In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to mistake communication for connection—especially in our neighborhoods. We wave from the driveway, comment on a Facebook post, or send a quick text about a package on the porch. But genuine neighboring doesn’t start with information exchange. It starts with trust. The same rule that applies to strong teams is true on every block in Missouri: people have to connect as people before they can collaborate as neighbors. Or put another way, neighborhoods grow at the speed of trust. Think about any neighborhood project that fizzled—an event no one showed up to, a beautification idea that stalled, or a tough issue that never got addressed. Most of the time, the problem isn’t a lack of good intentions or ability. It’s that people didn’t yet feel connected enough, safe enough, or aligned enough to work together. Without trust, even the best plans become polite coordination rather than genuine collaboration. But when neighbors truly know one another, something deeper happens. Empathy develops. Misunderstandings shrink. Hard conversations become easier. People start looking out for each other—not because someone told them to, but because the relationship makes it natural. Trust doesn’t grow by accident. It grows through small, steady acts of neighboring: a wave, a conversation at the mailbox, sharing tools, checking in on an older resident, inviting someone to a simple front-yard gathering. None of these gestures feel big on their own. But repeated over time, they build a neighborhood where people feel seen, valued, and safe. Community leaders—whether they have a title or are simply the ones who care—help set the tone. When they model hospitality, kindness, and consistency, others follow. Blocks with high trust move quicker, solve problems easier, and bounce back from challenges with far more resilience. The irony is that in our rush to get things done—plan the barbecue, fix the park, organize a cleanup—we sometimes skip the very thing that makes all of that possible: relationships. But trust is not a detour from community work. It is community work. Without it, nothing moves. With it, almost anything can. If you want a stronger neighborhood, start with a stronger connection. Take a few extra minutes to stop and talk. Ask how someone is really doing. Share a little more of yourself than usual. You don’t have to become best friends with every neighbor—but you do have to show up as a person, not just a resident behind a closed door. Because in the end, it’s not just about the projects we complete. It’s about the people we’re building community with. And when we start with trust, we go further—together. 
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Over 300 people from across the United States have taken the Engaged Neighbor Pledge during 2025. Each one was invited to share what that commitment means in practical terms. These voices—ranging from small towns to big cities—show us both the simplicity and the depth of what it means to be an engaged neighbor. Their reflections reveal a consistent set of themes, a hopeful vision for stronger neighborhoods, and the first steps many are ready to take. 1. Start with Simple Acts of Connection These simple actions highlight that engagement doesn’t require elaborate programs. It begins with a smile, a name remembered, or an open conversation. Most people start with the basics of kindness and recognition. 2. Creating Spaces for Belonging A strong theme was the desire to bring neighbors together in shared spaces. Physical gathering spaces—front yards, sidewalks, community centers—become incubators for belonging and people create opportunities for neighbors to connect naturally. 3. Service and Care for Vulnerable Neighbors Many respondents focused on serving those in need—especially seniors, widows, or marginalized groups. For these neighbors, engagement means more than friendliness; it’s about practical acts of care and justice. Service turns neighborliness into tangible acts of kindness or love. 4. Healing Divisions and Building Unity Some participants named the divisions in their communities—especially political ones—and expressed a desire for unity. Neighboring can serve as a quiet act of peacemaking in a fractured society in one of your areas of greatest influence – right where you live. 5. Long-Term Commitment and Leadership Finally, several respondents described themselves as already engaged neighbors, seeing this pledge as a way to deepen or extend their practice. These individuals are thinking about sustainability, leadership, and multiplication, showing that engaged neighboring can spread as a cultural movement. Patterns and Predictions Taken together, the reflections suggest that most engaged neighbors will:
These steps reflect a grassroots movement of ordinary people choosing to live intentionally with those around them. The Engaged Neighbor Pledge has attracted participants from 34 different states, reflecting a broad national interest in strengthening community connections. A clear majority of the pledge takers come from Missouri. Sign the pledge at https://engagedneighbor.com.
As the holiday season gets underway, here are five favorite neighborhood traditions that I have heard from across the country—simple, meaningful ways neighbors bring joy to one another this time of year. Try one of these ideas to help build social capital where you live. 1. Sharing Goodies The word “goodies” may sound old-fashioned, but the tradition is timeless. Every December, thousands of neighbors share baked cookies, tins of popcorn, or small store-bought gifts. For some, it’s the only neighboring act they do all year—and that’s exactly why we love it. Holiday giving draws even the quietest or most reluctant neighbors into the circle. A plate of cookies on a doorstep often opens the door to future conversations. 2. Neighborhood Light Displays Holiday lights brighten more than rooftops—they brighten community spirit. Some neighborhoods host tree-lighting ceremonies; others hold friendly decorating contests (thankfully, far less dramatic than the movie versions!). Apartment buildings join in with door-decorating events. One creative neighborhood asks residents to place themed Christmas trees on their porches and then publishes a map for neighbors to enjoy a festive walking tour. Bonus: research shows people who decorate outdoors are perceived as friendlier. If you want your neighborhood to feel welcoming, encourage a little sparkle. 3. The Living Advent Calendar This tradition blends art, anticipation, and creativity. Twenty-four homes commit to decorating one street-facing window, revealing a new “day” each night leading up to Christmas. Many neighborhoods leave all the windows lit through the 12 days of Christmas, some even turning it into a fundraiser. It takes coordination, but it brings neighbors outside, talking, walking, and admiring each other’s handiwork. 4. Holiday Gatherings A cookie swap, a hot-chocolate bar, a simple open house—small gatherings build big connections. One family on our team invited a few neighbors over for a children’s Christmas concert. The kids dressed up, made programs, and served apple cider. The concert lasted minutes; the conversations lasted hours. That’s the power of bringing people together. 5. Progressive Dinners Progressive dinners are popular because the work—and the fun—is shared. Four or five homes each host one course: appetizers, salad, main dish, dessert. Guests move from house to house, enjoying food, laughter, and holiday décor along the way. It’s an ideal indoor tradition for colder climates and a wonderful way to experience the hospitality of several households in one evening. The holidays offer endless opportunities to build connection. Whether you choose a classic tradition or invent something new, the goal is simple: bring people together. 
Jeff Siegler, author of “Your City is Sick,” doesn’t mince words when he says, “Most people live in a community that isn’t worth caring about, so they don’t.” That stings, but it rings true. Drive through almost any town and you’ll see the evidence: peeling paint, trash in the ditch, half-empty storefronts, and people who no longer show up for the parade or volunteer for the clean-up day. The symptoms of apathy are everywhere, and they quietly erode the spirit of a place. We often think money will fix it. A new employer, another subdivision, or a downtown grant will somehow spark pride again. But apathy isn’t cured with asphalt or incentives. It’s healed through connection, belonging, and beauty. When people know one another, they start to care about one another. That’s why the simplest act of meeting a neighbor, waving at someone you pass every day, or hosting a block gathering matters more than most city-wide plans. Human connection is the foundation of civic pride. People also care about identity—what their community stands for and what makes it special. Every town has stories worth retelling: the local factory that pivoted to help in a crisis, the teacher who inspired generations, the volunteers who refused to let a park close. When we remind ourselves of those stories, we rediscover why this place matters. And then there’s ownership. We feel pride when we support the coffee shop owned by someone we know, when we paint the fence instead of waiting for someone else, when we choose to plant flowers instead of posting complaints online. Ownership is contagious; one small act of care gives others permission to do the same. Finally, Siegler reminds us of beauty. A community that looks cared for feels cared for. Clean sidewalks, public art, tidy yards, and lively parks aren’t trivial—they’re visual cues that say, “Someone loves this place.” Beauty inspires better behavior; pride follows care, not the other way around. If we want thriving towns, we have to make them worth caring about. That starts not with a big budget, but with a handful of people willing to notice, connect, and take small, steady action. Because when neighbors begin to care—even just a little—the transformation of a place is never far behind. 
Six-word stories are a fascinating form of storytelling. They pack a complete narrative into just six words, forcing writers to be creative and concise. The origins of this storytelling style can be traced back to a challenge posed to Ernest Hemingway, a famous American author. The story goes that Hemingway was once asked to write a story in just six words. His response? "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." This tiny story became famous for its emotional depth and its ability to convey an entire narrative in so few words. The power of Hemingway’s six words lies in what they don’t say. While it doesn’t explain what happened to the baby or why the shoes were never worn, it hints at a tragic situation, leaving readers to fill in the blanks. This ability to suggest so much with so little is the essence of six-word stories. In the years since Hemingway’s time, six-word stories have gained popularity, especially in writing challenges and creative exercises. Many writers enjoy the challenge of creating a meaningful plot with such limited space. The form is particularly effective for capturing moments of tension, emotion, or surprise. Because each word must be carefully chosen, six-word stories encourage writers to focus on what’s most important and to let the reader’s imagination fill in the rest. Here is my example of a six-word story that showcases this idea: "New neighbors moved in. Silence followed." The story suggests a shift in the neighborhood—a new beginning with the arrival of the neighbors. But instead of introducing warmth or excitement, it leaves us with silence, hinting at isolation, tension, or even discomfort. What happened? Why is there silence? The story doesn’t provide answers, but it makes readers wonder. The lack of details invites a deeper interpretation, encouraging readers to think about the feelings or conflicts that might lie beneath the surface. When it comes to neighborhoods and neighbors the story could just as easily be: New neighbors arrived, bringing unexpected friendship. Or perhaps: Neighbors waved; secrets lingered in silence. Six-word stories have a rich history, beginning with Hemingway’s famous challenge. They’ve evolved into a fun and creative way for writers to tell a complete story in as few words as possible. I’m Whether through tragedy, humor, or mystery, six-word stories remind us that a lot can be said with just a few carefully chosen words. I would love to read your six-word story about your neighbors. Send it to me at [email protected]. 
When a veteran moves in next door, it’s natural to want to say “thank you for your service”—but what really matters most is how we follow that up. “Veterans often face a tough transition from military life back to civilian life. As neighbors, we can play a meaningful role in helping them feel welcomed, understood, and connected,” said Joshua Shinn, a community development specialist with University of Missouri extension and leader of the Veterans Read program. Start with respect, not assumptions. Veterans come from all walks of life. Some served in combat; others did logistics, intelligence, or humanitarian work. Not all want to talk about their service, and that’s okay. Instead of pressing for stories or assuming trauma, treat your veteran neighbor like you would anyone else: as a whole person with interests, goals, and experiences beyond the military. Build trust through simple acts of kindness. Simple things go a long way. Say hello. Bring over fresh tomatoes from your garden. Offer to lend a tool or help carry a heavy item. These everyday gestures help build trust and make a veteran feel like part of the neighborhood. Common interests are great bridges—whether it’s cheering on the local team, fishing at a nearby lake, or attending community event. Shared experiences help ease the feeling of being “different” or out of place. Support your veteran neighbor without overstepping. If your neighbor opens up about needing help—whether it’s with VA benefits, job resources, or mental health—be ready to listen and gently point them toward local support systems, where organizations like the Missouri Veterans Commission and local VFW posts can help. It’s also okay not to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being a consistent and caring presence is enough. If you notice signs of isolation, distress, or withdrawal, don’t ignore them. Check in. A simple “You doing okay?” can mean a lot. If you’re seriously concerned, help them connect with resources like the Veterans Crisis Line (dial 988, then press 1). Being a good neighbor still matters. At the end of the day, being a good neighbor to a veteran isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about steady kindness, quiet respect, and offering space to reconnect at their own pace. When we show up for each other, especially for those who’ve served, we make our town stronger for everyone.
In cities across the country, a quiet revolution is taking place—not through protests or politics, but through simple acts of care. Someone paints a crosswalk on a dangerous street—not to be defiant, but because they’re tired of watching people risk their lives crossing. Someone else installs a bench at a bus stop—not for recognition, but because their neighbors are tired of standing in the sun or rain. These aren’t acts of rebellion; they’re acts of responsibility. But how do cities often respond? The crosswalk is scrubbed away. The bench is removed. Press releases are issued. And sometimes, criminal charges follow. This response is rarely driven by malice—it’s the result of systems built to prioritize control over community, liability over livability. Here’s what gets lost in that mindset: most people who take such actions don’t do it for attention or disruption. They do it because someone got hurt—or might. They do it because they’ve tried to go through official channels and gotten nowhere. They do it because they care. When a city meets care with crackdown, it sends a chilling message: “We care more about maintaining authority than meeting public need.” That doesn’t build safety or order. It erodes trust, the very foundation of a functioning city. But there is another way. Cities like Richmond, California started to recognize the value in these grassroots efforts. Rather than punish residents who installed benches at neglected bus stops, officials created a framework to support and legalize volunteer-led, ADA-compliant installations. Instead of pushing people away, they welcomed them in. In Pittsburgh, the city launched a traffic calming program designed to respond directly to residents’ concerns. The process starts with listening and leads to quick, visible action—from temporary bump-outs to pedestrian signage—showing that local voices matter. In Shreveport, Louisiana, what began as a small neighborhood cleanup became a city-wide partnership. When residents organized to improve a neglected park, the city recognized the effort and responded with bond investment, creating a ripple effect of shared responsibility and renewed civic pride. These are not stories of protest. They are stories of partnership. The difference wasn’t what residents did—but how the city chose to respond. And these aren’t isolated examples. Across the country, communities are quietly stepping up. In Minneapolis, residents painted vibrant murals in alleys plagued by dumping and crime. Instead of painting over them, the city now works with artists to use public art as a tool for revitalization and safety. In Tucson, Arizona, a group of neighbors began building DIY shade structures at bus stops using repurposed materials. Rather than tearing them down, the city launched a pilot program to co-design shade solutions with residents. In Boston, a parent group frustrated by dangerous school crossings used cones and homemade signs to slow traffic. Rather than punish them, the city initiated a Safe Routes to School program, informed by those parent experiences. These responses required a shift—from viewing residents as problems to be managed, to partners to be empowered. From enforcing rules to meeting real needs. What if more cities chose this path? What if the first question wasn’t, “Who did this?” but “What are they trying to tell us?” That simple shift in perspective can turn an act of frustration into the beginning of transformation. Because in the end, people don’t paint crosswalks or install benches for fun. They do it because they want their neighborhoods to be safer, kinder, more livable places. They do it because the system didn’t show up—but they still cared enough to act. The question now isn’t whether cities will face these moments. They will. The real question is: how will they choose to respond? Choose partnership. Choose trust. Choose community. David has been a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension since 2001. He is the founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week and a former weekly newspaper editor who lives in Republic, Missouri. 
If you truly want to stand out in your neighborhood or community, don’t aim for status, flashiness, or power—be a person of peace and a truth teller. In a world of social media where gossip travels faster than facts and conflict often drowns out compassion, peace and truth are radical. They are rare. And precisely because they are rare, they are powerful. Walter Scott, in his 1808 poem Marmion, observed, “Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Though centuries old, his words still ring with sharp relevance today. Deception—whether through outright lies, half-truths, or whispered rumors—creates a web that eventually entraps everyone it touches. In close-knit settings like neighborhoods, that web can spread fast. A single lie can fracture relationships, fuel suspicion, and tarnish reputations. And once trust is broken, it’s a long, hard road to rebuild it. Neighborhoods do not need deceivers or gossips—they need peacemakers and people who speak the truth, even when it’s inconvenient. It might be tempting to join the rumor mill or to stay silent when misinformation circulates, but truth-tellers bring clarity where there is confusion. They speak calmly, not to condemn but to clarify, to anchor others in reality rather than fan the flames of drama. They understand that truth without love becomes cruelty, but love without truth becomes sentimentality. True community thrives when both exist together. Likewise, a person of peace stands out not because they avoid conflict at all costs, but because they seek reconciliation, not division. They don’t take sides for the sake of winning—they seek understanding. They listen first. They forgive freely. They create safe spaces where others feel heard, respected, and valued. In a time when tensions can flare over the smallest differences—politics, parking spots, pet noise—being a non-anxious presence is not weakness; it’s a quiet revolution. Standing out doesn’t require grand gestures or constant visibility. It means showing up consistently as someone others can trust. Your reputation will grow, not because you are loud, but because you are solid. When you are both peaceful and honest, people will come to you for counsel, for comfort, and for clarity. In a noisy world, peace and truth speak the loudest. And if you want to leave a mark on your community, start by living what others rarely do. David has been a community development specialist with University of Missouri Extension since 2001. He is the founder of Missouri Good Neighbor Week and a former weekly newspaper editor who lives in Republic, Missouri. by Tamra Reall, PhD, Field Specialist in Horticulture University of Missouri Extension - Urban West (Article used with permission from the Kansas City Gardener.) Why do some bugs make so much noise at night? Several insects, like crickets and katydids, make noise at night to find others of their species. Male crickets rub their wings together to create that chirping sound, hoping to attract a female or warn other males to stay away. Each cricket species has its own song, so if you listen closely, you can tell what kind of cricket is singing. Female crickets can’t make sounds because they don’t have the special file-and-scraper structures on their wings, but they do have ears—on their legs!—to hear the songs. Katydids also rub their wings together to make their distinctive sounds. This sound-making process is called stridulation. These insects are most active at night when it's cooler and there are fewer predators around. Next time you're outside in the evening, take a moment to enjoy the nighttime insect concert! For more fun facts about insect sounds, watch the Kids Ask Dr. Bug YouTube videos. August’s video was all about insect songs: https://youtu.be/-jCREA0nDOs Are any bugs scary looking but actually super helpful? Some people think that all critters with more than four legs are creepy, but the truth is, less than 2% of insects are pests—meaning over 98% are helpful or harmless! A lot of insects that look scary are actually great to have around. One of my favorite "scary" insects is the swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. When disturbed, it pops out two bright orange, antennae-like organs from its head and sometimes flings itself toward whatever is bothering it. These organs, called osmeteria, release a stinky smell to scare predators away. Praying mantises can be intimidating too, with their long, spiky legs and heads that turn to follow you. But they’re excellent hunters, eating insects that can damage your plants. Sometimes they catch helpful insects, but overall, they’re beneficial in the garden. And let's not forget spiders—though they’re not insects, they’re also very helpful! Spiders eat pests in the garden and in your home. My favorite is the jumping spider, with its big eyes and fuzzy body. Jumping spiders sometimes wave their arms to make themselves look bigger, but it's pretty cute. Male jumping spiders also have elaborate dance moves to attract a mate. Some people even keep them as pets, but I prefer to let them roam free in my garden to keep pests in check. One insect that doesn’t look scary but can be dangerous is the mosquito. They can spread diseases and bite without you even noticing. That’s why it's important to wear bug repellent and get rid of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Do bugs trick or treat? Not like we do, by dressing up and knocking on doors for candy, but insects definitely have their own tricks, and some offer treats as well! Many insects are masters of camouflage. One of the funniest tricks is played by caterpillars that look like bird poop. This clever disguise helps them avoid being eaten. Another sneaky insect is the walking stick, which looks very much like a twig and even sways like a stick in the breeze when it moves to blend in with its surroundings. Another insect that plays tricks is the caddisfly larva that dresses up like its surroundings by attaching whatever is nearby—sticks, leaves, or small stones—to its body with silk threads. Some insects give treats, too! Male insects often bring tasty gifts to females as part of courtship. Scientists think this helps the female get more nutrients, so she can lay healthier eggs so more of the offspring survives. Sometimes, though, the gift is meant to keep the female occupied so she doesn’t eat the male! Do people really eat bugs? Yes, in many parts of the world, people eat insects as a regular part of their diet. This practice is called entomophagy. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and mealworms are packed with protein, vitamins, and healthy fats, and seasonings can be added when cooking. People even say they taste good! Eating insects can also be good for the environment because farming insects uses fewer resources than raising animals like cows or chickens. While it might sound strange to some, eating bugs is actually quite common and nutritious. Plus, since it's impossible to keep all insect parts out of our food, you've already eaten some without even knowing it! How do entomologists use AI? Entomologists, like many other scientists, are exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can help us learn more. Generative AI can be very useful, but we have to be careful because it doesn’t always get things right. One of the cool things AI can do is compare lots of insect photos really fast to help identify different species. It can also make predictions about where certain insects might show up based on things like weather and habits. AI can even help scientists be more creative! For example, I used AI to make a fun insect game where you catch fireflies. Want to try it? https://bit.ly/CatchFireflies ~~~~ Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help her learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugNGarden) is a horticulture specialist for MU Extension – Urban West Region. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833TREE (8733), email [email protected], or visit extension.missouri.edu. The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.  One of my favorite "scary" insects is the swallowtail butterfly caterpillar. When disturbed, it pops out two bright orange, antennae-like organs from its head and sometimes flings itself toward whatever is bothering it. These organs, called osmeteria, release a stinky smell to scare predators away. Photo credit: Dr. Bug  by Tamra Reall, PhD, Field Specialist in Horticulture, University of Missouri Extension - Urban West There are many ways to become an insect scientist, also called an entomologist. Entomologists, like Dr. Bug (me!), study the fascinating world of insects. In addition to studying insects, curiosity and education are key! Other useful subjects include math, chemistry, ecology, art, writing, and public speaking. Depending on your interests, here are some of the different kinds of entomologist you can become one:
Learn How Termites Talk! Termites use chemical trails to help nestmates find food and their way back home. Supplies:
What to do: 1.First, find your tiny team. Gently dig in moist soil near wood to find worker termites. Collect 5-ish with a paintbrush and put them in a container with a damp paper towel (keep it shady!). 2.On the paper, use a pen to draw simple shapes. 3.Using the paint brush, gently place a termite in the center of a shape and watch its path. Does it follow the line? 4.Repeat step 3 with different pens. Do the termites react differently? Observe and wonder: Can termites "smell" the pen ink? What might this tell us about how they communicate? See this experiment in action by clicking https://youtube.com/shorts/cscHDDX9e7k or scanning the QR code. Be a Water Strider Scientist! Water striders glide across the water's surface. Let's unlock their secret: surface tension! Supplies:
Skim the Science: 1.Fill the dish with water. 2.Gently place each object on the water. Does it float? 3.Touch the water near the object. Does it sink now? 4.If it still floats, add a little soap to the water Water Magic: Water has surface tension, like a thin "skin." This lets lightweight objects float, just like water striders! Touching the water disrupts this "skin," causing some objects to sink. Observe and wonder: What did you learn about floating objects? Being lightweight helps water striders to use surface tension. Water striders also have water-repellant hairs on their hind and middle legs to increase the surface area and help them glide on the water surface. Learn more about water striders here: https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/water-striders Be an Insect Inspector: Build Your Own Traps! Let's see what creepy crawlies live in your backyard! Build these simple traps and observe the fascinating insect world. Supplies:
Trapped!
Remember: Identify insects using apps like iNaturalist or ask your local University Extension for help. Check pitfall and bottle traps daily and release insects carefully. Be mindful of anything that can sting or bite! ~~~~ Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help her learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey
Home to more than plants, kids ask Dr. Tamra Reall about the curious things found in the garden.
(Article used with permission from the Kansas City Gardener.) Are there really zombie cicadas? If you’re thinking about brain-eating zombies from the movies, then no. However, there are indeed periodical cicadas that have mind- and body-controlling fungal infections that take over and control their actions. While male and female periodical cicadas can be infected, when the males are infected, it causes them to act like a female who is receptive to a male looking for a mate. By making the cicadas interact with each other, the fungus can spread to other cicadas. If you see a periodical cicada that looks like they have a piece of powdery chalk as their abdomen, this is the fungus. Sometimes, nearly the entire abdomen is missing, and the cicada will still be moving around! While this may seem like something straight out of a sci-fi movie, it’s really a fascinating example of how nature finds ways to survive and reproduce. It also shows us how connected everything in the ecosystem is. "Zombie cicadas" might sound scary, but they're an important part of the web of life! So, the next time you see a cicada, take a closer look. There is a lot we can learn from even the weirdest things in nature! Is it bad for my dogs to eat bugs? You might be surprised to learn that the occasional bug on the menu isn't a big deal for most dogs. In fact, for some curious pups, chasing and catching a fly or cicada is just part of the fun of being a dog! In most cases, an insect or two won't cause any harm and might even provide a little extra protein boost. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:
If you're ever unsure about a particular insect, it's always best to err on the side of caution and avoid having your dog eat it, and/or consult your veterinarian. Why are you called Dr. Bug? Kids gave me that nickname years ago because my last name is a bit tricky. And, let's face it, Dr. Bug is way cooler, right? Plus, it goes perfectly with my job as an insect scientist! Speaking of cool bugs, did you know there's now a "Kids Ask Dr. Bug" cartoon on YouTube (https://bit.ly/KADBvideos)? Check it out on the @MUExtensionBugNGarden channel – it's full of fun facts about all sorts of creepy crawlies! Why do some insects, like ants and bees, work together as a team? Great observation! This is the kind of observation that scientists make to learn more about the world around us. If only some kinds of insects work together, you may have noticed that most insects do their thing on their own, or solitary. Solitary means that they don’t really interact with others of their species except for when it’s time to start the next generation. On the other hand, ants and honey bees are uniquely able to work together as a colony. This is because they are eusocial, or a superfamily, meaning that these related insects all live together and have specific responsibilities, including a queen and sometimes a king. Termites, paper wasps, and yellowjackets are more examples of eusocial insects. Colonies of eusocial insects may have hundreds, thousands, or even millions of individuals working together. The ability to work together gives these insects a huge advantage and they are able to do things that individual insects can’t do. Examples include building a giant anthill or making enough honey to feed the colony for an entire winter. Eusocial insects are able to build amazing homes, find food more efficiently, guard the colony, and take care of their young. If the colony is attacked, some may die while defending the colony, but there are many more who can keep the colony going! And, to work together well, communication and specialization are really important! Special chemicals called pheromones are used for much of the communication. Pheromones are scent-instructions, or smelly messages. Ants and termites leave pheromone trails to tell the colony where to find food and how to find the way back home. Colony members have a special scent that is unique to the colony so the guards at the nest entrance make sure only nestmates enter. Alarm pheromones are released, and vibrations are sounded throughout the colony if an invader has entered! Honey bees also use pheromones to protect the hive and let all the bees know that queen is alive and healthy. Foraging honey bees also use sound, scent, and dancing vibrations to tell hive mates where to find the best flowers for pollen and nectar. Tamra Reall, PhD (@MUExtBugNGarden) is a horticulture specialist for MU Extension – Urban West Region. For free, research-based gardening tips, call 816-833TREE (8733), email [email protected], or visit extension.missouri.edu. Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help her learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey 
Termites work together as a team to break down wood and create a large nest for their colony.
Image: T. Reall 
Do you love gardening and want to share your passion with others? Become an Extension Master Gardener and join a vibrant community dedicated to learning and teaching the best practices in horticulture. The MU Extension Master Gardener program offers:
Limited spots available! Apply by August 2nd. Cost: $200 (scholarships available) More information: http://www.mggkc.org/about-us/become-a-master-gardener/ or contact Tamra Reall ([email protected])  by Cathy Bylinowski, Horticulture Instructor, University of Missouri Extension- Jackson County I frequently look at other people’s yards and gardens and admire their flowers, trees, and shrubs. If I see a plant that is new to me, I try to figure out what it is, if it will grow in my yard, and where I can buy one! This spring, take some time to enjoy the flowering trees and shrubs in your neighborhood, parks, and green spaces around you. If you see some you like, now is a great time to figure out what they are and if they will grow in your yard. Spring is also a good time to plant new flowering trees and shrubs. They provide enjoyment for years to come. Here are several spring-flowering trees and shrubs that grow well in our part of Missouri: Serviceberry- (Amelanchier arborea) Serviceberry, native to Missouri, is an attractive small tree with smooth gray bark. It grows on wooded slopes. The snowy white flowers appear in early spring before anything else in the woods has leafed out. Tasty berries appear in June and leaves turn pink and orange in the fall. Unfortunately, invasive, non-native Callery Pears (Bradford Pear being one type) are blanketing open areas. Do not mistake the white flowers of Callery Pears for Serviceberry! Flowering dogwood- (Cornus florida) White flowering dogwood is a popular native flowering tree. Johnson County, Missouri is the nearest natural occurrence of this tree in our region. It will grow in our region, if it is put in a protected, part- shade location. Growth is fairly slow. Their branches are open and horizontal, with a rounded mature shape. They can get up to 30 feet tall. Their spectacular white bracts appear before leaves. Small, red fruit persist in fall and attract songbirds. It has lustrous, scarlet foliage in fall. They can be used as specimens, in masses or naturalized under larger trees, preferring moist, humus rich, slightly acidic soils. Avoid planting in hot, dry places. Use an organic mulch under the tree. Dogwoods need water during drought. Old or injured specimens are subject to insect borer damage. Eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis) Redbuds can get up to 30 feet tall. The clusters of purplish pink small flowers appear before leaves emerge. Heart-shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. Plant redbuds as specimens, in masses, or naturalized at the edge of woods. They are hardy in sun or part shade and tolerate a wide range of soils. Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) Lilac is one of the best known and most widely planted of all the introduced, flowering shrubs. Lilacs are worth having in your yard or garden for their once-a-year display of incredibly fragrant flowers. For the classic lilac fragrance, plant Common Lilac or one of its hybrids. Lilacs get up to 9 feet tall. Lilacs perform best in well-drained soils in full sun. Plants should receive at least six hours of direct sun each day for maximum bloom. Proper pruning is necessary to keep lilacs attractive and to promote flower production. After the plant becomes established, about one-third of the old stems should be removed each year. Older lilac stems may be attacked by borer insects. Flowering Magnolias (Magnolia soulangiana) These magnolias look like beautiful pink clouds in the spring. The only drawback is that the flowers can be damaged by spring freezes. You might enjoy the scented flowers so much that you are willing to take the risk of flowers turning brown after a spring freeze. There are cultivars that bloom later in the spring with pink, purple, or yellow flowers. Some magnolias can get to 30 feet tall. Plant in protected parts of your yard away from southern exposures. These are only some of the many trees and shrubs, native and introduced, that offer beautiful spring color. Contact Extension Master Gardener Hotline for more information:816-833-TREE (8733) – 24-hour voicemail [email protected]  Flowering or Saucer Magnolias provides spectacular color in the spring. From Pixabay by Ceeline  by Linda Geist, University of Missouri-Extension The phrase “waste not, want not” goes back to a time when the essentials of life were difficult to obtain, but it continues to be good advice today, says University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. It applies even to ashes produced this time of the year by wood-burning fireplaces and stoves. “When collected and spread on the garden, wood ashes are an excellent and free source of calcium and other plant nutrients,” Trinklein said. Wood ashes are highly alkaline. As a safety precaution, wear protective glasses, gloves and a dust mask when spreading on the garden. Ashes from burning cardboard, trash, coal or treated wood of any type may contain potentially harmful materials and should not be used on the garden. Ashes are the organic and inorganic remains of the combustion of wood. Their composition varies due mainly to the species of wood. As a rule, hardwood species produce three times more ashes and five times more nutrients than softwood species, he said. Since carbon, nitrogen and sulfur are the elements primarily oxidized in the combustion process, wood ashes contain most of the other essential elements required for the growth of the tree used as fuel. By weight, wood ashes contain 1.5%-2% phosphorus and 5%-7% potassium. If listed as a fertilizer, most wood ashes would have the analysis of 0-1-3 (N-P-K). Calcium content ranges from 25% to 50%. Because of the high calcium content, it’s probably best to think of wood ashes as a liming material to adjust soil pH rather than a regular fertilizer to supply an array of nutrients, said Trinklein. The ideal pH range for most garden plants is about 6.0 to 6.5. When soil pH falls below this range, certain essential mineral elements become less available to the plant. Since garden soils tend to become more acidic as plants take up nutrients, periodic adjustment to decrease soil acidity (increase pH) is necessary. Most wood ashes have an acid neutralizing equivalent of about 45%-50% of calcium carbonate (limestone). In other words, it takes about twice the weight of wood ashes compared with limestone to cause the same change in soil acidity. For example, if soil tests indicate you need 5 pounds of limestone per 100 square feet of garden area to raise the soil pH to an acceptable level, you would need 10 pounds of wood ashes to make the same change, Trinklein said. Apply small amounts of wood ashes to the garden on a yearly basis to supply other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium. Trinklein recommends a soil test every two to three years where light applications are made on a regular basis. Excessive application of wood ashes can lead to a buildup of pH above the optimum range. This can result in other nutritional problems because of reduced nutrient availability at high pH values. Wood ashes not applied to the garden immediately should be stored under dry conditions. Ashes piled outdoors lose most of their potassium in a year’s time due to leaching from rains. Additionally, weathered wood ashes’ ability to act as a liming agent also is greatly reduced. Because of the fine nature of wood ashes, they cannot modify soil structure and, therefore, are not considered a soil conditioning agent. The carbon compounds that act as a soil conditioner when sawdust, leaf mold or compost are applied to garden soil, for the most part, have been consumed by the fire. For more reliable, research-based information on gardening, contact Master Gardeners of Greater Kansas City Gardeners Hotline- 816-833-TREE (8733) or email- [email protected]  by Tamra Reall (@MUExtBugNGarden) is a horticulture specialist for MU Extension – Urban West Region (Article used with permission from the Kansas City Gardener.) Get ready for a magical cicada spectacle this spring! Billions of buzzing insects from periodical cicada Broods XIII (13) and XIX (19) are emerging in April and May. Last seen together in 1803, they won't appear together again for another 221 years. In Missouri, we will just be seeing Brood XIX, while Brood XIII will be mostly in northern Illinois. I hope you will join the excitement, enjoy the rhythmic buzz, and marvel at nature’s spectacular show! What is the difference between periodical cicadas and the cicadas that come out every year? Periodical cicadas are like nature's timekeepers, following a mysterious, prime number schedule that scientists are still learning about. Having the longest life cycle in the insect world, periodical cicadas seem to magically appear together every 13 or 17 years. This is why their genus name is Magicicada! They spend most of their lives underground as nymphs feeding on the sap of tree roots. Then, as if waiting for the perfect moment, groups of Magicicada species, called a “brood,” emerge together all at once. These small, black cicadas with red eyes appear in such large numbers that they can cover trees. These clumsy fliers are easily captured by birds, squirrels, raccoons, and even dogs and cats. With so many emerging at the same time, many will survive to lay eggs for the next generation emerging in another 13 or 17 years later. Another fascinating feature of these insects is that the males sing together to attract females. In contrast, the large, green cicadas we see each summer have a shorter life cycle of 2-5 years and are known as annual or dog-day cicadas as some become adults every year. While these cicadas also sing in the trees, they give solo performances and do not synchronize like the periodical cicadas. Are periodical cicadas everywhere in the world? Although annual cicadas are found on every continent except Antarctica, periodical cicadas are only found in the eastern half of North America. Scientists do not know why they aren’t found anywhere else. There are four species of periodical cicadas in Brood XIX and these will emerge in Missouri, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi. In Brood XIII, there are three species, and they are emerging in Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Wisconsin, and possibly Michigan. Brood XIX, also known as the Great Southern Brood, emerges every 13 years, and Brood XIII (the Northern Illinois Brood) emerges every 17 years. 17-year broods tend to be in the northern states with cooler temperature zones, and 13-year broods tend to be in the warmer, southern states although there is a lot of overlap between 13- and 17-year broods. Why do cicadas shed their skin? Cicadas shed their skin to grow bigger. Like other insects, they have a hard outer covering called an exoskeleton. As they grow, their old exoskeleton becomes too small, so they shed it in a process called molting leaving behind old exuviae and growing new, larger exoskeletons. Do periodical cicadas hurt people, animals, or plants? Cicadas may land on people, but they won’t eat you – you don’t taste, feel, or smell right to them. That said, if one lands on you, gently brush it off, just in case the cicada is curious about what you might taste like! But, the cicadas can affect trees. Females lay their eggs in small twigs in trees. Large healthy trees aren’t harmed in the long term by this, although there may be dead twigs that fall after the cicadas are gone. Smaller trees can be damaged or even killed if not protected. Consider covering small, or newly planted, trees with a fine mesh material or cheesecloth to protect them during the 4-6 weeks the cicadas are out. Why do they make that loud sound? Males use a drum-like structure on their abdomen called tymbals to sing their loud, repetitive buzzing song, attracting female companions. A female will fly to the males and respond by quickly flicking her wings together if she likes his song. Periodical cicadas can be tricked by other vibrating sounds. They may be attracted to people mowing their lawns or using power tools. Periodical cicadas are loud! Because the males sing together, the buzzing sound can reach up to 100 decibels, which is as loud as a hair dryer, lawn mower, or a motorcycle. Consider wearing hearing protection if you will be outside for more than 15 minutes when the cicadas are singing to protect your hearing. What happens to cicadas after they mate and lay eggs? After mating, female cicadas lay their eggs in the branches of trees. They use a sharp ovipositor to make tiny slits in the bark, where they deposit their eggs. Males die soon after mating and females die after laying their eggs. A couple of weeks later, the eggs hatch and young cicada nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil where they'll spend the next 13 or 17 years before starting the cycle all over again! ~~~~ Did you know that there is a Kids Ask Dr. Bug video series? Check it out! https://bit.ly/KADBvideos Do you have questions for Dr. Bug? Send them to https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBug To help me learn what you learn from this column, or to share feedback, please consider filling out this survey: https://bit.ly/KidsAskDrBugSurvey  Known for their red eyes, cicada eyes actually can be several colors. Photo courtesy of Gene Kritsky, Mount St. Joseph University |
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