Released April 18, 2008
MANHATTAN, Kan. -- April 22 marks the 38th anniversary of Earth Day - an annual celebration designed to remind people about the importance of the environment and humans’ impacts on it.
“All of the recent talk about global warming reinforces the point that these impacts aren’t just felt locally. It’s also a reason why activities to mark Earth Day this year will be going on worldwide,” said State of Kansas Climatologist Mary Knapp.
Part of Knapp’s job is to manage the Kansas Weather Data Library – the official state records that date back into the 1800s and grow longer every day. She also keeps important weather facts updated and available on K-State Research and Extension’s Web site (http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/wdl/).
Her knowledge of Kansas’ weather extremes and changeability is one reason Knapp suggests planting a near-native plant for solo or family Earth Day celebrations.
“Sad to say: Planting a tree isn’t the best idea in much of the Plains, unless you’ve got a yard that’s almost identical to where your tree species grows in the wild,” Knapp said. “Yes, trees are known as great oxygen producers that also break down the carbon dioxide they get from the air. But, many tree species don’t perform all that well in the Plains.
“So, unless you select just the right tree, you may have to apply pesticides year after year to treat the insects and diseases that often attack stressed trees. You may also have to fertilize and do lots of supplemental watering. None of that is helpful to the environment.”
For a single landscape planting, an ornamental grass is one of the better choices for those living on the prairie, the climatologist said.
“Out here, grass and grass-like plants tend to be by far our top carbon dioxide users and oxygen producers. Plus, ornamental grasses require little water, yet help prevent soil erosion and filter pollutants out of rainwater runoff – much as tree roots can do,” Knapp explained.
She also suggests, however, that people consider using the day as an opportunity to learn more about the Earth and its environments.
“If nothing else, find out how you or your family can enjoy the outdoors while minimizing your impact on your surroundings,” Knapp said
Gaining that kind of knowledge is much easier than it was 38 years ago on the first Earth Day, she added.
“Often, outdoor stores now have information available, as well as employees who can answer questions. Libraries and bookstores are getting new and updated materials daily. If you’re careful about site choice, the World Wide Web can offer a wealth of ideas and facts,” the climatologist said.
For those with weather-related questions, Knapp’s e-mail address is mknapp@ksu.edu. Kansas Weather Data Library information on the Web is at http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/wdl/.
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http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/news/sty/2008/earth_day041808.htm
Contacts: Kathleen Ward, kward@oznet.ksu.edu
Mary Knapp, (785) 532-7019
