river

Urban rivers are struggling with water pollution, as the Blue River in Kansas City shows. Restoring riverside woodlands and other natural areas could lead to a healthier river.

Restoring woodlands and protecting undeveloped areas near the Blue River and its creeks are a few of the steps that could mitigate pollution and flooding.

University of Illinois researchers analyzed traces of DNA in rivers and streams to learn how strips of trees near water — called riparian buffers — impact land species.

Native freshwater mussels do important work filtering the water in Midwest rivers. These animals are in trouble, but Kansas has a plan to help them. Plus: We'll hear from farmers around the central U.S. about what made this such a tough year, and what may come in 2026.

The fish and rare mussels hiding in the Spring River that flows through Kansas and Missouri are signs that environmental cleanups are helping river wildlife recover from a century of mining pollution.

Animals that disappeared from some rivers because of pollution, dams and overharvesting are getting a new lease on life that could have ripple effects for other wildlife and for humans.

Nick Phillips and a partner spent 73 hours racing by boat across Missouri, on the annual MR340 challenge that starts in Kansas City. The hallucinations were just part of the challenge.

An ARPA grant from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources allowed the city to invest $5 million to restore the Blue River. Once a favorite for outdoor recreation in Kansas City, the river has become polluted as a result of urbanization.

All around Kansas City are lakes and rivers perfect for paddlers. Check out this guide for spots to kayak, paddleboard and canoe, where to rent and buy equipment, and safety tips.

Southwest Kansas residents are making an effort to remember a river that helped shape communities in the area. The Arkansas River today has run dry in the region, but has left a significant impact, leading locals looking for conservation and recharge efforts.

Flying Asian carp, river barge traffic, and dangerous eddies all awaited Steve Kueny as he floated his massive fruit, called "Huckle Berry," from Kansas City, Kansas, to Napoleon, Missouri. But after 11 hours, Kueny completed his journey — squashing the world record.

Severe storms and winds kept racers in the MR340, a river race from Kansas City to St. Charles, from finishing the endurance race. But they still plan to celebrate.