We’re excited to announce a major new restoration effort in partnership with the City of Kansas City, MO, funded by an ARPA green infrastructure stormwater grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. As part of this initiative, Heartland Conservation Alliance (HCA) and Bridging the Gap have been contracted by the City to restore up to 250 acres of riparian corridor habitat along the Blue River—Kansas City’s largest and most vital watershed.
This ambitious project, titled Renewing the Blue: Restoring Land, Water, and Community Canopy, will focus on revitalizing the Blue River and its surrounding ecosystems, ultimately benefiting both the environment and nearby communities. We’ll be sharing regular updates as the project progresses, highlighting key milestones, ecological impacts, and community benefits.
Our first update: establishing a baseline.
Before restoration work begins, it’s essential to capture an ecological snapshot of the area to serve as a baseline for measuring future progress. We’re currently conducting thorough assessments using standardized methods like the Community Health Index (CHI), along with more detailed vegetation plot surveys and soil analyses. These evaluations help us monitor the health of [urban] natural areas—such as woodlands and streamside habitats—over time.
Together with Bridging the Gap and the University of Kansas – Edwards Campus, we’re gathering vital data on plant diversity, tree populations, and soil quality. This information not only gives us insight into the site’s current ecological value, but also helps us understand how restoration efforts will enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, mitigate stormwater runoff, and contribute to climate resilience.
Two additional key partners, the Mid-America Regional Council and Deep Roots, will support the project by developing technical training and a best practices manual, and leading community-focused native plant installations, respectively. This collaboration ensures the project not only improves ecological health but also builds capacity for long-term stewardship across the region.
Stay tuned as we work to Renew the Blue—restoring a healthier, more resilient river for all.
LEARN MORE
CONTACT:
Phone: 816.845.8505
Email: info@heartlandconservationalliance.org
