Join us today or this Saturday for restoration work at the Heartland Overlook Preserve. As an added bonus, Saturday’s restoration workday is also paired with a bioblitz in collaboration with the City Nature Challenge! Register for either or both opportunities at tinyurl.com/hcawr26
Happy #EarthDay from Heartland Conservation Alliance 🌎 Let's shower our incredible planet with extra love today and make it a habit every day. Remember, even the smallest acts of green kindness – like recycling that extra bottle or planting native flowers – can make a big, beautiful difference! 🌱💚
suggest that this reach of the Blue River is healthier than areas further downstream (Middle and Lower segments) where less sensitive macroinvertebrates have been observed. To learn more about water quality along the Blue River, check out our Report Card at tinyurl.com/hcabrrc
While macroinvertebrate sampling last year in the Upper Blue River at Minor Park, we found multiple crawfish. This, in addition to the other more sensitive macroinvertebrates we observed, are indicators of water quality and
Happy #NationalCrawfishDay from HCA! Most people use this day as an opportunity to enjoy some yummy #crawfish but we want to highlight them as an important part of the Blue River ecosystem.
The AmeriCorps VISTA program engages members in building organizational capacity and creating sustainable programs that address community needs. Learn more about HCA's AmeriCorps VISTA position and apply at tinyurl.com/hcaamericorps26
This past Saturday, Heartland Conservation Alliance was one of many organizations across the KC metro that took part in Project Blue River Rescue. We had over 50 volunteers at our clean-up location near Municipal Farm that collected over 1,800 lbs of trash from the Blue River.
Blue River Day is a new observance designed to inspire volunteerism, environmental education, youth engagement, and a shared civic commitment to protecting the Blue River watershed—one of Kansas City’s most vital natural, historical, and ecological assets.
Yesterday, KCMO City Council passed a proclamation declaring April 4th to be Blue River Day. This monumental proclamation aims to make way for more progress and support in #RenewingtheBlue as well as informing the community more on the importance of the Blue River to Kansas City.
On 3/25, the Blue River Urban Waters Federal Partnership enjoyed a bi-state tour of the watershed. Over 30 representatives from various Kansas and Missouri agencies and organizations visited five locations along the Blue River to hear from various watershed project speakers and see the work 1st hand
By focusing on detail and precision, Otto’s is helping restore the land while keeping as much of the natural system intact as possible.
Restoration isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s about using the right approach in the right place.
This method allows them to:
• Protect and preserve existing native trees
• Minimize soil disturbance and erosion
• Work more effectively in wet or sensitive conditions
• Build a deeper, on-the-ground understanding of the ecosystem
Instead of heavy machinery, their crew uses hand saws, chainsaws, and loppers to remove invasive species one plant at a time. Each cut stump is immediately treated to prevent regrowth, reducing the need for repeated spraying later and limiting impact to surrounding native plants.
Not all restoration work looks the same.
On some #RenewingtheBlue tracts, you’ll see large equipment like forestry mulchers + brush hogs clearing invasive species at scale. But Otto’s Environmental Improvements is taking a different approach—one that’s slower, more precise, and deeply intentional.
We invite you to explore the HOP trails on your own to catch these fleeting beauties that are vital to our local ecosystem and a critical food source for our early insect friends; just please stay on the trails to help protect them.
We sure did this past Saturday at Heartland Overlook Preserve (HOP)! We were lucky to spot a bouquet of spring ephemerals, including Dutchman’s Breeches and the budding Bloodroot.
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
Spring ephemerals are blooming
Have you seen a few?
This makes them the ultimate safe haven for amphibians and invertebrates to lay their eggs.
A few weeks ago after heavy rains we discovered this secret, deep ephemeral pond at the Heartland Overlook Preserve where even the frogs might need floaties! 🐸🛶💦
Nature’s seasonal nurseries, ephemeral ponds! Formed by rising groundwater and spring runoff, these temporary wetlands are more than just large puddles.
Their "off-and-on" nature is a biological shield. Without permanent water, predatory fish can’t survive.
We are still accepting applications for our Fund Development Manager! Learn more about this position and how to apply by going to tinyurl.com/hcahiring
Your presence matters. A strong community turnout shows the City just how much support exists for the Blue River—its health, conservation, and the many opportunities it creates for community connection and engagement. The more voices in the room, the stronger the message.
Looking to get down and dirty to improve the health of the Blue River? Join us at the Heartland Overlook Preserve for woodland restoration, plug planting, and trash treks this April! ✨ Sign up at linktr.ee/heartlandconservationalliance
On April 4th, recognized by several local jurisdictions as Blue River Day, join us in cleaning up the watershed by removing trash and debris to help keep our city and its natural spaces clean and healthy.
Register at tinyurl.com/hcapbrr26
Interested in hosting us for a Blue River Community event in your neighborhood to learn more about the Renewing the Blue project? Please contact Mahreen, HCA’s Communications & Community Engagement Coordinator, at mahreen@heartlandconservationalliance.org.
Stay engaged with upcoming recreational and volunteer activities in the Renewing the Blue project areas by visiting our project webpage which includes a shared calendar and an interest form for a Renewing the Blue Watershed Walk at joinrenewtheblue.org/arpa-project
Restoration project leaders @btgkc.bsky.social and Heartland Conservation Alliance shared updates on restoring the banks along the Blue River and its trails, planting 1700 neighborhood trees, and installing a Community Food Forest at Blue Valley Park.
Last week KC neighborhoods came together at Gregg Klice Community Center for the second Blue River Communities event to learn more about #renewtheblue
Say hello to spring with a guided exploration of the blooming ephemerals along Bloodroot Bluff at the Heartland Overlook Preserve along the Blue River. RSVP at tinyurl.com/hcatges26
Excited to announce that we’re looking for seasonal interns to assist with invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and more, while learning practical land stewardship and conservation skills! To learn more about this opportunity, including how to apply, go to tinyurl.com/hcalandstewardintern
