Chasing the Channel – Blog No. 31

Chasing the Channel – Blog No. 31

Is 2024 Your Year to Discover the Kaw?

Let this be your year to find your outdoor adventure right here in Kansas, literally in your backyard.  We have this beautiful resource with golden braided sandbars for you to explore!  As always, let me now how I can help you discover the Kaw. 

The Kansas River through the Flint Hills.

Well…I did not get my end of year blog post done but I have a good reason.  My little 16-month-old grandson was running through the house!  I got him a toddler tower this year so that I could get him near the kitchen sink to start playing in water!  And yes, it was a big hit!  I look forward to many outdoor adventures to teach this next generation all about the beauty of our world beyond the kitchen window.

Each December, our team meets to discuss planning for the new year. In January, our Board of Directors does the same.  We set goals for the both the Board and the Staff and the fun part is seeing all that we have accomplished from the past year.  While I do enjoy the occasional look back, I am more of a “here in the moment” person.  What am I doing today to move the needle? 

Dawn Buehler, Kansas Riverkeeper, meeting Governor Kelly in celebration of the Clean Water Act.

On Monday, the Kansas Legislator will gavel in and the session will begin.  Expect a great deal of the water conversations to continue in both the Statehouse and with my work with the Kansas Water Authority.  I will be at Governor Kelly’s State of the State Address this week at the Statehouse to listen to her vision for the year.  I hope you will tune in to listen on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at 6:30 PM.  You can stream the State of the State Address here

We have drafted our river calendar for 2024 and will be announcing it soon.  We are bringing back Beginner Wednesday’s, Members Events and MANY big river cleanups.  We look forward to sharing more details!

Jane, Kim and Dawn planning for the future.

This blog post is going to be short, because I will have much more to report after the Legislative session gets started.  For now, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone that donated to Friends of the Kaw for our end of year giving.  This is one of the most important times of the year for us because it helps to set the foundation for the coming year.  Your gift allows us to focus on the important work of protecting the Kansas River.  Your gift also allows your Kansas Riverkeeper to remain a non-governmental public advocate.  If you would like to give, you can send a check to P.O. Box 1612, Lawrence, KS 66044 or you can donate online. If you would like to see our Wish List for 2024, you can see it on our website.  Thank you for making our work possible!

I wish each one of you a healthy and adventurous 2024!  Will this be your year to discover the Kaw?  Let me know how we can help.  We are your oldest resource for the Kansas River!

May you always have sand in your shoes in the coming year!

For the river,

Dawn Buehler

Kansas Riverkeeper

2024 WISH LIST

FOK Board Member Lisa Grossman, digging a discarded tire out of the Kansas River.

2024 WISH LIST

Dear Friend of the Kaw,

As another year draws to a close, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support and commitment to Friends of the Kaw.

Friends of the Kaw achieved remarkable milestones in our mission to protect, preserve, and advocate for the Kansas River… none of this would be possible without your support.

In the past year alone, your contributions enabled us to: 

  • Remove tires, battery cases, trash, etc.
  • Advocate for the rehabilitation of the Kansas River’s environs, including its water quality, water quantity, and wildlife habitat.
  • Promote compatible public recreational uses of the Kansas River and encourage the development of public access.
  • Educate the public and youth about the importance, benefits, and beauty of the Kansas River.
  • Cooperate with other people, organizations, and public agencies in support of a healthy Kansas River ecosystem.
  • Monitor, respond and mediate suspected pollution incidents.

Great things are in store for 2024, and I ask for your help to build a lasting future for the Kansas River.

Dawn Buehler

Kansas Riverkeeper® & Executive Director

PS: Giving online is simple. Make your gift today kansasriver.org/donation

Read all about our 2024 Wish List here!

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8TH ANNUAL BEERS OF THE KAW Get Your 2023 Tickets: https://bit.ly/3PseNnb Sunday, November 5, 2023 3:00 to 6:00 PM Abe & Jake’s Landing, Lawrence, KS Tickets $35 and supports Friends of the Kaw and our work for the Kansas … [Continue reading]