The best source for timely, accurate information in Johnson County, Kansas.

June 2017 Ticks in Johnson County, Kansas We don't mean to gross you out with this graphic photo but we do want to grab your attention. We encourage you to take precautions when working out in the field or clearing brush, mowing your lawn or taking a stroll on the hike and bike trail. If you're outside chances are good you'll be exposed to ticks.   Summer Lawns and Gardens We're quickly moving from what we call the "How to?" phase of spring to the "What's wrong?" phase of summer. Calls to our office pick up asking questions about dead, dying or diseased plants. Summer is also the time our lawns transition from that glorious spring green to the dull green of summer stress.  Summer Fun and Outdoor Events This is the season to enjoy the fresh air and sunshine of summer: outdoor rooms, outdoor Bar-B-Ques and outdoor events all call us outside. In this issue of Knowledge for Life we list success tips for your landscape, safety tips to keep your family illness free, and fun events families can enjoy together. Have questions? Let us help. Visit johnson.k-state.edu or give us a call 913-715-7000.

Watch out this summer Ticks in Johnson County Tick activity started early this spring because of our relatively mild winter. You don't have to be a nature adventurist to be exposed to ticks. Parks, bike trails and even your own back yard can pose a risk. In Johnson County, we have three predominate species of ticks. Here's how to identify them, some prevention methods and common facts to protect you and your family.

Is it a Bumble Bee or a Carpenter Bee? Carpenter bees have been very active all across the state for the preceding 7 - 10 days and the noticeable activity may continue for another week or two according to Jeff Whitworth, Kansas State University entomologist. Carpenter bees are often mistaken for bumble bees. Both are valuable pollinators. But carpenter bees will dive bomb you if you venture too close to their nests. Here's how to tell the difference between the two species.

VetGun for Livestock The Johnson County Livestock Association has a VetGun available to use. Members may use the gun for free. Non-members may join the association for $10 and then use the gun. Call the Johnson County Extension office at 913-715-7000 to use the gun.

Defining Sun Requirements for Plants One label says "Part Sun". Another says "Part Shade". What the heck is the difference? Quite a bit, actually. Knowing how much sun exposure a plant needs is one critical key to success in the landscape. Want to take the confusion out of reading plant labels? We define sun/shade requirements as they apply to Kansas City here.

Summer Lawn Care Tips It's been a fairly cool, wet spring. But hotter, dryer conditions are just around the corner. This combination of hot and dry can be harmful to our Kansas City turf. Now is the time to take proactive steps to help your lawn survive summer's onslaught.

Washing Raw Chicken We're not sure where or when the practice of washing raw chicken began. But the U.S. Department of Agriculture wants us to stop! Washing chicken can contaminate everything the water droplets touch; counter tops, clothes, floors, utensils, us.... Find out here the best way to kill bacteria that can cause serious illness.

Outdoor Fun This Summer If you think 4-H is a solo activity for a youth think again. Parents, and usually the entire family, are also involved in whatever activity or project the kids choose. It truly is an organization for the entire family. If you're looking for outdoor fun this summer for your child check out these opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities

Thursday, June 15 / Free SHICK Volunteer Information Lunch Demand for help navigating Medicare is increasing as Baby Boomers retire in increasing numbers. Only 8 Senior Health Insurance Counseling (SHICK) counselors are available in the Metro to help residents with Medicare health and drug plans. SHICK is a free program that uses trained community volunteers to help answer people's questions about Medicare and other basic insurance issues. It isn't hard to do and there is lots of great support. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, please join us at this free informative lunch.

June 28 information Q&A session Joining the Extension Master Gardeners Do you enjoy gardening? Do you enjoy volunteering in your community? If so then the Johnson County Extension Master Gardener program may be for you. EMG volunteers assist Extension in educational projects that help extend our outreach into the county. Applications are now being accepted for the Class of 2018 which will be held this fall.  An information session will be held on June 28 at 1 p.m. at the Extension office in Olathe.

Extension Master Naturalists Accepting Applications for the Class of 2017  Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Extension Master Naturalist (EMN) training program. The deadline for application is August 1. EMNs are trained volunteers who provide expertise and services for natural resource projects that benefit the community. For an application or more information click here.

What's Going On

Events for Kids There are a couple of fun outdoor events coming up in June you may want to add to your calendar.  June Bug Ball Date: June 8  Time: 4 to 7p Location: Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead.  Cost: Free K-State Research and Extension will be there showing some great bug displays and close up encounters using our stereo microscope. June Bug Ball - City of Overland Park Wonders of Discovery Date: June 23  Time: 10a - 2p Location: Olathe Pollinator Prairie 320 S. Blake Street • Olathe, Kansas 66061 Cost: Free Several leaning stations will be set up to help kids learn about the importance of our native pollinators. Our Extension Master Naturalists will be leading several of the learning stations.

Tuesday, May 30 Grant Writing Workshop Budgets are tight. If your organization or community is looking for new revenue sources consider attending this workshop. Topics include: Keys to a Successful Proposal, Developing an Idea, Preparing a Proposal, and Preparing an Application. Lunch will be provided. Click here to learn more.

June 22 - 24 Regional Hosta Convention Coming to Johnson County For the first time in 41 years the Midwest Regional Hosta Society is coming to KC. There's still time to register for this fun-filled event. Tour local gardens, discover never-before-seen varieties, and visit with experts.

Classes & Events To register online click on the class link or call 913-715-7000. June June 2 Walnut Council Field Day June 6 Keys to Embracing Aging June 7 Keys to Embracing Aging June 8 June Bug Ball June 15 SHICK Volunteers Information Lunch June 20 Cooking for 1 or 2 June 22- 24 Midwest Regional Hosta Society Convention June 23 Olathe Pollinator Prairie July July 18 Pressure Cooking for Beginners July 29 K-State Horticulture Research Center Field Day

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