Environmental Justice Grantee Showcase
Invigorating Involvement in the Environmental Movement
Thursday, July 13, 2017
2:00PM – 3:00PM Eastern

Register Here
The EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ) provides annual funding to local, tribal and community-based organizations working with communities facing disproportionate environmental and public health burdens. The Environmental Justice (EJ) Grants program is designed to help communities understand and address exposure to multiple environmental harms and risks. All funded projects are associated with at least one qualified environmental statute, such as the Clean Water Act and the Solid Waste Disposal Act.

Hear directly from two EJ grantees about their success with the EJ Grants program! Learn how Groundwork New Orleans and Friends of the Kaw have utilized funding from the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice to invigorate public involvement and strengthen local capacity to tackle environmental and public health challenges burdening the community.

Invigorating Involvement in the Environmental Movement

· Date: 07/13/2017
· Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern
· Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invigorating-involvement-in-the-environmental-movement-tickets-35783364005
Upon registration, you will be emailed with information on how to access the webinar.

Agenda

· Welcome – Simone Walter (OEJ), Communications Coordinator
· Introduction to the EPA’s Environmental Justice Grant Programs – Jacob Burney (OEJ), Program Analyst
· Friends of the Kaw – Laura, Calwell, Education Director
· Groundwork New Orleans – Alicia Neal, Executive Director
· Question and Answer Session with Speakers

Background

The EPA provides direct support through financial and technical assistance to vulnerable, low-income, minority and tribal communities seeking to understand and develop holistic solutions to their environmental and public health issues. Resources are allocated to improving the quality of the air, land and water so that communities may live, work, play, pray and go to school in healthier, more sustainable environments.

The Office of Environmental Justice works directly with communities to implement solutions that address local environmental and health concerns. The Office provides financial assistance through two opportunities: the Environmental Justice Small Grants Program and the Collaborative Problem-Solving Cooperative Agreement Program.

To learn more about either financial assistance program and the impact made by the funded projects, please visit: https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/environmental-justice-grants-funding-and-technical-assistance

If you have any questions, please contact Simone Walter for additional information.

DE SOTO BOAT RAMP
4TH OF JULY HOLIDAY

The City has begun preparations for the annual 4th of July at Riverfest fireworks event on Tuesday, July 4th! Please note the Kansas River boat ramp access at Riverfest will be CLOSED from 6:00 pm on Monday, July 3rd, until 6:00 am on Wednesday, July 5th, for the fireworks staging area. Thank you for your cooperation. We look forward to seeing you at Riverfest for a fun night of food and craft vendors, the Good Sam Club Band, and another terrific night of the City’s fireworks display.

The Kansas River has been accepted into
The Sustainable Rivers Program!

The Merc Co+Op’s Change for our Community Program in June!

FOK is the Change Recipient of
The Merc Co+op’s Change for our Community Program in June!

 
Guess what’s coming in June? Friends of the Kaw is honored to be the Change Recipient of the The Merc Co+op‘s Change for our Community Program that gives shoppers the opportunity to donate their pocket change to local community organizations each time they shop. Each month, The Merc Co+op chooses a different Change recipient and all donations collected that month go to that specific organization.

Friends of the Kaw is the month of JUNE! Please support The Merc, Lawrence’s cooperative, community-owned grocery store and round up for FOK!  Learn more here:  http://www.themerc.coop/donations

Winesong at Riverfest 2017!

Come and join FOK to support the DeSoto Rotary’s Event
WINESONG AT RIVERFEST 2017

This event has sold out in the past, so get your tickets!
This SATURDAY JUNE 3RD is the event! 

Buy tickets:  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2881586
*Get your tickets today….this event has sold out before!

Friends of the Kaw has been a past recipient of this fun event that benefits local organizations and programs.

Sample, buy and enjoy Kansas wines from wineries from throughout Kansas.

Enjoy music and complimentary appetizers.

View and purchase work from selected local artists.

The De Soto Rotary Club began Winesong at Riverfest in 2012 as it’s signature fund raising event. The De Soto Rotary Club supports many local, regional, and international projects.

FOK will be there – be sure to stop and see us!

Check out the website:  http://www.winesongatriverfest.com

Kansas River Inventory

Meet our Summer Intern!

Hello, my name is Tracey Funk and I can’t wait to be working with you all this summer. I am a rising junior at KU working towards a B.S. in Ecology. In the long run, I’m hoping to continue on the academic track within the field of river ecology or restoration. At KU I’ve done my best to stay involved in multiple activities, including working in Dr. James Thorp’s river ecology lab, playing trumpet in the Marching Jayhawks, and being on the executive board for my Scholarship Hall. Last summer I interned with the Education Department at the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, and I’m looking forward to continuing working with public outreach and education with Friends of the Kaw this summer.