I have not lived in Kansas, but through my collegue Steve, who grew up in the Kansas City area, I have come to understand how the wide-open plains shape the people who live there. Kansas does not have mountains, but its endless skies, vast prairies, and meandering rivers instill steadiness, practicality, and a deep respect for the land. Iv’e heard stories about growing up on the plains, farm life, and noticing how small actions such as caring for a riverbank or planting a tree can have ripple effects for wildlife and community. These experiences taught me that stewardship in Kansas is less about grandeur and more about consistent care. The landscape encourages patience, persistence, and pride in preserving both natural and human communities.

Environmental Challenges

• Agricultural runoff affects the Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas Rivers, impacting water quality for millions downstream

• Soil erosion in farming regions sensitive to drought cycles reduces productivity and degrades landscapes

• Prairie habitat loss threatens pollinators, wildlife, and biodiversity across the state

• Wetland decline diminishes natural filtration and critical habitat for many species

• Urban litter and illegal dumping in towns, parks, and along roadsides pose ongoing environmental risks

Cleanup Spots

• Riverfronts and greenways along the Missouri, Kansas, and Arkansas Rivers benefit from cleanup efforts because protecting waterways supports both people and wildlife

• Wetlands and nature preserves require debris removal to maintain delicate ecosystems and sustain pollinator populations

• Urban-to-rural transition areas collect windblown trash along fences and fields, which eventually reaches rivers and prairies

• Community parks and trails in Kansas City, Lawrence, Wichita, and Topeka need regular stewardship to ensure safe and welcoming green spaces

• Vacant lots and roadside corridors accumulate trash over time, creating hazards for wildlife and reducing community appeal