If you like the weekly posts of Kaw Valley Almanac, you might be interested in purchasing a compilation of these kinds of posts that Ken Lassman has put together into a book, along with essays on the land and the ecosystems of the area. This book was designed not to be just another coffee table book full of pictures; rather it was designed to be used as a guide to accompany you when you take your treks outdoors to observe nature first hand. You can get this book at a number of local bookstores or order it here for $15 + $2 shipping (regular price: $20). Click here to purchase your copy via Paypal.
Ken Lassman has been keeping this almanac for over a decade, He invites you to share your observations and photos in the comments section. You can find his book Wild Douglas County at The Raven Bookstore and The Community Mercantile in Lawrence.
Little Flower Killing Moon: May
This month is so called by the Osage Indians of the area for the transition from the short statured flowers of April to the taller flowers that keep up with the growing prairie grasses. The shorter pre-vernal flowers like prairie violets, star-eyed grass, buttercups and lousewort on the prairie finish up and go to seed, being replaced by taller flowers such as yarrow, daisy fleabane and larkspur. In the woodland, the “killing” is even more dramatic, as early spring beauties, dutchman’s breeches, cutleaf toothwort, rue anemone and the like finish up and pretty much disappear under the closed canopy of tree leaves and thick shrubbery, with virtually no woodland flowers replacing them until mid-late summer composites make their way back into the woods.
Part of our annual seasonal progression this month is increasing severe weather as the warming, moist air flows in from the south, pushed violently up and out of the way by waves of colder air from the north and west. Also, in addition to plentiful plants and many young animals of all stripes this time of year, people living here have been planting their gardens this time of year for at least 4,000 years. Tap into this wonderful tradition as a way to connect with the incredible fertility of this land.
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Kaw Valley Almanac 
What’s up with the comet this week?
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It’s still up there, visible with binoculars pretty much due west, most visible between 8 and 8:30pm. There is a small tail visible, and while it’s slowly fading, it’s staying up a little longer each night so the sky is darker. It’s not quite bright enough to be seen with the naked eye, but take a 2 or 3 second digital camera photo and it’ll pick it up. Visit http://www.spaceweather.com for more detailed viewing directions.
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I’ve noticed the redwing blackbirds and grackles are back and my yaupon holly has budded out.
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