“Many of us know how a dark colored vehicle warms up rapidly in the sunshine. The same principle fits our prairie landscape. Portions of Missouri Prairie Foundation’s G.W. Carver Prairie were under prescribed fire management late last year. As a result, the blackened soil warmed earlier than soil under grass-covered prairie and consistently compared to adjacent native grassland fragments. Come visit the burns, it is exciting to see what is racing up and blooming.” - Jeff photos taken 24 April, 2019
Indian Paintbrush Carver Prairie, Diamond, MO J. Cantrell
“There are several native phloxes to our region. I recommend and utilize several in landscaping, for schoolyards and naturalizing a reclaimed area. When I teach naturescaping I often have a slide of what I call powerful performers. In my opinion I would consider these performers as a great starter plant species and perfect for those looking for multi-functions beyond a showy cultivar. This is Sand Phlox (Phlox bifida) and mine has been in bloom for five weeks now in a remote area about 1/8 mile from my house. A stunner and certainly a powerful performer.” - Jeff
Yellow Headed Blackbirds & Grackles, April 17, 2020. Backyard migration
Shore Bird Migration Four Rivers CA, April, 21, 2020 - Most of the ponds had been drain, but the variety of shore birds feasting on the invertebrates were fun to watch and listen too. It was like herding cattle as we moved down the boardwalk at Unit 3 Pond 14. They always kept their social distancing at the 6’ or more then circled back behind us, so we got to herd them back when we left. In the far distance ponds, We could identify that there were many mature and juvenile Bald Eagles, Herons, and Egrets feasting on the many Carp mudded in the shallows of the drained ponds. When you go to these areas you should scope banks and vegetation with your binoculars or viewing scopes. As you can see in many of the photos the camouflage of these birds are amazing. KGarver
