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Education & Outreach Program Update



The Blue River travels 42 miles, across two states, five counties and 21 municipalities? It flows from Johnson County Kansas, through Kansas City Metro Area where it confluences with the Missouri River in eastern Jackson County. Photo by Sarah Benal.



On Saturday May 28, the Green Guard Stewardship Training Program met at Blue River Park for a kayaking tour of the Blue River. The kayaks were provided by KC Kayak and Canoe and Nova Clarke from U.S. Fish & Wildlife provided guidance and direction. Green Guard Stewards spent the morning kayaking the Blue River, applying what they learned about stream visual assessments to the area.


On Saturday, June 4 the Green Guards met again at the Trailside Center. Kat Lackman from Missouri Stream Teams, Dede Brockesh from LDB Landscape Architecture and Engineering, Mary Guerra from KC Water, provided in-depth explanations about stormwater management for Kansas City’s water systems, and the importance of getting involved with organizations like MO Stream Teams to keep our water clean.


The Green Guard Stewardship Training Program is funded by KC Water. Stewards learn about the resources and skills needed to help improve the health of the Blue River. The workshops are also important to help strengthen HCA’s Stream Team #5145.





The Exploring Roots Summer Adventure Challenge is back and HCA challenges you to run, hike, bike or jog to explore Kansas City’s parks and trails along the Blue River. See Kansas City from new heights and win prizes along the way. Beginning in 2022, HCA is partnering with local Girl Scout and Kansas City trail expert, TakeAHikeKC to provide patches for participants.


Plan your visit to hike each month’s featured trail. The best part about the Summer Adventure Challenge is that it is all about what works best for YOU. Bring the family or hike solo. Reschedule in case of rain. Hit the trails bright and early, or make it a plan for after work.


June’s featured trail is Hidden Valley Park at 4029 Bellaire Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64117. Register today. Visit the website to learn more about the Challenge and the prizes you can win.



 


The next Education & Outreach Work Group and Outdoor Education Work Group meetings are on Thursday, 7/14/22, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. via Zoom.


If you are interested in joining the Work Group, contact Sarah Benal, sarah@heartlandconservationalliance.org

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