native species

The new book, "Sea of Grass," traces the history and future of the American prairie, laying out the stunning loss of grassland in North America and meeting the people fighting to bring it back.

A Kansas City gardener had a light bulb moment: If she chose native plants for her yard, it would be better for wildlife. Now it’s home to birds, frogs, bees and many butterflies. Plus: Farmers have been taking on more debt, while their incomes have been shrinking over the last few years.

Missouri lawmakers have banned the sale or transport of six invasive plant species, including Callery pear trees. The ban will go into effect Jan. 1, 2029 — to give sellers time to replace their inventories.

Aronia berry, also known as chokeberry, is a native fruit increasingly known for its health benefits, but producers are having trouble finding demand.

Kansas City has committed to planting 10,000 trees in three years. But the city's existing tree canopy is relatively old and under stress by climate change and other factors.

Even as the tropical-tasting fruit gains popularity through farmer's markets and festivals, the pawpaw faces big hurdles to reaching a mass market.