Resources
Explore the activities and guides from our previous Renew the Blue events. The materials below have been designed and created by our Renew the Blue partners to enrich outdoor experiences for those who live in the Blue River Watershed. We invite you to show us how you engage with the Blue River with #renewtheblue. Looking for more? Check out the "Calendar" for events and opportunities to restore, protect, and engage with nature.
Take A Hike, KC
TAKE A HIKE, KC is a 2021 Girl Scout Gold Award project encouraging kids and adults in the Kansas City area to be physically active outside while exploring our beautiful region.
​
The website includes a free map and guides for 20 free and beautiful trails in Kansas City. They are crowd-sourced and recently walked, but there are many other trails and byways to explore. Follow TAKE A HIKE, KC on social media for more inspiration and trail recommendations in our area!
For other times when you would like to receive the benefits of time spent in nature, consider bringing more nature into your everyday life. This blog series, from author Ken Lassman, can help you find simple ways to "Invite Nature Into Your Home."
​
This guided nature connection is my Sami Aaron, founder of The Resilient Activist. The recording is out-of-doors so there are some background noises. You can find Sami's nature-based meditation on Insight Timer.
Climate Conversations with The Resilient Activist
Visit HCA's Instagram or YouTube channel. for a Blue River-focused guided meditation led by Sami Aaron. This meditation, How the Blue River Enriches My Life, guides you through an outdoor nature experience whether you are near a stream bank or you are visualizing one from memory. Download the "Bringing Home Nature" handout to continue the meditative practice.
​
Lock Your Love at Red Bridge
At Minor Park you can "Lock Your Love" at the Red Bridge, which crosses the Blue River in South Kansas City. Visit KC Parks for more information about the tradition.
Do you love history? Visit the Trails Head Chapter for diary excerpts, historical walking tours, and more.
The Prothonotary Warbler is the focal species found at Swope Park, one of HCA's action areas. To learn more, check out HCA's website.
Birds and the Blue River
Renew the Blue partners participated in the 2021 Great Backyard Bird Count by bird watching and counting from their own backyards. Our friends at U.S. Fish and Wildlife created a Bird Count Bingo Card to assist in the activity. How many can you find?
MLK Jr. Nature Walk Map
Each year we gather our partners and the Kansas City community for a walk that elicits listening, reflecting, and honoring the words of Dr. King. For more information visit HCA's Website.
Due to COVID restrictions the 2021 event occurred all day and as a self-guided tour. The 2.5 mile walk along a paved trail starts the the MLK Jr. Square Park and ends at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center. The map shows the route, as well as a few of HCA's Action Areas.
