“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.

Hiking is one of the best ways to spend time in the great outdoors. There are many public lands with many trails to hike. Whether hiking alone or in a group there some written and unwritten rules to follow. Proper trail etiquette allows you and other hikers to enjoy their time outdoors and p…

As the unofficial start of summer is here, the American Red Cross of Central and Northern Missouri has steps families can follow to help stay safe during the warm weather season. 

Spring in Missouri is a time for newness. New flowers are budding, new sprouts are pushing their way through the soil, and newborn animals are learning to make their own way in the world. Wild animal babies are an adorable representation of springtime and produce a happy, excited response fr…

CLAY COUNTY — To prepare for summer and safety, the Missouri Highway Patrol will hold boat equipment inspections Saturday, May 20.

University of Missouri Extension and AmeriCorps offer a weekly “Become a Garden Steward” program.

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s Free Fishing Days are scheduled for June 10 and 11. During Free Fishing Days, anyone may fish in the Show-Me State without having to buy a fishing permit, trout permit or trout park daily tag.

LIBERTY — May is Preservation Month. As such Liberty organizations are celebrating the city’s unique cultural and historic assets.

From mid-April through May, silvery, tent-like webbing in the forks and elbows of tree branches is a common site in Missouri. These webs are made by a native insect called the eastern tent caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum), according to a release from the Missouri Department of Conservation.

CLAY COUNTY — It’s a surefire sign that spring has arrived when communities start to see farmers markets open. The following is a list of market openings in the Courier-Tribune coverage area.

Missouri is home to two types of box turtles: the three-toed box turtle, which is Missouri’s state reptile; and the ornate box turtle.

SMITHVILLE — Humphrey’s Gravel Adventure cycling race on Saturday, May 6 includes rides from 25- to 200-mile lengths. Registration is open through May 1.

Missouri Department of Conservation will offer a hybrid course on surveying butterfly populations that is both virtual and in-person. The course will cover butterflies, their ecology and how to survey for them. The program is being hosted by the Burr Oak Woods Nature Center staff from 10:30 …

LIBERTY — This year, Earth Day falls on Saturday, April 22. The theme this year is "Take action. Be a part of the green revolution." 

Few things match the culinary delight of fresh peas from the family garden, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. Peas are tastiest immediately after being picked, before too much of the sugar converts to starch.

LIBERTY — With spring arriving with it storm season, the city of Liberty has made several major upgrades to outdoor warning sirens.

SMITHVILLE — Barring inclement weather Saturday morning, April 15, the American Legion Riders from Post 58 in Smithville will take off for their first ride of the season: the Cabin Fever Ride, which heads to Rulo, Nebraska.

SMITHVILLE — According to historians, beekeeping has been documented on cave paintings in Spain, dating back to 7000 B.C. However, bee fossils date back about 150 million years.

Monday, March 20 signified the first official day of spring. Over the past few weeks, there have been small pop of blues, purples, whites and yellows in backyards, along trails and throughout the forest floor.

According to Missouri Department of Conservation Naturalist Angela Pierce, "Sounds like a pair of killdeer have decided your driveway is a prime nesting spot. Killdeer are long-legged shorebirds that can often be found in fields, lawns, and even parking lots."

According to the National Weather Service, the state of Missouri and Arkansas may experience severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and hail and a possibility of tornadoes continuing into Friday night.

SMITHVILLE — The Missouri Department of Conservation will offer free Archery Basics for Families classes from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 15, at the Smithville Lake Nature Center, 18001 Collins Road.

They bloom in early spring with white or lavender flowers, and they provide food and shelter for songbirds and butterflies. Native trees such as service berry and redbud benefit wildlife and add color to home and business landscaping, said Taylor Neff, Missouri Department of Conservation com…

LIBERTY — The Liberty Parks & Rec staff will be doing extensive maintenance to Stocksdale Dog Park,901 S. La Frenz Road, this spring. The dog park will be closed starting Monday, April 3 and reopening around Memorial Day, according to the city.