Southern region land-grant researchers look for solutions to feral hog problem
By Alisa Boswell-Gore STILLWATER, Okla. – Researchers at land-grant institutions in the southern region of the United States are working hard to stop more than $1 billion in economic damages each year. Around 9 million feral hogs have been reported in 35 states. Feral hogs were almost unheard of in Oklahoma 40 years ago but […]
Two Wildfires Threaten Riley County During High Winds
(Riley County, KS – March 16, 2023) Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to two fires during dangerous conditions Wednesday, March 15. The first call was dispatched at 12:18 p.m. for reports of heavy black smoke in the Baldwin Park Rd. area in northern Riley County. Upon arrival, crews found a rekindled brush pile […]
Water Wise: Hays residents meeting challenges of water conservation, quality
City pairs with extension to provide support for region’s waterways By Pat Melgares, K-State Research and Extension news service HAYS, Kan. – Two water officials in Hays, Kansas say that policies put in place in the 1990s are still paying dividends for a city that is often seen as a model for water-use efficiency. Holly […]
Kansas fire season is here, officials say
K-State meteorologist says weather patterns play a large role in wildfires By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. — The beginning of the year has been quiet for Kansas wildfires after above average moisture in January, but the trend may not continue into peak fire season. In previous years, the incidence […]
Wildflowers bring bursts of color to home landscapes
K-State horticulture expert suggests planting a blend of grasses and wildflowers By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service MANHATTAN, Kan. — Wildflowers offer variety and color to a home landscape. In addition to eye appeal, they can survive in soils containing a wide range of chemistry pH and with varying numbers of sunny […]
K-State scientists publish long-term research about woody vegetation and grassland ecology
MANHATTAN — New research from a team of Kansas State University scientists links increased woody vegetation to declining stream quality in grasslands. “Trajectories and state changes of a grassland stream and riparian zone after a decade of woody vegetation removal” has been published in Ecological Applications, the applied journal of the Ecological Society of America. […]
Out-of-control prescribed burn threatens homes in southeast Riley County over the weekend
(Riley County, KS – March 7, 2023) This weekend, a permitted outdoor burn in southeast Riley County got out of control, burning over 300 acres of grassland and threatening structures and outbuildings in the area of Deep Creek Road. Concerned residents called 9-1-1 and Riley County Fire District #1 was dispatched to the area just […]
OALP accepting applications for Class XXI
By Trisha Gedon Stillwater, OK– For more than 40 years, the Oklahoma Agricultural Leadership Program has enhanced knowledge and leadership skills for Oklahomans involved in agriculture. “OALP helps potential leaders develop a better understanding of the various systems of economics and government,” said Edmond Bonjour, OALP director since 2010. “Class members increase and use their […]
Home Gardening: Now is the Time to Control Iris Leaf Spot
By Maddy Rohr, K-State Research and Extension news service Manhattan, KS — Spring has begun to emerge from winter, and along with it has come the iris leaf spot fungus. Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said now is the time to begin control measures by removing old, dead leaves from iris plants. […]
Wind Farms are Transforming the Kansas Landscape. Here’s an Effort to Tone Down Their Lights
Wind farms continue to spread across Kansas — but with new features that will tone down the way they interrupt wide open skies with red, blinking lights visible for miles and resented by many rural residents. This year, Kansas will get its first two wind farms designed to produce less light pollution — High Banks north of […]