Eddy - Ballentine Trail Restoration

Join Sierra Club as we work together to restore the diversity, health and resiliency of the Blue River Glades Natural Area. This remnant of ecologically significant public land is managed in conjunction with Jackson County Parks & Recreation & KC Wildlands. It is located in the heart of Kansas City providing “nearby nature” opportunities for all. From 1:00 to 3:00 volunteers will work to remove invasive shrub honeysuckle from the Eddy-Ballentine Trail loop which winds through upland forest to the Blue River Glade Natural Area. From 3:30-4:00 we will do an optional hike.

Located just south of Swope Park, this rare limestone glade community is one of the northernmost occurrences of such a community in Missouri and the best example existing locally. Gnarled chinquapin oaks nearly 300 years old sit atop slab-like outcroppings of Bethany Falls limestone. A prairie-like flora of grasses and wildflowers provides rich color and texture through most of the year. This community is managed through periodic prescribed burning.

The glade is threatened by several exotic plant species, especially shrub honeysuckle. Please come and help so native flowers and grasses flourish again in these stunning wild areas. Trail maintenance this time of year is an advantage because there are fewer ticks but if it is too cold we will reschedule. No prior experience necessary!

What to Bring:
A water bottle full of water
Bug spray and sunscreen
Work gloves, and a hand saw or loppers if you have them
Long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes (no sandals) are required
Layers of clothing and a hat depending on the weather.

At sign-in, all participants on Sierra Club outings are required to sign a standard participant agreement you can read here, if you would like to read it b4 you choose to participate, www.tinyurl.com/sonsite

There are no vaccine, mask, or testing mandates.
If you're sick, please do not attend.
If you develop symptoms/illness during the trip, you may be removed for your and others' safety.
Knowing the above, it is your choice to attend the outing.

Check out this short video of one of our workdays by Nyvia DelaCruz, Jackson County Communications DPT who also took the above photo: https://www.instagram.com/p/CXb8e8PpD4z/

This video explains how and why we are getting rid of honeysuckle-
https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=how+to+chainsqw+honeysuckle&&view=detail&mid=7B9E815CCBCF458704A77B9E815CCBCF458704A7&&FORM=VDRVSR

Explore, Enjoy and Protect the Planet 🌎
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.

Why America must protect 30x30 (w/ Sen. Tom Udall, Dr. Enric Sala) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4VmOchhp8o