Green Guard Stewardship Program

Green Guard Stewardship Program

About the program

Heartland Conservation Alliance’s Green Guard Stewardship Program connects community members to nature in their neighborhood and teaches them how to take care of it. In turn, preserving their natural areas helps them preserve their local identity. An appreciation for nature is a social value that can be learned from the stewards we train as they work in their community. As one’s sense of place evolves so does the pride they take in their community. In February 2016, Heartland Conservation Alliance launched its first class of stewards partnering with East High School.

Water Quality Green Guard Stewardship Training
Spring 2022

With funding from KC Water, Heartland Conservation Alliance is partnering with the City of Overland Park Water Quality Division, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, and Parkville Nature Sanctuary to offer FREE workshops. These workshops are for anyone interested in improving water quality in Kansas City's streams, and looking for a community to address pollution and find solutions.

Stewards will increase their awareness of issues facing the Blue River and participate in hands-on training to take action by serving as volunteers. Stewards will have the opportunity to help strengthen Heartland Conservation Alliance's Missouri Stream Team #5145. Stewards who complete the four workshops will receive a $100 stipend.

Time: 9:00am - Noon
Location: The Trailside Center at 99th and Holmes

Dates and Topics:
March 12: Introduction to Missouri Stream Teams
April 9: Water testing and biodiversity
May 28: Kayak the Blue River
June 11: Native and invasive plants

For questions, contact Sarah Benal at
sarah@heartlandconservationalliance.org or 816-349-9201

Past Green Guard Programs

The Green Guard Stewardship Program has been in Ivanhoe, Blue Valley, Marlborough and Seven Oaks Neighborhoods. The class convenes once a week for 10-12 weeks each spring and fall. The program provides a stipend, water bottle and resources each week. Our partners help teach each class, exposing community members to a wide array of expertise and opportunities. The Green Guard Stewardship Program connects Kansas City communities to environmental knowledge and resources while improving environmental literacy in watershed health, plant identification, biodiversity, community engagement, green infrastructure, how to safely interact with wildlife in the city and land use. In addition, it increases community engagement within civic organizations who work to alleviate poverty by building capacity in order to protect natural areas for the enjoyment of all.

Below we have answered some of the frequently asked questions. For more information contact Sarah at sarah@heartlandconservationalliance.org or at 816-349-9201.