People are encouraged to rent one of the 90 B-cycles from any of the 12 docking stations (B-stations) and ride to Ilus Davis Park during the lunch hour. Bike rentals under 30 minutes will be free of charge. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch and learn about B-cycle, the health benefits of bicycle commuting and how KC is evolving into a more bike-friendly city.

B-cycles will be free to rent for 30 minutes between 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., May 17 to ride to Ilus Davis Park, 11th & Oak near City Hall.

For more information, visit www.kansascity.bcycle.com, email heckold@morningstarcomm.com or call 816-820-6203.

This marks an important and long-feared milestone. Because Mauna Loa is the oldest continuous carbon dioxide (CO2) measurement station in the world, it is the primary benchmark site for tracking the increase of this powerful heat-trapping gas across the globe.

Scientific research shows carbon dioxide (CO2) pumped into the atmosphere by human activities—such as burning fossil fuels—is the most significant greenhouse gas (GHG) contributing to climate change. Its concentration has increased every year since scientists first started taking measurements at Mauna Loa more than five decades ago. The rate of increase has increased since then, from about 0.7 ppm per year in the late 1950s to 2.1 ppm per year during the last 10 years.

“That increase is not a surprise to scientists,” said NOAA senior scientist Pieter Tans, with the Global Monitoring Division of NOAA’s Earth System Research Laboratory in Boulder, CO. “The evidence is conclusive that the strong growth of global CO2 emissions from the burning of coal, oil, and natural gas is driving the acceleration.”

“There’s no stopping CO2 from reaching 400 ppm,” said Ralph Keeling, a geochemist at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. “That’s now a done deal. But what happens from here on still matters to climate, and it’s still under our control. It mainly comes down to how much we continue to rely on fossil fuels for energy.”

For more information, visit www.noaa.gov.

The peregrine falcon nesting box located atop the Commerce Tower is a partnership between Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and NAI Capital Realty. The Commerce Tower remains the exact location in which MDC originally began releasing peregrine falcons in 1991. A total of 24 falcon chicks were released during the summers of 1991 and 1992. Since then, the Commerce Tower has remained a preferred nesting location of the peregrine falcons.

To view the live Web feed, visit www.mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/wildlife-cameras/kansas-city-falcon-web-camera.

The previous version of the map had a total of 702 miles of trails and bikeways. The new map shows 1,273 miles of trails and bikeways, including:

• 45 miles of bike lanes.
• 83 miles of mountain bike trails.
• 175 miles of walking and hiking trails.
• 188 miles of bike routes.
• 225 miles of “share the road” bikeways.
• 555 miles of paved trails.

The map is printed on an eco-friendly, tree-free paper that is durable and recyclable. The printed map is FREE and available from local community centers.

For the more tech-savvy biking and hiking crowd, MARC has also developed a free Regional KC Bike Map web app that can be used to view the map on a smartphone, tablet or computer browser. The web app has all the same details as the print version. The web app will also be updated as new information becomes available. The app — which should be used safely, not while riding or driving — is available at marc.org/bikemap .

MARC will host a launch party for the Bike Map and the Regional KC Bike Map web app on Friday, May 10, from 4–5:30 p.m., at Garment District Place Park on 8 ^th Street between Broadway and Washington, in Kansas City, Mo. A limited supply of free maps will be available at the event, and staff will be on hand to help install and demonstrate the web app.

A list of additional Bike Month events is available online at marc.org/exploreKC .

A recent survey shows that 67 percent of area residents are recycling more compared to five years ago, in large part because it has become easier as curbside recycling is now widely available. Familiarity and satisfaction with recycling services are increasing as well.  With this increased awareness, the region is also seeing increased support for expanding and improving waste reduction and recycling services.

Between October 2012 and January 2013, the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Solid Waste Management District conducted a recycling survey of residents in the nine-county Kansas City metro area. The survey results will help the district evaluate current recycling activities and awareness, determine what recycling services residents would like to see in the future, and determine focus areas for expanded services and outreach priorities. The district also compared results with 2005 and 2008 survey data to determine how citizens’ values, behavior and awareness levels have changed.

Some of the most telling survey results:

• Residents’ satisfaction with three key recycling services increased from 2008 to 2012: Satisfaction with curbside recycling service was up 20 percent; satisfaction with yard waste collection and composting services was up 9 percent; and satisfaction with the location of drop-off recycling centers was up 7 percent.
• More than two-thirds of residents feel their community is performing well in terms of its commitment to recycling.
• There is a significant increase in the number of residents who reported they were recycling everything possible — from 39 percent in 2008 to 57 percent in 2012.
• 58 percent of area residents are willing to recycle their food waste curbside.
• The top services that area residents would like to see offered or expanded in their community are materials accepted curbside, household hazardous waste collection services, glass container recycling services, and computers/electronics recycling services.
• There is a significant increase in support for area local governments to implement mandatory recycling for residents, businesses and institutions.
• More than 90 percent of area residents feel local government should play a leadership or supportive role in educating residents about and developing policies on waste reduction and recycling.
• 60 percent of area residents are willing to pay for their trash services based on the amount of trash they set out for disposal. This “pay-as-you-throw” concept typically increases recycling and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.

To read the complete survey visit: www.marc.org/Environment/SolidWaste/2012survey.htm .

For more information on where to recycle old paint, televisions, computers, glass, household items and much more, visit www.RecycleSpot.org .

Individuals are encouraged to preview the list of participating vendors below and the items they will be accepting to see how they can take full advantage of this recycling opportunity. All recycling, with the exception of noted electronics recycling, is free of charge.

*Note: If you have many items to recycle with multiple vendors, please pack your vehicles using the below list as your guide. Items for Vintage Tech Recyclers should be packed into your vehicles first as they will be the last recycling stop. Likewise, if you have non-perishable food donations for Harvesters, please pack those last as they will be the first collection point at the recycling drive.

COMMUNITY RECYCLING ALLIES:

1.     Vintage Tech Recyclers

     *Note: there is a $15 charge for tube televisions and a $25 charge for DLP and wooden console televisions.

2.     Goodwill

3.     Allied Waste Services

4.     Langley Recycling, Inc.

5.     Habitat for Humanity Kansas City ReStore

6.     Harvesters

7.     Missouri Organic (Informational Only)

8.     United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 (Informational Only)

For more information on the recycling event, including maps and diagrams, as well as more information about Chiefs Extra Yard for the Environment and participating community recycling allies, please visit www.kcchiefs.com/recycle.

Happy Earth Day from Greenability magazine!

To celebrate, Greenability is offering FREE 6-MONTH digital subscriptions. Find out about local food, farm tours, recycling, repurposing, renewable energy, native plants, electric cars and even eco-vacations!

No strings attached. To redeem, just click here and sign up. This is a limited-time offer between April 15 – 22, 2013. (Paper subscribers already receive the digital issue for free.)

Don’t miss out on this great deal!

What is a tree tag? They are large labels printed with the annual, estimated cumulative dollar value created by a single tree. The dollar values were calculated using the U.S. Forest Service’s i-Tree Streets software, which calculates the benefits based on a tree’s species, diameter, the land use the tree is closest to, and its location in the U.S. The benefits include energy savings, property value enhancement, carbon dioxide sequestration, storm water retention and air quality.

Tree Tags are expected to pop up in cities all over the region, including Belton; Fairway; Gladstone; Independence; Kansas City, Mo.; Leawood; Liberty; Mission; Overland Park; Parkville; Raytown; and Westwood. The tags encourage people to think about the important role urban trees have in making our communities healthy.

Arbor Day is an annual holiday that celebrates the role of trees in people’s lives and promotes tree planting and care. National Arbor Day is celebrated the last Friday in April, and each state celebrates Arbor Day on a date that is appropriate for tree-planting in that region. Missouri celebrates Arbor Day the first Friday in April. Kansas celebrates Arbor Day the last Friday in April.

Ground-level ozone increases when emissions react with heat and sunlight. Ozone pollution can cause wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing even in healthy adults, and it can be especially harmful to children, seniors or people with breathing or heart problems. When ozone pollution levels are expected to be high, an Ozone Alert is issued to warn residents to take actions that protect their health and reduce pollution.

The daily SkyCast uses a color code to indicate what type of air quality is expected the next day:

• “ Green ” SkyCast indicates healthy air, when low concentrations of ozone pollution are expected.
• “ Yellow ” SkyCast indicates moderate concentrations of ozone pollution with some increased health risk.
• “ Orange ” and “ Red ” SkyCasts indicate Ozone Alert days with unhealthy concentrations of ozone pollution.

Despite the cold and rainy start to this ozone season, typical summer conditions in Greater Kansas City can result in many Ozone Alerts. Last year, the hot, dry summer we experienced in the region resulted in 23 Ozone Alerts.

To find out the SkyCast each day, visit MARC’s website at www.marc.org/airQ ; call the air quality information line at 913-383-7557; follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/airQKC ; or sign up for email alerts at http://greaterkc.enviroflash.info/signup.cfm . The SkyCast is also available from many local media outlets.

Volunteering outside is a great way to give back to the community and make a meaningful difference in the parks and nature areas in the urban environment. Most program projects have flexible schedules, require minimal or no training and have no associated fees. Tasks range from light labor, like litter pickup, to helping to construct a playground or introducing kids to nature.

Here are a number of local volunteer opportunities that will get you outside for a cause.

1. Blue River Watershed Association

Water is a precious resource, and Blue River Watershed Association (BRWA) works to monitor and improve the quality of Kansas City’s water. Throughout the school year, adult volunteers can help small groups of students learn to monitor and test water for pollutants such as phosphates and nitrates with easy-to-use water-monitoring kits. Adults who want to help in their own community can be trained to monitor water at more than 50 sites around Kansas City.

Kansas neighborhood groups concerned about their local water can contact BRWA to make a difference. BRWA will help find a suitable creek area to claim, and then organize the group’s efforts to clean up and maintain water quality there. At least five people must be committed to working in order to qualify.

Other groups can contact BRWA to organize litter pickup workdays along area waterways. The organization will provide all necessary materials.

The BRWA office is located at 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO. Contact www.brwa.net or 816-309-0980.

2. Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center

Help get city youths outside into nature as a volunteer at Cave Spring Historic Site & Nature Center. During summer months, adults can volunteer to teach groups of children about nature on guided hikes through the 36-acre site. Classes and hikes last for 20 minutes each, and schedules are flexible. No prior training or experience is necessary.

The nature center also features an heirloom, native flower garden with exclusively native flora that grew in the 1850s. Volunteer gardeners are needed for its regular care and weeding.

If you like the excitement of outdoor events, volunteers are always needed for garden sales and the annual October Pumpkins on Parade. Those with strong backs can help maintain the 5.1 miles of trail by cutting back encroaching brush and spreading wood chips for trail maintenance. And there’s always a project for skilled carpenters and electricians.

Volunteers must be age 13 or older and participate in the training program.

The center is located on 8701 E. Gregory Blvd., Kansas City, MO. Contact www.cavespring.org or 816-547-9679.

3. Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City

The Youth Volunteer Corps of Greater Kansas City (YVCKC) partners with multiple organizations to get children involved at the Rosedale Community Garden, the Parkville Nature Sanctuary, Cultivate KC’s Gibbs Road Farm, and Grahovac’s Army of Volunteers. The youthful volunteers will learn to work in gardens and with nature, and acquire valuable team-building skills. Students also can fulfill community service hours and make new friends.

Every month YVCKC volunteers at the Sanctuary of Hope, an inter-faith not-for-profit retreat, by helping fix and maintain nature trails and digging trenches to reroute piping for rain water. Volunteers are 11 to 18 years old.

The corps office is located at 1080 Washington St., Kansas City, MO. Contact the YVCKC at www.yvckc.org or 816-743-7900.

4. Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Prairie Foundation works to preserve and protect our natural prairie legacy. Volunteers help with restoration projects in 11 prairies covering thousands of acres throughout Missouri. This is an opportunity to learn about native plants while removing invasive trees and brush during scheduled workdays in the fall and winter. Other tasks include staffing booths at plant sales and other events throughout the year. With training, volunteers can help with prescribed prairie burns.

Contact the Missouri Prairie Foundation at www.moprairie.org or 888-843-6739.

5. Powell Gardens

Take some time to volunteer at Powell Gardens and get the added benefit of learning from an expert horticulturist. Volunteer gardeners help tend six themed gardens and operate tasting stations of garden-grown, seasonal food samples.

Training is provided, and volunteer schedules are flexible.

Powell Gardens is located at 1609 NW U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO. Learn more at www.powellgardens.org or contact Connie Harclerode, volunteer coordinator, at 816-697-2600, ext. 304.

6. Kansas City Zoo

Get to know the animals as a volunteer at the Kansas City Zoo. An assignment with Team Habitat means working with all departments and can include cleaning exhibits, gardening, cleaning up brush or painting. Volunteers do not handle animals, but assist with all support areas of the zoo. Projects vary by group composition and weather, but the majority of the work is outdoors working on the grounds. Volunteers frequently help with special zoo events on weekends and can work with children on Second Saturdays. The program requires 30 hours of service.

Volunteer applications are accepted year-round, but applicants must work 15 hours (five work days) to be considered for next year’s program. Youths aged 14-15 must be accompanied by an adult, but those above 16 are considered adult volunteers. There is a $30 materials fee for adults and a $15 fee for youth volunteers for both programs.

The zoo is located at 6800 Zoo Drive, Kansas City, MO. Information is available at www.KansasCityZoo.org/Volunteer or by calling 816-513-5728.

7. Heartland Tree Alliance

Volunteers with the Heartland Tree Alliance (HTA) do their best to make Kansas City greener – literally. HTA is dedicated to taking care of KC’s community forest and trees on public property by hosting workdays across the metro area.

Volunteers educate the public on how to properly care for the trees in their own yard and how to plant a tree in the right spot. They also mulch, prune, water and remove stakes and wires from trees at various locations across the city.

Group sizes vary for event locations, and workdays are held spring through fall. Groups or businesses interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Heartland Tree Alliance to help schedule their own workday.

The minimum age is 14 with adult supervision and 18 without.

The HTA office is located at 1427 W. 9^th St., Suite 201, Kansas City, MO. Learn more at www.heartlandtreealliance.org or 816-561-1061, ext. 115.

8. Kansas City Parks & Recreation Department

With more than 219 parks in Kansas City, MO, there is no shortage of ways to keep your hands busy outdoors with Kansas City Parks & Recreation. Groups can adopt a trail in their community or an entire park through the Partners in Park program. Volunteers clean up litter, cut back encroaching brush, clear invasive vegetation, and tend a garden or prune shrubs. The park maintenance staff provides all supplies.

Individuals can volunteer as recycling ambassadors to teach park-goers how to recycle during their stroll through the park. Find a park near you or contact K.C. Parks & Recreation at www.kcmo.org/parks or 816-513-7509.

9. Johnson County Parks & Recreation

Volunteers at Johnson County Parks & Recreation have great freedom in choosing what kind of work they want to do. The county has more than 5,100 acres of developed parkland spread over eight parks, plus 87 miles of trail. Volunteers contribute thousands of hours helping care for the parks each year.

Grounds maintenance help is needed in the gardens, for litter pickup and cleaning up park lake shorelines. Schedules are flexible and can include individual work or groups working directly with the park administration to complete a major project. Projects can include designing and building mountain bike trails, building playgrounds and removing invasive plants.

Opportunities exist year round, and the park provides all materials. Age limits for volunteers vary by park.

Find a park near you by contacting Johnson County Parks & Recreation at www.jcprd.com or by calling 913-894-3321.