LIBERTY — In November last year, the long-awaited opening of City Park took place, but with the obvious timing of the opening, the second part, the sprayground, was closed for the winter. 

“In Flanders fields the poppies blow / Between the crosses, row on row … .” So begins “In Flanders Fields,” written in 1915 by John McCrae, a Canadian poet and military physician.

Missouri State Parks is participating in the Blue Star Museums program, which offers free tours to the nation's active-duty personnel and their families, according to a state press release. 

The importance of safe boating has its own week with National Safe Boating Week, May 21 to 27. National Safe Boating Week is purposefully scheduled just prior to Memorial Day weekend, which many people consider the kickoff to the boating season, according to a release from the Missouri State…

LIBERTY — Volunteers are needed to join workers from Liberty Cemetery Advisory Committee in Fairview/New Hope cemeteries from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, at the intersection of West Shrader and South Terrace Avenue.

The compass plant, known to botanists as Silphium laciniatums is one of the most striking plants of the tallgrass prairie. It grows up to 10 feet tall and has a peculiar way of aligning its large lance-like leaves in a true north-south position, per a press release from the Missouri Departme…

LIBERTY — From 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21, Liberty Kiwanis members and the Liberty Parks and Recreation team will be out near Jefferson Street Apartments to install new playground equipment.

Pest control in the garden might conjure images of a season-long battle with bugs, weeds and diseases. But sometimes four-legged “friends” such as deer, rabbits and squirrels can inflict far more damage, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

Warm Weather Pet Safety

Preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation shows that turkey hunters checked 33,355 birds during Missouri’s 2022 regular spring turkey season, April 18 through May 8. Top regular season harvest counties were Franklin with 798 birds harvested, Callaway with 614, and Gascona…

SMITHVILLE — Cyclists from the around the region and beyond will return to downtown Smithville before the sun rises Saturday, May 14, to take part in the Humphrey’s Gravel Grinder bicycle race. The annual event includes chip-timed races with 25- to 200-mile options. Race day starts at 6 a.m.

The Smithville Bassmasters held their third tournament of the 2022 season at Lake of the Ozarks, April 30 and May 1.

LIBERTY — Starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, May 14, members of the Liberty Town & Country Garden Club will hold their annual plant share for area residents. The event will last around two hours or as long as plants are available for sharing.

Edible blooms give flower power to spring meals, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist Michele Warmund.

“Few spring scenes are as spectacular as the annual display provided by dogwood trees,” said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein.

April showers bring May flowers and mosquitoes.

LIBERTY — Historic Downtown Liberty Inc. is seeking volunteers to help clean up Anderson Dog Park, which is inside Ruth Moore Park, 401 Grover St. in Liberty.

LIBERTY — Liberty Public Works offers a biannual tree limb disposal. April tree limb yard dates are scheduled for:

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, Missouri is home to an estimated 800 black bears with most being in the southern part of the state. As spring gets underway, these mammals leave their winter dens in search of food. MDC reminds Missourians to “Be Bear Aware.”

Ruby-throated hummingbirds have reappeared, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. As they migrate north, those who like to put out birdfeeders are reminded to do so, a MDC release states. 

While not yet detected in Missouri, spotted lanternfly remains a concern for vineyards, certain trees and specialty crops as it continues to spread west.

CLAY COUNTY — Join team members from Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and the Kansas City Master Gardeners in the Victorian era garden behind the Watkins home from 6-8 p.m. each Tuesday in April through October, weather-permitting. Visitors will learn about organic and historic garden…

KANSAS CITY — The annual Fountain Day for Kansas City will be held in the Northland for the first time and will honor Anita B. Gorman.