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.
2023 Green Guard Stewardship Training
Funded by KC Water, the Green Guard Stewardship Training Program will increase community understanding and awareness of issues facing the Blue River and offer hands-on training to empower people to take action by serving as stewards. The training will focus on water quality education and engage new stewards with ideas for behavioral change across multiple generations.
The training program is FREE and open to any individual. Stewards who complete the training will receive a stipend at the final workshop. All tools, instruction, and snacks will be provided as well.
The hands-on training offers fellowship and positive experiences with nature to help change how people perceive nature, care for nature and interact with nature. Green Guard equips Stewards with the right resources and empowers them to address their needs for years to come through exposure to the positive health benefits of nature.
Registration for the 2023 KC Water Green Guard is currently closed. Keep your eyes on our website, newsletter and social media for upcoming opportunities!
Workshop Dates
March 25
April 29
May 27
June 17
Restoration Cleanup Dates
All Green Guard Stewards and community volunteers are invited to attend workdays on:
April 15
May 13
June 3
Location
Workshops will take place in off-site locations to
experience the Blue River in a variety of ways.
Locations include:
Missouri Organic Facilities
The Heartland Overlook Preserve
Blue River Park
Topics
Kayaking on the Blue River
Water Quality Issues in Kansas City
Conservation in Daily Life
Connecting Youth with the Environment
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Past Green Guard Programs
The Green Guard Stewardship Program has hosted with Ivanhoe, Blue Valley, Marlborough and Seven Oaks Neighborhoods. The neighborhood classes convened once a week for 10-12 weeks each spring and fall. A four 4-week version of Green Guard has also been hosted with HCA's Alliance partners across the Kansas City metro area with funding from KC Water.
The program provides a stipend and resources each week. Our partners help teach each class, introducing 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.
East High School Green Guard, 2019
Marlborough Green Guard, 2019
Seven Oaks
2017
Marlborough
2017
