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, 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
Woodland Restoration @ Heartland Overlook Preserve
Saturday, April 11th (9am – 12pm): Native plug planting
Wednesday, April 15th (5pm – 8pm): Invasive species removal
Saturday, April 18th (9am – 12pm): Invasive species removal
Wednesday, April 22nd (5pm – 8pm): Earth Day guided hike and woodland restoration
Saturday, April 25th (9am – 12pm): Bioblitz & invasive species removal
Wednesday, April 29th (5pm – 7:30pm): Trash trek
Wednesday, May 6th (5pm – 8pm): Invasive species removal
Wednesday, May 27th (5pm – 8pm): Invasive species removal
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, May 30th (time TBD): Kayak the Blue River @ Brown Athletic Field Boat Ramp – More info coming soon!
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, 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.