butterflies

Posted on June 17, 2020 by Brad Guhr

Help us count butterflies on June 27, 2020 at the 21st Annual Harvey County Butterfly Count. Contribute to citizen science and have fun in the process!

After the First Year: Words of Encouragement

Posted on June 10, 2020 by Scott Vogt

Thinking about starting a new garden using native plants is one thing, but putting in the time to get it established is another thing altogether. I was reminded today of the rewards you receive after working hard that first year to get your garden properly established. A design I had put together for a local […]