Harvey County Parks

3 days ago

CRITTER OF THE WEEK:
Green Stink Bug
Chinavia halaris
The green stink bug is a sleek and brightly colored insect. They are also called green soldier bugs, and their appearance changes as they molt. Named for their color and the smell they can produce, this insect has a large scent gland beneath its thorax. When disturbed, they discharge a foul smelling liquid. Green stink bugs can be found throughout the state of Kansas and in most of the United States. They are the most common type of stink bug in North America. Habitat includes woodland areas, cultivated fields, orchards and gardens. Adults are shield shaped, about 15mm and have fully developed wings. Many adult individuals have a thin yellow border around their head and pronotum (plate-like structure that covers the thorax of some insects). They have six legs and long antennae that are divided into segments. Early instars (developmental period between molts) are round, red, black and white. They later become more colorful, and look more like adults after every molt. They feed on plants, seeds, and fruits. Both adults and nymphs have needle-like mouth parts capable of piercing plant matter. To eat, the green stink bug injects digestive enzymes into their food. The enzymes liquefy the item so they can eat it. This causes damage to the fruit or seed. Older green stink bugs prefer developing seed and fruit, so they are considered pests. Extremely polyphagous (able to feed on various kinds of food), they will eat vegetables, soybean, cotton, tobacco, flowering dogwood, and many other plants. Some of their favorite items are black cherry, elderberry, peaches, nectarines, and grapes. Green stink bugs become active in the spring when temperatures warm. You might see them in May, but it is much more common to see them in June. After mating females lay their eggs on the underside of a host plant’s leaf. They are barrel shaped, and usually laid in rows of twelve or more. At first, they are yellow/green but later turn pink. Eggs hatch in about seven days. These insects undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, which means that immatures resemble the adults. They go through five instar stages. Development from egg to adult takes about thirty five days, but depends on temperature. In warm weather, an adult may live for two months. When temperatures drop, young stink bugs will hibernate in leaf litter or under tree bark and emerge the next spring. In Kansas, the green stink bug has one generation per year. In the southern range they have two generations. Birds, amphibians, reptiles and other insects all eat green stink bugs. The individual pictured here was found on July 12 at the Harvey County Osage Nature Trails, on a blackberry plant.CRITTER OF THE WEEK:
Green Stink Bug
Chinavia halaris
The green stink bug is a sleek and brightly colored insect. They are also called green soldier bugs, and their appearance changes as they molt. Named for their color and the smell they can produce, this insect has a large scent gland beneath its thorax. When disturbed, they discharge a foul smelling liquid. Green stink bugs can be found throughout the state of Kansas and in most of the United States. They are the most common type of stink bug in North America. Habitat includes woodland areas, cultivated fields, orchards and gardens. Adults are shield shaped, about 15mm and have fully developed wings. Many adult individuals have a thin yellow border around their head and pronotum (plate-like structure that covers the thorax of some insects). They have six legs and long antennae that are divided into segments. Early instars (developmental period between molts) are round, red, black and white. They later become more colorful, and look more like adults after every molt. They feed on plants, seeds, and fruits. Both adults and nymphs have needle-like mouth parts capable of piercing plant matter. To eat, the green stink bug injects digestive enzymes into their food. The enzymes liquefy the item so they can eat it. This causes damage to the fruit or seed. Older green stink bugs prefer developing seed and fruit, so they are considered pests. Extremely polyphagous (able to feed on various kinds of food), they will eat vegetables, soybean, cotton, tobacco, flowering dogwood, and many other plants. Some of their favorite items are black cherry, elderberry, peaches, nectarines, and grapes. Green stink bugs become active in the spring when temperatures warm. You might see them in May, but it is much more common to see them in June. After mating females lay their eggs on the underside of a host plant’s leaf. They are barrel shaped, and usually laid in rows of twelve or more. At first, they are yellow/green but later turn pink. Eggs hatch in about seven days. These insects undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, which means that immatures resemble the adults. They go through five instar stages. Development from egg to adult takes about thirty five days, but depends on temperature. In warm weather, an adult may live for two months. When temperatures drop, young stink bugs will hibernate in leaf litter or under tree bark and emerge the next spring. In Kansas, the green stink bug has one generation per year. In the southern range they have two generations. Birds, amphibians, reptiles and other insects all eat green stink bugs. The individual pictured here was found on July 12 at the Harvey County Osage Nature Trails, on a blackberry plant. ... See moreSee less

Harvey County Parks

1 week ago

We'll miss Ron taking his drives through West Park just to check in and see how the day was going. He loved seeing people enjoy all that the parks have to offer. Rest in peace, Ron.We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harvey County Commissioner Ron Krehbiel. Our thoughts are with Ron's family and his friends.

Ron served 20 years as a county commissioner, matching the longest tenure of any commissioner in the county's history. His first term began Jan. 8, 2001. He represented District 3, which includes Burrton, Halstead, Hesston and Sedgwick.

"When you work that closely with somebody for eight years, he kind of becomes family," said Harvey County Commission Chair Randy Hague. "I'm not only going to miss him as a colleague, but as a friend."

Ron was an ardent supporter for road maintenance, Harvey County Parks, and caring for county employees. He was known for his willingness to talk one-on-one with residents over any topic in which they were passionate.

Prior to becoming a commissioner, Ron held a career in law enforcement, including working for the Harvey County Sheriff's Office.

"If Ron likes your cause, whatever you might stand for, he's there with you through thick and thin. That's the way he worked as a law enforcement officer. That's the way he worked as a commissioner," said Harvey County Commissioner George 'Chip' Westfall. "He wanted to know your story in life, or your need in the county. He wanted to help everybody he could."

Ron served on many boards, including the Harvey/McPherson County Community Corrections Advisory Board, Central Kansas Solid Waste Authority and the Community Mental Health Center Advisory Board.

To borrow one of Ron's catchphrases to praise a job well done, we feel Ron deserves an 'attaboy.' Thank you for everything, Ron. You truly will be missed. ... See moreSee less

Harvey County Parks

1 week ago

Critter of the Week: Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
In Harvey County, Red-eared sliders are incredibly easy to find in the spring and summer. They are present in almost every permanent water-way in Kansas. Named for the unique, bright red stripe behind each eye, this turtle’s carapace is green with yellow pattered lines. On young turtles, these patterns are more intricate. As they age, their carapace may darken and appear black. The rear edge of their carapace is jagged and the plastron in yellow. Female red-eared sliders grow larger than males, and can be over 11 inches long. The largest female in Kanas weighed over 9 pounds. Smaller males have longer, thicker tails and elongated necks. They are an opportunistic omnivore, eating many different food items. The native range of this turtle includes parts of Kansas and the Midwest, southeastern New Mexico, extending to West Virginia and south to Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Currently, non-native populations can be found in every state. They are existing in the wild as invasive species on every continent except Antarctica. The overwhelming red-ear population is due to their popularity as pets. They are cute, cheap and seemingly low maintenance. As early as the 1900s, these turtles were captured from the wild and sold at dime stores, fairs, and even road-side stands. Dime store turtle is what some people started calling them. By the 1950s, this animal was being farmed by the millions and shipped all over the world. The peak of their popularity took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles craze (In the original comic by Mirage, the four main characters are mutated red-eared sliders). They are small and adorable, but grow fast. Care requirements include at least a 20 gallon aquarium, water filter, proper lighting, food and cleaning. They are also an enduring species, sometimes outliving their owners. It soon became a common practice to release unwanted pet turtles into a lake or nearby waterway. Letting any animal go without a permit is illegal in most states. However, most violators go unnoticed. People may have good intentions when setting a pet free, but it is inhumane and puts wildlife at risk. Some released pets slowly starve when they no longer have someone caring for them. Pets that do survive are taking already dwindling resources from native animals. Red eared slider’s size and fitness level makes it easy for them to outcompete other native turtles. They use food and resources that would otherwise go to natural species. All turtles must have basking sites to obtain UVB and UVA light. Without them, they cannot maintain an optimal level of vitamin D3 needed for development. Larger turtles like the red-eared slider take these positions from other species. Reduced access to basking sites can slow growth and increase mortality rates for natives. Red-eared sliders mature fast, and females sometimes lay over 20 eggs per clutch. Also, animals kept in captivity can develop diseases uncommon to wild populations. When released, they may spread rapidly. The European Union has banned the import of these reptiles due to their negative impact on native turtle populations. The state of Oregon has made it illegal to buy, sell or possess red-eared sliders, and in Florida it is illegal to sell them. In the United States it is illegal to sell red-eared sliders that are under four inches. This has nothing to do with them being one of the world’s most invasive species. Turtles and other reptiles may carry salmonella that can spread to humans. Many salmonella outbreaks have been traced back to tiny turtle owners, with a large percentage of infections occurring in children under five years old. It was thought that turtles over four inches won’t be put in a child’s mouth. However, Salmonella bacteria can be spread by simply not washing your hands. Red ears are strong and fast swimmers, making them unlikely prey for predators like raccoons and coyotes. They are a long lived species. Some individuals live for over eighty years! When observing these turtles in nature, it is helpful to have binoculars. If basking turtles see movement, they quickly slide into the water to avoid predators.Critter of the Week: Red-Eared Slider
Trachemys scripta elegans
In Harvey County, Red-eared sliders are incredibly easy to find in the spring and summer. They are present in almost every permanent water-way in Kansas. Named for the unique, bright red stripe behind each eye, this turtle’s carapace is green with yellow pattered lines. On young turtles, these patterns are more intricate. As they age, their carapace may darken and appear black. The rear edge of their carapace is jagged and the plastron in yellow. Female red-eared sliders grow larger than males, and can be over 11 inches long. The largest female in Kanas weighed over 9 pounds. Smaller males have longer, thicker tails and elongated necks. They are an opportunistic omnivore, eating many different food items. The native range of this turtle includes parts of Kansas and the Midwest, southeastern New Mexico, extending to West Virginia and south to Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi. Currently, non-native populations can be found in every state. They are existing in the wild as invasive species on every continent except Antarctica. The overwhelming red-ear population is due to their popularity as pets. They are cute, cheap and seemingly low maintenance. As early as the 1900s, these turtles were captured from the wild and sold at dime stores, fairs, and even road-side stands. Dime store turtle is what some people started calling them. By the 1950s, this animal was being farmed by the millions and shipped all over the world. The peak of their popularity took place in the late 1980s and early 1990s during the Teenage Ninja Mutant Turtles craze (In the original comic by Mirage, the four main characters are mutated red-eared sliders). They are small and adorable, but grow fast. Care requirements include at least a 20 gallon aquarium, water filter, proper lighting, food and cleaning. They are also an enduring species, sometimes outliving their owners. It soon became a common practice to release unwanted pet turtles into a lake or nearby waterway. Letting any animal go without a permit is illegal in most states. However, most violators go unnoticed. People may have good intentions when setting a pet free, but it is inhumane and puts wildlife at risk. Some released pets slowly starve when they no longer have someone caring for them. Pets that do survive are taking already dwindling resources from native animals. Red eared slider’s size and fitness level makes it easy for them to outcompete other native turtles. They use food and resources that would otherwise go to natural species. All turtles must have basking sites to obtain UVB and UVA light. Without them, they cannot maintain an optimal level of vitamin D3 needed for development. Larger turtles like the red-eared slider take these positions from other species. Reduced access to basking sites can slow growth and increase mortality rates for natives. Red-eared sliders mature fast, and females sometimes lay over 20 eggs per clutch. Also, animals kept in captivity can develop diseases uncommon to wild populations. When released, they may spread rapidly. The European Union has banned the import of these reptiles due to their negative impact on native turtle populations. The state of Oregon has made it illegal to buy, sell or possess red-eared sliders, and in Florida it is illegal to sell them. In the United States it is illegal to sell red-eared sliders that are under four inches. This has nothing to do with them being one of the world’s most invasive species. Turtles and other reptiles may carry salmonella that can spread to humans. Many salmonella outbreaks have been traced back to tiny turtle owners, with a large percentage of infections occurring in children under five years old. It was thought that turtles over four inches won’t be put in a child’s mouth. However, Salmonella bacteria can be spread by simply not washing your hands. Red ears are strong and fast swimmers, making them unlikely prey for predators like raccoons and coyotes. They are a long lived species. Some individuals live for over eighty years! When observing these turtles in nature, it is helpful to have binoculars. If basking turtles see movement, they quickly slide into the water to avoid predators. ... See moreSee less