Ecologist says monarchs are tougher than you think — Butterflies might look delicate, but in reality, they are tough little rulebreakers. Case in point: Recent social media reports of cold-weather monarchs sucking the last bits of nectar from late-season flowers and monarch caterpillars still munching on milkweeds in Oklahoma long after the migration. They ought to be in Mexico…

Spring Creek landowners challenge agency’s claim that it simply follows state law — The state’s ability to issue large-operation poultry farm registrations without public notice, hearing, or in-depth environmental review received a lengthy airing in Delaware County District Court this month. More than two hours into the hearing, Associate District Court Judge David Crutchfield asked frankly what the plaintiffs would have the court…

This week’s “push” through the state reminiscent of better days — In a show reminiscent of better times, monarch butterflies pushed through Oklahoma this week, high and low, and, in selected spots, gathered for a great show. Some may have dropped out of the sky to pause here and there, and more still may continue to trickle through for weeks, according…

Record-setting harvests continue despite financial hit; CWD status The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation predicted another banner year as big-game hunting seasons opened this week. But like any good hunting expedition, the season ahead has some challenges. Archery seasons for deer, elk, antelope, and black bear opened Sunday, and big-game…

Senators learn breadth of redcedar problem from state agencies — State senators recently learned that Oklahoma needs to take full measure, spend more money, and educate the public to reverse its losing battle against what one expert called “the green Dust Bowl.” Eastern redcedar is out of control on state lands. The interim study, held by the Agriculture and Rural…

Peak of migration due in Oklahoma last week of September — The big orange-and-black season is upon Oklahoma. Monarch butterfly season, that is, and the iconic pollinators have a demanding road schedule ahead. The largest generation of the butterflies is emerging from chrysalises locally, while others are migrating through, from northern states to over-wintering grounds in Mexico. …

Heat stress, drought leaves trees vulnerable to disease — You’ve watered the lawn, the flowers, and the shrubs and saplings, but have you watered that big tree that provides shade for those pampered parts of your yard? If not, trouble may be brewing. “Oftentimes people wait too long before they come to us,” said Sara Wallace, a plant diagnostician…

Going yellow can help local wildlife and make your back porch more pleasant — Yellow “bug lights” won’t chase insects away from your porch, but a switch from white lights to a yellow glow can mellow out the summer months for both you and the local insect population. Lights drive insects crazy, fatally crazy. Anyone who has watched a moth or June beetle repeatedly…

The scope of the Terry Peach Act could lay the groundwork for statewide change — Oklahoma’s redcedar eradication effort and study planned for the North Canadian River watershed next five years is unprecedented in its scope. With the governor’s signature in June, House Bill 2239, by Rep. Mike Dobrinski, R-Okeene, created the Terry Peach North Canadian Watershed Restoration Act. It tasks the Oklahoma Conservation Commission…