In his 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stated, “We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.”
KC Parks and the Heartland Conservation Alliance invite you to honor the spirit, work, and relevant words of Dr. King, Jr. on Monday, January 16th.
We will begin with a contemplative reflection to honor King’s legacy and Nova Clarke from U.S. Fish and Wildlife will lead a restorative nature walk along the trails of Brush Creek. The walk will start at 9:30 a.m. at the “15 and the Mahomies Playground” at MLK Jr. Square Park, located at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and Woodland Avenue, Kansas City, Mo. and concludes at Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center, 3700 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. , Kansas City, Mo. 64130.
The walk will be approximately 2.5 miles long. At Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center there will be free refreshments, a chance to reflect on Dr. King’s statements. The event will feature keynote speakers from local leaders such as Carl Stafford, founder and visionary of MY REGION WINS! The program will conclude at 1:00 p.m. Agenda USA will provide shuttles to bring participants back to MLK Jr. Square Park from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This event is hosted by Heartland Conservation Alliance, Missouri State Parks, and Kansas City Parks and Recreation.
Details about the Walk
Bring the whole family to this community event, now in its ninth year. The peaceful nature of Dr. King, Jr. ‘s work will be reflected in this walk that encourages the community to come together, step away from the chaos of the city, and find peace in the beauty of nature. The 2.5 mile walk is partially paved and accessible for persons of all ages and abilities. Dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. Parking is available at the Martin Luther King, Jr., Square Park. At the end of the event, participants can take a shuttle from the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center to the Martin Luther King, Jr., Square Park. Furry friends are welcome on the walk portion of the event but are not allowed inside of the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center.
The walk is hosted by Heartland Conservation Alliance, Kansas City Parks and Recreation, Missouri State Parks, and the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center. As well as sponsored by AgendaUSA.
For details about the Nature Walk, contact Tabitha Carr, Nature Action Crew Member and Acting Outdoor Education Coordinator, 816-882-2402, or by email at info@heartlandconservationalliance.org.
View a video from 2021:
About Heartland Conservation Alliance
Dedicated to conserving natural areas, convening community members, and connecting people to nature, Heartland Conservation Alliance is a nonprofit that works collaboratively throughout the Kansas City area. Dedicated to conserving natural areas, convening community members and connecting people to nature, Heartland Conservation Alliance is a nonprofit that works collaboratively throughout the Kansas City area.