Kansas River

Kayakers are trying to clean up garbage from the Kansas River, but new trash keeps coming. Learn about the small nonprofit group determined to protect the waterway. Plus: Extreme drought in the Midwest and Great Plains is allowing a fungus that kills trees to flourish. How are forestry crews and experts adapting to rapidly changing tree canopies?

Friends of the Kaw volunteers dig 2 to 6 tons of battery cases out of sandbars each year. They tackle items as big as septic tanks. Now they’re eyeing an ambitious cleanup target for 2030.

The existing bridge over the Kansas River was built in 1959, and has been repaired numerous times. Funding for its replacement was rolled into a bipartisan infrastructure law approved by Congress.

Near the Hy-Vee Arena, the historic bridge is being refit with 35,000 square feet of music venues, coffee shops, dining and trails. The project will physically connect Kansas City, Missouri, and Kansas City, Kansas, and hopes to revitalize the riverfront.

This historic railroad bridge — built in 1905 but out of service since the 70s — is being reimagined as a gathering space and entertainment hub, elevated 40 feet above the Kansas River. Developers hope the project will also help spur more development in the West Bottoms and connect the two Kansas Cities.