Have you ever kayaked, canoed or fished on the Kansas River? You can thank Friends of the Kaw (FOK) for that. Before the non-profit was formed almost 30 years ago, the river was nearly inaccessible to the public. Since then, the Lawrence-based organization has increased the number of boat ramps from six to 19 while protecting the river from pollution. It’s a massive responsibility— the river provides drinking water to 800,000 people— but undoubtedly worth it to protect the largest prairie watershed in the world.
On Friday, March 1, FOK will host the 10th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Festival at Liberty Hall to benefit the non-profit as well as the Kansas Riverkeeper program. It’s part of a 140-city tour to get the message out about environmental preservation.
McGrew Real Estate agent and FOK volunteer Heather Noble says it’s a night of incredible filmmaking: “You can expect to be amazed at the talent and the content of the film presented. They open your heart and your mind to what is possible within us all.”
For just $15, you gain access to 10 short films, education about various organizations that advocate for the river and the chance to enter a raffle for a Perception Conduit 13.0 Kayak donated by Sunflower Outdoor and Bike.
Water gadgets are cool and all, but to be able to participate in the preservation of a resource that is crucial to the livelihood of future generations is arguably worth more karma points.
Noble is happy to do her part: “It’s important because we all drink and recreate on the river and the streams that lead to the river. If we do not protect our most valuable resource, who will?”
The festival starts at 7 p.m. Friday night. For more information, click HERE.
Film List:
Girls and Glaciers
What Does It Take
Our Last Trash
Creek Sessions feat. Jessica Kilroy
Shape of a River
Intermission
Colors of Change
Escape
Downstream
Great Old Broads for Wolves
Big World