Amid the growing need for a specialized group to manage native plantings and natural areas in Kansas City, the Kansas City Conservation Corps was created in September 2009. Consisting of four staff, and managed in conjunction with other Parks and Recreation Maintenance divisions, this crew’s mission is to “provide residents of Kansas City with quality outdoor experiences and implement the preservation and conservation of natural and created resources.”
The Conservation Corps accomplishes this mission by partnering with not-for-profit organizations, local governmental entities, and community groups to leverage available resources via volunteer and inter-governmental networking. Existing partnerships with KC Wildlands, the Missouri Department of Conservation, and other like groups were instrumental in initial mission formation and provide a strong support base for the program.
Specific service goals of the Conservation Corps are to coordinate City resources to leverage volunteer efforts, educate City staff and community groups in conservation practices, maintain City’s inventory of native and created natural resources, and support the City’s Green Solutions and Climate Protection initiatives.
To date, the Conservation Corps has worked with the following groups on conservation oriented projects and programs: KC Wildands, Missouri Department of Conservation, Blue River Watershed Association, GreenWorks of Kansas City, Missouri Prairie Foundation, US Army Corps of Engineers, Westport-Roanoke Neighborhood Association, Jackson County Parks and Recreation, Blue River Rescue, Missouri Master Naturalist Association, Friends of the Lakeside Nature Center, Deep Roots KC, and the Kessler Society. Other projects and partnerships are being developed on an on-going basis.
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For more information about the Conservation Corps or to explore partnership opportunities in conserving Kansas City’s natural resources, contact Stephen Van Rhein at [email protected].
