The Kaw Valley Heritage Alliance is non-profit organization focused on watershed awareness in the Kansas (Kaw) River Valley.
We are especially interested in past, present, and future relationships between water quality and quality of life.
Through KVHA people and partners with diverse backgrounds and perspectives collaborate on grassroots projects that protect and conserve the cultural and natural heritages of the Kansas River Valley.
Visit our iGoogle to see RSS feeds from a variety of news and partner sources. DragonflyCounty.info
KVHA has a Google Group Page for people to post announcements and share project ideas. DragonflyCounty.org
Simply having basic nuts & bolts resources can make a huge difference in turning a wonderful idea into a meaningful project. The purpose of the Grassroots Project Center is to help partnership projects come to fruition.
The Project Center has a computer lab with wireless internet, a casual meeting space, project workspace, an LCD projector, a photocopier, printers, laminators, paper cutters, a phone & fax, a digital watershed library, outreach resources, so on & so forth.
Plus, people with experience in project planning, issue research, outreach strategies, journalism, graphic design, and creating web tools.
A combination of individual and partner contributions, project grants, and community donations keep the resource center open.
Overview of Programs and Projects
Kansas StreamLink: Volunteer Stream Monitoring & K-12 Watershed Experiences StreamLink began in the spring of 1998 as a means to connect stream teams in the Kansas River Valley. The program began providing services statewide in 2001.
Wakarusa Watershed Restoration & Protection: Community Watershed Stewardship & Resource Management (KVHA is a WRAPS partner.)
- Wakarusa Wetland Learners: An environmental education initiative that builds community involvement with wetland protection through hands-on field trips to wetlands in the Wakarusa River Valley. (KHVA is one of several partners.)
- Coon Creek Wildlife Area: Volunteer-based ecosystem restoration A kiosk and overlook bench have been installed to help the public understand and appreciate this narrow valley.
Mudscapes: A Hands-On Group Learning Experience in Watershed Community Planning
Internship Program: Over 20 individuals have taken part in KVHA’s internship program since it was established in 2000.
Printed Publications:
Catfish Cookies By Barbara Higgins-Dover (2007)
Exploring the Kaw Valley: A guide to the natural and historic treasures of the Kansas River Valley By Lynn Byczynski (2002)
Caring for the Kaw: Citizen’s Guide to Water Quality Protection
Basic Stream Assessment Workshop Training Manual Notebook & The StreamLink Program Training Manual Notebook (materials compilation & writings by KVHA/StreamLink Staff & Volunteers)
Periodicals: The Water Shed, The Dragonfly Messenger, and The Wakarusa Review
