Sustainability

Discover 10 acres of gardens, wetlands, walkways and wildlife surrounding the Discovery Center building, located near the banks of Brush Creek at Troost in Kauffman Legacy Park. Many sustainable design features were implemented in the creation of the center. Located in the heart of the urban core, the Discovery Center focuses its educational programs on helping urban children and adults appreciate the bounty and beauty of nature, and learn outdoor skills such as hiking, camping, wildlife viewing and growing native plants. The Missouri Outdoors Nature Shop is also located at the center.

Located in Blue Springs just north of I-70, this 1,000 acre property was purchased in 1977 and the Nature Center was built in 1982, the first nature center in the State of Missouri. Natural features on the area include steep forested hillsides along Burr Oak Creek (the namesake of the property), large limestone boulders and outcrops, restored prairies and woodlands, and a trail complex that will guide visitors through many of the listed features. Many educational events are sponsored by the center.

Johnson County Park and Recreation District’s 116-acre nature park consisting of a diverse range of habitats including tall grass prairies, upland meadows, bottom land forest and a beautiful stream to explore through three miles of hiking trails. Provides a laboratory for learning, understanding, and admiring nature. The center hosts an exhibit gallery featuring live animal displays and interactive exhibits and many educational events.

One of only two public library environmental learning centers in the United States. The library is the result of a unique partnership between the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library, USD 500, and the Unified Government of Wyandotte County Parks and Recreation Department. For more about the Library, including camps, special events, and more, click here. The library is located on the west side of Wyandotte County Lake Park. The library also offers special programming for area schools and organizations.

Sign up for their newsletter and keep current of the many events held at Kansas City Missouri area conservation locations including Burr Oak, Anita Gorman, and Lake City and Parma Woods Shooting Ranges.