Outdoors

Special coverage

Birding Hot Spots

Good bird-watching locations in Kansas suggested by "The Guide to Kansas Birds and Birding Hot Spots" by Bob Gress and Pete Janzen, with background paraphrased from the book.

In depth
Peak tick season

Conditions are perfect for more of these critters to be bugging you this year

Healthy variety of birds spotted in annual count
December 15, 2008
Armed with binoculars, an iPod and a checklist of bird species, Nancy Leo, Janeen Walton and Helen Hewins set out Sunday to hunt some of the more than 400 species of birds that call Kansas home during the winter.
Acorn shortage could drive squirrels nuts
Bushy-tailed rodents won’t starve but will have to work harder to procure enough food
December 15, 2008
In the story of Chicken Little, it was a dropping acorn that sparked the anxiety-ridden fowl to worry the sky was falling. But this fall, it’s been the lack of dropping acorns that has caused some people in Kansas and across the country to scratch their heads and wonder whether there is something to worry about.
Environmental activist, wildlife photographer to speak at KU
November 9, 2008
A Canadian photographer known for his photos of wild wolves and grizzly bears will speak this week at Kansas University.
Area deer surveyed
November 7, 2008
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks and a Kansas University environmental studies field class teamed up last week to survey the number of white-tailed deer in the Lawrence area. Varying deer populations across the state have an impact on the number of vehicle-deer collisions, especially this month because it’s deer mating season.
City reviews policy regarding leaf disposal
November 7, 2008
City staff members are reminding residents of the rules for disposing of leaves. Current city code makes it illegal to simply blow or sweep leaves into the street. Instead, if residents want to dispose of leaves, they must place the leaves in cans, carts or compostable paper bags, and place the containers on the curb by 6 a.m. Monday.
HorseThief Reservoir dam making progress
November 5, 2008
Lynn Schoonover, director for the Finney County Convention and Tourism Bureau, had no idea how big the HorseThief Reservoir dam project is planned to be. She’s driven by its location before along Kansas Highway 156 in Hodgeman County.
Pantries to accept only archery-killed deer
November 5, 2008
A North Dakota program that distributes venison to the needy will accept only deer killed with arrows, fearing that firearm-shot meat may contain lead fragments. “We’re calling out to bow hunters to spend a little more time in the tree stand,” said Ann Pollert, executive director of the North Dakota Community Action Partnership.
Deer survey planned
October 31, 2008
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, along with a Kansas University Environmental Studies field class, today will conclude a three-day whitetail deer census survey in a tri-county area. The trophy buck above was spotted Tuesday north of Lawrence.
Journey of a lifetime
Group’s latest excursion marks 10-year anniversary of Grand Canyon hike, friend’s breast cancer recovery
October 26, 2008
Ten years ago, a stunning diagnosis knocked Linda Lungstrum off her feet. “I thought I was doing everything right. I know I was,” says Lungstrum. “But I was just one of those unlucky people who ended up with breast cancer. I went through the surgery and chemotherapy and so forth, and I was pretty weakened by the whole experience.”
Displaced frogs make hop to Calif. facility
October 19, 2008
A few dozen Texans displaced by Hurricane Ike have found new homes in Fresno Chaffee Zoo in California.
Retirement retreat
October 16, 2008
Fuzzy and Jay Lohmann are hilarious. They have a banter with each other that clearly stems from a long, spirited and rarely dull marriage. The two greet me at their sprawling estate just west of Lecompton along the Scenic River Road. Scenic is the optimal word, since their retreat is indeed stunningly beautiful.
Outdoor magazine ranks top ski resorts
October 15, 2008
If you’re a powderhound gearing up for ski season, compare your favorite slopes with this list from Outside magazine’s November issue.
Bush to help open national parks to mountain biking
October 15, 2008
The Bush administration plans to make it easier for mountain bikers to gain access to national parks and other public lands before the president - an avid cyclist himself - leaves office.
Shedding light on bicycle safety
October 6, 2008
A bicycle equipped with good lights can make all the difference when it comes to riding safely when darkness falls, whether on a city street, touring route or in the back country. The type of lighting device a rider chooses for a bicycle varies. In general, a cyclist can go with one or more of three general light options.
Venus flytraps caught in shrinking natural habitat
October 6, 2008
One of nature’s most recognized wonders, the venus flytrap’s ability to snatch living prey makes it a favorite of elementary school science classes everywhere. Yet the flytrap is falsely ferocious: It’s hardly the man-eating Audrey Jr. from “The Little Shop of Horrors,” but a tiny plant only a few inches tall with leaves no bigger than a thumbprint.

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