Become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 124th Christmas Bird Count between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages experienced Missouri birders to become citizen scientists by helping with the National Audubon Society’s 124th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5, 2024. The CBC is an annual bird census where thousands of volunteers across the U.S., Canada, and other countries go out over a 24-hour period on one calendar day to count birds between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. The data on winter bird populations helps t ..read more

Baby, it’s hot outside! So hot, in fact, that we’re breaking records. No matter how much you’ve longed for warm days after shivering all winter long, our new climate reality may make you appreciate winter’s chill. Scorching summers and dangerous droughts might make you despair, wondering how you’ll beat the heat and ever grow a gorgeous garden. With climate change producing prolonged periods of extreme heat and drought, what’s a gardener to do? How to Beat the Heat Check out these water-wise tips to prep your garden for summer’s angsty days. Choose the perfect plants that hold their heads ..read more

Patton says homeowners should aim for one inch of water per week  MANHATTAN, Kan. – Homeowners who set their sights on having the nicest landscape on the block may often sense the urge to water, water, water. But K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent Dennis Patton says they should instead be more strategic, in the interest of saving water and money. “What’s really important is how much water we are putting on in each application,” said Patton, the horticulture agent in Johnson County. Studies indicate that as much as 50% of the water used in a household occurs outside, though ..read more

International event has drawn more than 1,100 already, organizers say  Officials planning an international gardening conference in Overland Park in mid-June say the response to this year’s event – the first-ever in Kansas – has been exciting. As of mid-May, they say there have been nearly 1,100 registrants for the International Master Gardeners Conference at the Overland Park Convention Center. Participants will come from 43 states, as well as Canada and England.  “We have been overwhelmed by the response for this conference,” said Dennis Patton, a horticulture agent with K-State Re ..read more

Guided birding will add data to eBird lists to honor World Migratory Bird Day   A male Dickcissel perches on a grass at Hi Lonesome Prairie near Sedalia, MO Cole Camp – Never-plowed prairies are special places in springtime. Spring wildflowers such as Indian paintbrush are blooming and native grasses are growing. Resident and migratory songbirds visit the prairies. Remnant prairies will be featured stops when the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) hosts a free Global Big Day birding event from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 13, in the Cole Camp area, south of Sedalia ..read more

Online programs, monarch festival, and native plant sale are planned. JOPLIN, Mo. – September is a great month to learn about monarch butterflies in Missouri because this is when these fascinating and beneficial insects are migrating through the Show-Me State on their way to their wintering grounds in central Mexico. People can learn more about monarch butterflies and how humans can help them through several programs being put on by staff at the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center in Joplin in the weeks ahead. The monarch fun at the Shoa ..read more

The Greater Kansas City Water Garden Society kicks off its 29th annual tour of 5 Saturdays with the first 2 tours – July 9th in Southern Johnson County and July 23rd in Missouri, North of the river. Both tours are filled with sites never on tour before and display some unique landscape challenges, water gardens, and pond-less water features that are sure to thrill. The Turtle Crawl Water Garden Tour is a self-directed “go with the flow” kind of tour. There are surprises around every corner and plein-air artists at many sites. Whether your style is laid back and casual ..read more

MDC taking applications in July for next agent training academy MDC is accepting applications for its next class of conservation agent trainees. Graduates will join (l-r) Conservation Agents Caleb Sevy, Justin Pyburn, Sarah Foran, and other agents in enforcing the Wildlife Code of Missouri, educating people about conservation, and serving the public as ambassadors for conservation. Learn more at short.mdc.mo.gov/45j JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Interested in a healthy, rewarding, outdoor career to help protect and manage wildlife resources for future generations? The Missouri Department of ..read more

Area nurseries, garden centers, and birding stores are looking for active, energetic people to join their team. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this extensive list. Swan’s Water Gardens We are looking to add full time team members to our installation crew. Those who enjoy working outdoors, thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy a physical challenge should apply. Join our installation crew to help bring paradise to backyards in the Kansas City Metro and surrounding areas. Candidate must: Be independent Enjoy working outdoors Lift up to 50 pounds repeatedly and up to 100 oc ..read more

Fall Garden Tour in Miami County scheduled for September 10 & 11, 9am-5pm ..read more