Get Involved
We offer a wide variety of free nature-based programming suitable for all to enjoy regardless of experience level. Explore the below opportunities and register for those that interest you. Some opportunities may have limited availability. We look forward to stewarding these experiences with nature within the Blue River watershed. Hope to see you there!
2026 Events & Programs
Saturday, October 10th (9am – 2pm): Blue River Discovery Days Festival. Join us for an annual awareness and fundraising campaign organized by Heartland Conservation Alliance that celebrates Kansas City’s Blue River. Register here!
Saturday, April 25th (9am – 12pm): Join the international City Nature Challenge and contribute your findings to the KC Metro!
Green Guard Environmental Stewardship Program: Get certified as an HCA Green Guard Steward. Learn more on the program’s webpage and apply by February 15th. Spots are limited.
Monday, January 19th (10am – 12pm): Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nature Walk. Join us for an inspiring Keynote Address followed by a guided Nature Walk as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through reflection, community, and connection to the land. Register here!
Volunteer Workdays
Offered by our Conservation Land Stewardship Program
Wednesday, September 30th (5pm-7pm): Tree Planting @ the Heartland Overlook Preserve
Saturday, October 3rd (9am-12pm): Plug Planting @ the Heartland Overlook Preserve
Saturday, October 3rd (1pm-4pm): Plug Planting @ the Heartland Overlook Preserve
See Renewing the Blue section below for additional volunteer workday opportunities at other locations in the watershed.
Guided Nature Tours
Offered by our Blue River Nature Guide Program
Save the Date – More events, details, and registration coming soon!
Saturday, September 26th (11am-1:30pm): Solar Printing on the Blue @ Heartland Overlook Preserve
Friday, September 11th (7:30pm-10pm): Stargaze the Blue @ Alex George Wetland
Saturday, July 11th (9am-11am): Wild Edibles of the Blue River @ Alex George Wetland
Friday, June 26th (8pm-9pm): Birds, Bats, and Bugs of the Night @ Alex George Wetland
Saturday, May 30th (time slots: 1:00pm-1:45, 2:00pm-2:45pm, or 3:00-3:45pm): Kayak the Blue River @ Brown Athletic Field Boat Ramp
Saturday, May 23rd (8am-11am): Burroughs Audubon Field Trip @ Heartland Overlook Preserve and Alex George Wetland – In collaboration with Burroughs Audubon Society
Saturday, May 2nd (9am, 9:45am, 10:30am, 11:15am): E-Bike the Blue @ Blue River Rd – In collaboration with BikeWalkKC
Saturday, March 28th (9am – 10am): Spring Ephemerals Hike @ Heartland Overlook Preserve – Led by Missouri Master Naturalist, Teala Sadler
Renewing the Blue
Together, we can Renew the Blue—the metro’s most populated watershed—to advance a healthier, more climate-resilient future for the entire Kansas City region.
Be part of the effort—connect with neighbors and project partners at Renewing the Blue events held along the Blue River. Visit our project calendar to explore upcoming events and opportunities hosted by our project partners: Heartland Conservation Alliance, Bridging the Gap, Deep Roots, and Mid-America Regional Council.
Save the Date – More events, details, and registration coming soon!
Saturday, June 27th (9am – 12pm): Blue Valley Park Cleanup Event @ Renewing the Blue Project Tract — Special thanks to My Dumpster Guy and Raptor Recycle & Transfer for helping make this cleanup possible.
Saturday, May 9th (8am – 11am): World Cup Cleanup @ Swope Park Soccer Village – In collaboration with City of Kansas City, MO
Saturday, April 18th (1pm – 4pm): Earth Day Tree Planting @ Blue Valley Park
Saturday, April 4th (9am – 11am): Project Blue River Rescue (river clean-up) @ Municipal Farm Conservation Easement
All participants and volunteers — or their legal guardians, if under 18 — are required to accept HCA’s Liability Waiver and Photo Release (click to review and/or print) as part of the online event registration process. Alternatively, a paper copy can be signed upon arrival or emailed ahead of time to the designated event staff contact (preferred) or info@heartlandconservationalliance.org.