Spring volunteer opportunities on the riverbanks!

The spring equinox is March 20th this year, just a few days away! Be sure to subscribe to our quarterly newsletter and visit the Kaw Valley Environmental Events calendar for more info on how to engage in land stewardship, learn about native plants and animals, and sign up for educational community workshops.

One of our spring restoration partners, Friends of the Kaw, recently shared some helpful information about our collaborative volunteer events for this spring. Check out that info here or read more below. You can also follow their work by visiting this link.

From Friends of the Kaw:

"Join us for a Riverbank Restoration Workday or Event and Be a Part of Something Amazing!

It's the final season of the Lawrence and Eudora Riverbank Restoration Update!  Join Friends of the Kaw, Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, and the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department on one of the dates below to learn about our natural heritage and help us restore the riverbank along the Kansas and Wakarusa Rivers. 

The Eudora workdays and events will take place on:

Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM.

Thursday, May 15, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

The Lawrence workdays and events will take place on:

Tuesday, March 27, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM - in just two weeks!

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

Learn more and RSVP at www.bit.ly/2025RestorationRSVP.  

Questions?  Email Kim Bellemere, Friends of the Kaw Director of Programming and Outreach, at kim.bellemere@kansasriver.org.

Why does riverbank restoration work matter?  Removing non-native plants from the riverbank and returning native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs benefits the river, people, and wildlife.  Native plants slow stormwater runoff which improves water quality.  Native plants stabilize the soil on the riverbank, decreasing erosion into the Kansas River. They also better filter pollutants and debris, provide habitat for wildlife, and provide food for pollinators – and they’re beautiful! 

Thank you to the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage grant program for their support of this important work!"