Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Nature Walk

Celebrating Dr. King’s Legacy

Each year since 2015, we come together with our partners and the Kansas City community for the MLK Jr. Nature Walk focused on environmental justice followed by a keynote speaker at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center.

This event encourages listening, reflection, and honoring the powerful words of Dr. King. Nature serves as a place of peacefulness, awe, and inspiration, making it the perfect setting to resonate with Dr. King’s timeless messages.

“We have flown the air like birds and swum the sea like fishes, but have yet to learn the simple act of walking the earth like brothers.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Register for the 11th Annual MLK, Jr Nature Hike

Click here to register for this event.

Registration link coming soon.

 

Date and Time:

Monday, January 20th, 2025

9 am to 12 pm

 

 

Event Schedule

  • 9 – 9:30 am: Check-in and registration
  • 9:15 – 10:45 am: Nature walk from 15 and the Mahomies Playground to Bruce R. Walkins Cultural Center (first group leaves at 9:15am; second group leaves at 9:30am)
  • 10:30 am: Shuttle service from Cultural Center to Parking areas begins
  • 10:30 – 11 am: Explore Cultural Center and refreshments
  • 11 – 12 pm: Keynote speaker at the Cultural Center
  • 12:30 pm: Shuttle service ends

 

Location:

Starting Point: “15 and the Mahomies” Playground at Martin Luther King Jr. Square Park

Ending Point: Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

Click map to enlarge or click here for an interactive version.

Event Details

  • This entire event is FREE and open to all, but please do register so we can plan accordingly.
  • You may join the guided nature walk along Brush Creek (a tributary of the Blue River), the post-walk gathering at the Cultural Center, or both. 
  • The guided 1.5 mile one-way nature walk led by USFWS will focus on environmental justice as we follow a mostly paved path from the MLK, Jr. Square Park to the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center.
  • Leashed dogs are welcome on the walk, but are not allowed inside the Cultural Center.
  • Event is rain or shine so please dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

 

Post-Walk Gathering

We’ll gather at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center to enjoy light refreshments provided by MO State Parks. During this time, Kansas City Parks and Recreation has organized local community leaders to share insights on environmental justice.

Parking

Limited parking with several handicap accessible spaces is available at Martin Luther King Jr. Square Park (Woodland Ave & Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64130). Overflow parking is available at the Paseo Academy of Fine and Performing Arts (4747 Flora Ave., Kansas City, MO 64110) and is only a 5 minute walk (0.2 miles) to the 15 and the Mahomies Playground Nature Walk check-in and registration location.

AgendaUSA will provide a shuttle from 10:30 am – 12:30 pm for a convenient return to your cars from the Cultural Center to the two parking areas.

 

 

 

[Download the Event Flyer] Click here to access additional details about the event.

*For more information or inquiries, please contact info@heartlandconservationalliance.org or call 816.945.8505.*

Event Organizers and Partners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Embrace Dr. King’s Legacy

Spend time outdoors, paying attention to the details of nature. Reflect on the connection between humans and nature, emphasizing the Blue River as a community asset. Follow Dr. King’s dedication to service by being of service to nature. Together, let’s create a healthier future for all.

Join us on this meaningful journey as we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and strive for a more connected and sustainable future.

“For in the true nature of things, if we rightly consider, every green tree is far more glorious than if it were made of gold and silver.”

~ Martin Luther King, Jr.