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.

 

Date and time: 

Monday, January 20th, 2025

9:30 am to 12 pm

Event Schedule
  • 9:30 – 10:00 am: Check-in and registration at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center 
  • 10 – 10:30 am: Shortened nature walk (Brush Creek Loop) from the Cultural Center 
  • 10:30 – 11 am: Explore Cultural Center, refreshments, and registration/check-in for those joining the speaker program only
  • 11 – 12 pm: Plenary opening and keynote address at the Cultural Center

 

Location:

Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center

Click to enlarge map or here for an interactive version.

Nature Walk Guides & Program Speakers

Click image to enlarge

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 speaker program at the Cultural Center, or both. 
  • The guided 0.5 mile nature walk loop along Brush Creek led by a USFWS Ranger will focus on environmental justice as we follow a mostly paved path starting and end at 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

Free parking is available at the Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Center (3700 Blue Pkwy, Kansas City, MO 64130). Registration and check-in are inside the Cultural Center.

 

Resources

Click to download a promotional event flyer with additional details or a social media graphic to share.

*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.