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. His words resonate with us today and we use a walk to highlight them because for many, nature is a place of peacefulness, awe, and inspiration. We hope the walk can be restorative and provide a serene tradition for Kansas Citians. This event is free and open to all. You are welcome to attend either the walk, the presentation, or both.
Join us Jan. 19, 2026 from 9:30am-12 Noon at Bruce R Watkins Cultural Center. Spend time outside. Pay attention to the details of nature and consider the ways humans and nature are connected, and how the Blue River is an asset to the community. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man dedicated to service and it is our duty to follow his guidance and be of service to nature. It is through service to nature and others we can create a healthier future for all.
Furry friends are invited on the walk, but are not allowed inside the Cultural Center. If you do choose to bring your furry friend, please ensure they are on a leash for the duration of the walk.
Please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. This event will take place rain or shine.
About the Event:
This year’s event will be anchored at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center. The program is structured to offer both educational content and outdoor activity. Attendees can check in and enjoy light refreshments, including warm drinks, starting at 9:30 AM. The event will officially begin with the speaker presentation at 10:00 AM. Following the presentation, we will take a refreshing nature walk at 11:00 AM, starting directly from the Cultural Center and following the picturesque path along Brush Creek to conclude the event at 12:00 PM.
Tentative schedule:
- 9:30-10am: Check-in, registration, and refreshments
- 10-11am: Speaker program
- 11-12pm: Nature walk along Brush Creek
- 12pm: Event end
Please help us stay green by bringing your own water bottle!
How to Participate:
- Register using this LINK before the event for yourself AND any legal dependents under 18 or adults under your legal guardianship. For this event, anyone:
- 15 or older can volunteer independently.
- 14 and younger must be under parent or legal guardian supervision the entire time.
- Review and accept the Volunteer Waiver of Liability, Assumption of Risks, and Photo Release:
- If you are 18 or older, click the link above to review the waiver and then electronically confirm your acceptance when finalizing your registration.
- If you are under 18 or an adult under legal guardianship, you can register in one of two ways:
- Through a parent or legal guardian, who must add you to their registration and accept the waiver electronically.
- Independently, but you must provide a waiver signed by your parent or legal guardian either as a hard copy at the event or by emailing a scanned copy to the event contact beforehand.
What to Bring:
- Plenty of water appropriate for your needs and weather conditions. There will be no running water on site.
- Sunscreen and/or bug spray as appropriate.
- Long pants and close toed shoes are highly recommended to protect against bugs.
Note that there are public restrooms on site, but they can be locked and are not always reliable. Please keep this in mind and plan accordingly.
