Protect our Streams

Stream Streams are among the most important natural resources in the Kansas City region, contributing to the overall quality of life in our communities.

Stream corridors provide vital habitat networks for wildlife and help filter out pollutants from
our waterways.

What's the problem?

Many property owners may not realize that what they do on their land impacts neighborhoods, stream habitats and water quality downstream.

The condition of land surrounding streams directly affects property values, the health of the stream and the well-being and safety of the public.

What Can You Do?

Residents have an opportunity to help improve the quality of stream corridors whether they live along stream corridors or not. These are some simple steps that you can take to help improve the quality of streams corridors in the Kansas City region:

Don't mow to edges. Mowing close to a stream’s edge damages roots that hold soil in place, causing stream banks to erode and contributing to loss of natural habitats. Avoid mowing within 10 to 25 feet from the edge of a stream.

Fertilize less. When the organic nutrients in fertilizers enter the stream cycle, they degrade water quality. Test your soil for healthy levels of nutrients on a regular basis.

Landscape with native plants. Check with your local nursery for plants that have deep roots and are naturally adapted to the climate and soil. Their natural properties eliminate or reduce the need for mowing, watering, fertilizers or pesticides.

Don't dump waste. Trash and litter on stream banks is unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe for humans and wildlife. Proper containment and disposal of organic trash and yard waste is also critical to maintaining clean streams. These materials decompose when they enter the stream cycle, releasing foul odors and leading to poor water quality.

General stream/watershed info links:

Stream protection and stream team links: