In this episode of the podcast, we sit down with GIS Analyst Chester Hubbard to explore how mapping technology is being put to work for Kansas landowners, communities, and firefighters. From tools that help you map your own property to interactive dashboards tracking wildfire activity, Chester shares how GIS is making complex data more accessible and actionable.

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The American sycamore, Platanus occidentalis, is native to eastern and parts of central Kansas, preferring floodplains, streambanks, and other wet habitats. Its bark is light gray to reddish gray, exfoliating to reveal white inner bark. Sycamore's large fruit, called achenes, hang like ornaments in the fall, making the tree easy to identify. Sycamore wood is extremely durable and desirable for furniture and other wood products.

learn about sycamore

Early to mid-May is the time to begin scouting for bagworms. Bagworm feeding is most associated with conifers, such as juniper, arborvitae, pine, and spruce, but the caterpillars also feed on many deciduous host plants. Although defoliation of deciduous trees and shrubs typically does not result in long-term plant damage, defoliation of conifers can cause substantial plant stress and result in plant mortality. Early scouting, along with properly-timed insecticides, is essential for adequate control.

learn about scouting and control

Proper staking or guying can make the difference between success and failure when planting trees on the exposed, windy sites common across Kansas. Without support, newly planted trees may lean, suffer root damage, or fail to establish properly due to constant movement from wind. Larger deciduous trees, especially those over 5 feet tall, often benefit from added support during establishment.

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The much-anticipated Ode to Eastern Redcedar art exhibit is open until May 23rd at the Baldwin City Lumberyard Art Center! The exhibition is part of a series of events celebrating Rice Woodlands and the new public trail. Wood harvested from the trail project was used for many of the projects at the art center.

check it out