Riverbank Restoration Volunteer Opportunities

Friends of the Kaw, Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, and our many partners are returning native plants to the banks of the Kansas River! 

Removing non-native plants and returning native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs benefits the river, people, and wildlife.  Native plants slow stormwater runoff which improves water quality.  Native plants stabilize the soil on the riverbank, decreasing erosion into the Kansas River. They also better filter pollutants and debris, provide habitat for wildlife, and provide food for pollinators – and they’re beautiful! 

Be a part of the action!  Most restoration tasks take place during volunteer workdays which last about 2-3 hours and begin with a short discussion about native plants and the Kansas River.  After that, we get to work removing invasive plants, planting new natives, or taking care of other tasks.  Training and tools are provided.  During 2024, we will host workdays at THREE different project sites!  Join us at any of these locations:

Lawrence and Eudora Restoration Update at the Lawrence 8th St. Boat Ramp/Mountain Bike Trails and the Eudora Boat Ramp.  Go to www.bit.ly/Fall2024RestorationRSVP for the list of dates and to RSVP.

Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project at Kaw River State Park, Topeka, KS.  This project was completed in June 2024.

Sign up for our volunteer email list!  Email Kim Bellemere, Director of Programming and Outreach at kim.bellemere@kansasriver.org to get on the list.  We send out information before each workday and we’ll share the latest news.  You can also follow Friends of the Kaw and our partners on social media.

Watch for special events!  Watch your email and social media for news about special projects like trash cleanups and tours.  Do you work with a group that wants to learn more or visit the site?  Let us know!  We’re happy to host school groups or provide presentations for community members.  Email Kim Bellemere for more information. 

Thank you to our Lawrence and Eudora project partners: Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department, and the Eudora Parks and Recreation Department. Funding provided by the Douglas County Natural and Cultural Heritage Grant Program.

Thank you to our Topeka project partners: Native Lands Restoration Collaborative, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the City of Topeka Utilities Department, and the Shawnee County Research and Extension Master Gardeners. Funding provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the Southern Power Company.