Visitors of the popular Kaw River State Park may notice excavation work near the boat ramp located in the northeast corner of the park. This earth and excavation work, led by the City of Topeka, is part of the greater Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project.
The Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project is a two-year project, and encompasses 22 acres of land in the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ 76-acre Kaw River State Park. The restoration project, led by Friends of the Kaw (FOK), aims to remove non-native plants and invasive species from the area.
Currently, the City’s contractor is making improvements in the boat ramp area to reduce erosion and sediment loss. Additionally, the contractor will be constructing some nested basins near the parking lot to promote water quality by infiltration and filtration. The excavation work is expected to be complete in the next few weeks, weather permitting.
Once complete, FOK and project partners will work with volunteers to return native grasses, wildflowers, trees, and shrubs to the area. Returning native plants will stabilize soil, while improving drainage and water quality of the river. All of the City’s water originates from the Kansas River.
The Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project is made possible by FOK, Native Lands LLC, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the City of Topeka Utilities Department, and Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners.
To learn more about the Topeka Riverbank Restoration Project, including volunteer opportunities, visit https://kansasriver.org/get-involved/volunteer/riverbank-restoration-volunteer-opportunities/.
For more on Kaw River State Park, visit https://ksoutdoors.com/State-Parks/Locations/Kaw-River.