Print edition: 
Free firewood, mulch available at zoo – The public can pick up free firewood and wood chips for use as mulch from the Sedgwick County Zoo through February. The wood is left over from Westar Energy’s tree-trimming for line clearance and the city of Wichita’s tree-pruning and -removal operations, the zoo said.
"This is a great way to recycle the wood left over from Westar Energy’s tree-trimming efforts," Jim Marlett, deputy director of the zoo, said. "Sedgwick County Zoo is proud to be part of a program that benefits our citizens, reduces waste and conserves our natural resources."
The free wood can be picked up from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the north parking lot of the zoo, 5555 W. Zoo Blvd. The use of power tools is not allowed.
Continue to work soil – It’s not too late to improve your soil for next spring, including working in mulched leaves, as long as the soil is not frozen, Ward Upham of K-State says.
Dig that horseradish – Horseradish is ready to harvest after a hard freeze kills the foliage, Upham says. You can harvest large roots or heavily mulch the planting site to keep the ground from freezing so you can harvest as needed. Smaller roots – those of pencil size – can be cut into 6- to 8-sections and replanted for next year’s harvest if desired, he says.
Luminary walk at Dyck Arboretum of the Plains – In response to visitors’ requests, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston is going with less electricity and more candlelight for its annual Luminary Walk. It continues tonight, Friday and Dec. 3. More than 900 jars and candles light the way around the arboretum. Children will be able to make ornaments of natural elements to decorate a tree in the lobby, and visitors can roast s’mores and have almond tea and Christmas cookies in the lobby. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for ages 5 to 19 and free for those under 5. Hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m. A photographer will be available to take family photos for $20. Call 620-327-8127 to reserve a time slot.
Holiday porch pot lecture – Botanica’s last lunchtime lecture of the year will feature Karen Hall of Johnson’s Garden Center showing how to make holiday porch pots at 12:15 Wednesday. The lectures aren’t being held for the rest of the year while the staff concentrates on the nightly Illuminations event (see below).
Illuminations at Botanica – Botanica’s Christmas lights event started Friday night and runs nightly, except for Dec. 24 and 25, through Dec. 31. The cost is $7 for adults ($6 for members) and $5 for children 3 through 12. Hours are 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
– Annie Calovich
