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Hello All!
Fall is fast approaching in Kansas which may mean going back to school, putting up autumnal decorations, planting young trees, or harvesting this season’s soybean crop you’ve worked so hard for. Amongst this hustle and bustle it is easy to forget how busy nature can be in the fall! 
 
All season, our native trees and shrubs have been putting energy into producing their own crop in the form of fruit and seeds. Although some may consider these crops “messy” or “unorganized” clutter in our yards, many insects and animals consider this crop a vital life source to make it through the winter. That’s why I’d like to talk a little bit about trees for wildlife this fall!
 
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White-Breasted Nuthatch 
In Kansas, September is often when we start seeing fruits on trees and shrubs like Persimmon Diospyros virginiana, American Plum Prunus americana, Sandhill Plum Prunus angustifolia, and Black Cherry Prunus serotina. Nuts can also start being seen on trees like Bur Oak Quercus macrocarpa, Chinquapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii, and Pecan Carya illinoensis
 
The crop from these woody species can be choice food for species like the White-Tailed Deer, Bobwhite Quail, Ornate Box Turtle, and various other wildlife species including songbirds. Under correct conditions these trees can make great choices for planting if wildlife is your priority. And if you like seeing wildlife in the yard, consider leaving a few acorns on the ground. This will not only feed wildlife, but may also increase your chances of getting to see and enjoy these magnificent animals!
 
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Ornate Box Turtle 
 
This is just one of many ways to support and enjoy wildlife in  your yard or on your properties. To learn more about wildlife and forestry, check out these resources. For general forestry information, you can visit our website at kansasforests.org or check out our wonderful publications linked below!
 
Happy fall!
 
Colton J. Farra 
Technician Team Lead
Kansas Forest Service
(785) 410-7832
cjfarra@ksu.edu

 
2610 Claflin Road
Manhattan, KS 66502, United States