Scroll down to see all the ways to you can join us in celebrating Kentucky's Waterways!
Past Events
Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest 2025
Join us at the Annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest on May 16 - May 17, 2025.
Festivities begin with a pre-party at Sky Bridge Station on the evening of 5/16. The main event will take place on 5/17 at our new location of Red River Gorge Kayaking (394 Sky Bridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380) located inside of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Join co-hosts Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Friends of Red River for the Wild and Scenic Red Riverfest annually on the 3rd Saturday of May to celebrate the Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild & Scenic River System which keeps it free-flowing and protected. The annual is a fundraiser for Friends of Red River for cleanups, environmental education, & improved river access. Our 2025 event includes the 8 mile Red River Fun Floats, free live music all day, kids & adult activities, rock climbing wall, yoga, fun & education clean water workshops (including Watershed Watch Stream Sampling Certification training!), silent auction, prizes, craft, food & drink vendors and more! Red Riverfest is a wonderful chance to discover a small part of the Red River and all it has to offer! We’re proud and thankful for the wonderful partners which make this event possible: Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Friends of Red River, Powell County Search & Rescue (SAR) and Fire Department, Wolfe County Search & Rescue, RedSTAR, and other local partners.
Red RiverFest is Presented By: Clay City Tourism, Stanton Tourism, Wolfe County Tourism, Powell County Tourism and Kentucky River Authority.
Festivities begin with a pre-party at Sky Bridge Station on the evening of 5/16. The main event will take place on 5/17 at our new location of Red River Gorge Kayaking (394 Sky Bridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380) located inside of the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Join co-hosts Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Friends of Red River for the Wild and Scenic Red Riverfest annually on the 3rd Saturday of May to celebrate the Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild & Scenic River System which keeps it free-flowing and protected. The annual is a fundraiser for Friends of Red River for cleanups, environmental education, & improved river access. Our 2025 event includes the 8 mile Red River Fun Floats, free live music all day, kids & adult activities, rock climbing wall, yoga, fun & education clean water workshops (including Watershed Watch Stream Sampling Certification training!), silent auction, prizes, craft, food & drink vendors and more! Red Riverfest is a wonderful chance to discover a small part of the Red River and all it has to offer! We’re proud and thankful for the wonderful partners which make this event possible: Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Friends of Red River, Powell County Search & Rescue (SAR) and Fire Department, Wolfe County Search & Rescue, RedSTAR, and other local partners.
Red RiverFest is Presented By: Clay City Tourism, Stanton Tourism, Wolfe County Tourism, Powell County Tourism and Kentucky River Authority.
Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep on April 19, 2025
Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep
Date/Time: Saturday April 19th, 2025, 8:30am-12pm
Event Description: KWA and our local partners will host our annual Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep, addressing litter in Beargrass Creek within Cherokee Park and along the Beargrass Creek Greenway. Free T-shirts, Coffee, and Donuts for participating volunteers!
Registration: https://forms.gle/ZYuRSMmNirVsA6hd9
Date/Time: Saturday April 19th, 2025, 8:30am-12pm
Event Description: KWA and our local partners will host our annual Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep, addressing litter in Beargrass Creek within Cherokee Park and along the Beargrass Creek Greenway. Free T-shirts, Coffee, and Donuts for participating volunteers!
Registration: https://forms.gle/ZYuRSMmNirVsA6hd9
Louisville Premiere of River Cowboys Documentary Announced!
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Join us for the Louisville Film Premiere of River Cowboys on October 10th!
Every year KWA hosts a special event to celebrate, educate, and inspire our community about issues impacting our waterways. This year we are so excited to host a screening of our new documentary, River Cowboys at Gravely Brewing Co.
Through this film you will experience the the beauty of Kentucky's Red River Gorge and witness the heroic efforts of the "river cowboys" to keep Kentucky’s Red River free of illegally dumped tires and trash. The film documents the history of the Upper Red River Cleanup, how tire dumping issues impact the health of waterways across the nation, and offers some possible solutions. This short but powerful 12-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with lots of time for socializing, food, and drinks, before, during, and after.
Important Details:
Want to support our work and sponsor the Louisville Premiere? Contact [email protected].
Every year KWA hosts a special event to celebrate, educate, and inspire our community about issues impacting our waterways. This year we are so excited to host a screening of our new documentary, River Cowboys at Gravely Brewing Co.
Through this film you will experience the the beauty of Kentucky's Red River Gorge and witness the heroic efforts of the "river cowboys" to keep Kentucky’s Red River free of illegally dumped tires and trash. The film documents the history of the Upper Red River Cleanup, how tire dumping issues impact the health of waterways across the nation, and offers some possible solutions. This short but powerful 12-minute documentary will be followed by a panel discussion with lots of time for socializing, food, and drinks, before, during, and after.
Important Details:
- Doors open at 6:00 PM. Program begins at 7:00 PM.
- Tickets are $20.00 each and must be purchased in advance.
- Each ticket includes a free drink ticket to be distributed at the door.
Want to support our work and sponsor the Louisville Premiere? Contact [email protected].
3rd Annual PFAS PROGRAM by United Nations Association of the USA Kentucky Division.
Date: October 28, 2024 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M.
See GenX: The Saga of Forever Chemicals: Preview screening of a documentary film about the worst pollution crisis in world
Guest speaker Rob Bilott, famous attorney and author portrayed by actor Mark Ruffalo in the movie “Dark Waters”
In-person RSVP to [email protected]
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84407749272?pwd=T7KaFx6Wv9kEssCbxd4nRemq1ZPLey.1
Meeting ID: 844 0774 9272
Passcode: 357007
United Nations Day PFAS Awareness is a program of United Nations Association of the USA Kentucky Division sponsored by KWA and others.
Additional details here.
See GenX: The Saga of Forever Chemicals: Preview screening of a documentary film about the worst pollution crisis in world
Guest speaker Rob Bilott, famous attorney and author portrayed by actor Mark Ruffalo in the movie “Dark Waters”
In-person RSVP to [email protected]
Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84407749272?pwd=T7KaFx6Wv9kEssCbxd4nRemq1ZPLey.1
Meeting ID: 844 0774 9272
Passcode: 357007
United Nations Day PFAS Awareness is a program of United Nations Association of the USA Kentucky Division sponsored by KWA and others.
Additional details here.
CANCELED DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK AT THE SITE.
CANCELED DUE TO A WATER MAIN BREAK AT THE SITE.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Date and Time: Saturday September 14th, 2024
Event Address: Hancock Biological Station 561 Emma Dr. Murray, KY 42071. Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbUez6oV9ziQB21QA
Registration: Please register in advance HERE.
Questions? Contact us: (502)802-8008 or [email protected]
The Kentucky Waterways Alliance, the Hancock Biological Station, and the Watershed Studies Institute at Murry State thank you for registering for the Summer 2024 Four Rivers Basin Cleanup at Kentucky Lake! We are excited to see you. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and comfortable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury.
The schedule of events is as follows:
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Date and Time: Saturday September 14th, 2024
Event Address: Hancock Biological Station 561 Emma Dr. Murray, KY 42071. Google Maps Link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hbUez6oV9ziQB21QA
Registration: Please register in advance HERE.
Questions? Contact us: (502)802-8008 or [email protected]
The Kentucky Waterways Alliance, the Hancock Biological Station, and the Watershed Studies Institute at Murry State thank you for registering for the Summer 2024 Four Rivers Basin Cleanup at Kentucky Lake! We are excited to see you. We recommend wearing bright colors for visibility and safety. Additionally, make sure to wear long pants and comfortable closed-toed shoes to prevent bug bites and injury.
The schedule of events is as follows:
- 8:30am-9:00am: Event check-in and waiver signing.
- 9:00am-9:15am: Short introductions and instructions.
- 9:30am-11:30am: Split into groups and set out to clean up.
- 11:30am-12:00pm: Reconvene at Hancock Biological Station for trash drop off and cleanup conclusion.
- 12:00pm-2:30pm: Fish Fry for Cleanup Volunteers.
Are you a watershed steward, watershed leader, or would you like to be? Do you want to connect with and learn from other volunteers and professionals who contribute to protecting, restoring, and celebrating waterways in Kentucky? Join us on August 25-26 for the KWN Watershed Summit. There will also be an informal pre-summit social on the evening of August 24.
The theme of the Summit this year is "Community Flood Mitigation." We will have a legislative update, workshops, breakout groups, a panel discussion, and site visits at Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery and Triplett Creek. KWA’s event co-hosts, Kentucky Watershed Watch, will offer stream sampler certification training. There will be an opening ceremony with networking Plan to come early and stay late to enjoy Morehead, Cave Run Lake, and other opportunities in beautiful Rowan County.
New this year: The Watershed Group of the Year will be recognized. Submit your nominations by August 5 at 11:59 pm.
The theme of the Summit this year is "Community Flood Mitigation." We will have a legislative update, workshops, breakout groups, a panel discussion, and site visits at Minor E. Clark Fish Hatchery and Triplett Creek. KWA’s event co-hosts, Kentucky Watershed Watch, will offer stream sampler certification training. There will be an opening ceremony with networking Plan to come early and stay late to enjoy Morehead, Cave Run Lake, and other opportunities in beautiful Rowan County.
New this year: The Watershed Group of the Year will be recognized. Submit your nominations by August 5 at 11:59 pm.
Brandy on the Banks benefiting KWA
On Saturday, July 27, Copper & Kings (1112 E. Washington St.) will host a Brandy on the Banks event benefiting the Kentucky Waterways Alliance. The event will take place from noon – 4 p.m. with the distillery’s outside courtyard being transformed into a water play fun house with water games, local artists, and live music. There will be a dunk tank, rubber duck ball toss, sponge relax race and water balloon tosses. There will be prizes and of course, the drink of the day, brandy. Free entry.
Join KWA Warren County Cleanup at Weldon-Peete Park on July 20, 2024
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Date: Saturday, July 20th, 2024
Location: 1708 River St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Timeline: Check-in: 8:30-9:00 am; Welcome and Safety Instructions: 9:15 am; Cleanup ends: 12:00 pm
Registration: HERE
The Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Warren County Stormwater, Warren County Parks and Recreation, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation and the City of Bowling Green will host a cleanup to address litter in areas surrounding the Barren River, specifically in Weldon-Peete Park. Located in the Green River Basin, the Barren River serves as a major tributary to the Green River and spans across south-central Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. The Barren River’s 135 miles of waterways serve as an important access point for water-based recreation within Warren County and south-central Kentucky. This primarily rural river provides ample opportunities for paddlers and anglers interested in exploring one of Kentucky’s largest tributaries.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Date: Saturday, July 20th, 2024
Location: 1708 River St, Bowling Green, KY 42101
Timeline: Check-in: 8:30-9:00 am; Welcome and Safety Instructions: 9:15 am; Cleanup ends: 12:00 pm
Registration: HERE
The Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Warren County Stormwater, Warren County Parks and Recreation, Bowling Green Parks and Recreation and the City of Bowling Green will host a cleanup to address litter in areas surrounding the Barren River, specifically in Weldon-Peete Park. Located in the Green River Basin, the Barren River serves as a major tributary to the Green River and spans across south-central Kentucky and north-central Tennessee. The Barren River’s 135 miles of waterways serve as an important access point for water-based recreation within Warren County and south-central Kentucky. This primarily rural river provides ample opportunities for paddlers and anglers interested in exploring one of Kentucky’s largest tributaries.
This is the Ohio River; Life Death and Rebirth of the Beautiful River
Manchester City Cleanup at Goose Creek
Join KWA for the Manchester City Cleanup at Goose Creek on June 8th!
Date: Saturday, June 8th, 2024
Location: First National Bank of Manchester parking lot, 2770 South US Highway 421, Manchester, KY 40962Timeline Check-in: 8:30-9:00 am; Welcome and Instructions: 9:15 am; Cleanup ends: 12:00 pm
Registration: https://forms.gle/Zb3FFDEndiKD8HJA9 or kwalliance.org/events.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Kentucky Wildlands, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Clay County and the City of Manchester will host a cleanup to address litter in Goose Creek.
Located in the Upper Cumberland River Basin, Goose Creek serves as a tributary to the South Fork Kentucky River and is located entirely within Clay County. Goose Creek’s 40 miles of waterway serve as an important access point for water-based recreation within Clay County. This primarily rural and shallow stream provides ample opportunities for anglers interested in bass, walleye, and muskellunge. Goose Creek flows in part through Manchester, Kentucky, located within Clay County. Manchester is home to more than 1,500 people as well as fascinating outdoor-based tourism attractions such as the Ancient Petroglyphs Rock. The Kentucky Waterways Alliance is thrilled to partner with organizations and communities striving to protect their waterways while promoting community engagement. We hope to see you on June 8th, as we clean up Goose Creek and surrounding areas.
Date: Saturday, June 8th, 2024
Location: First National Bank of Manchester parking lot, 2770 South US Highway 421, Manchester, KY 40962Timeline Check-in: 8:30-9:00 am; Welcome and Instructions: 9:15 am; Cleanup ends: 12:00 pm
Registration: https://forms.gle/Zb3FFDEndiKD8HJA9 or kwalliance.org/events.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance is co-hosting cleanups across Kentucky in each of the seven major river basins as a part of our 2024 Commonwealth Sweep program which is made possible by a grant from Hydro Flask’s Parks for All program.
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and our partners Kentucky Wildlands, Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, Clay County and the City of Manchester will host a cleanup to address litter in Goose Creek.
Located in the Upper Cumberland River Basin, Goose Creek serves as a tributary to the South Fork Kentucky River and is located entirely within Clay County. Goose Creek’s 40 miles of waterway serve as an important access point for water-based recreation within Clay County. This primarily rural and shallow stream provides ample opportunities for anglers interested in bass, walleye, and muskellunge. Goose Creek flows in part through Manchester, Kentucky, located within Clay County. Manchester is home to more than 1,500 people as well as fascinating outdoor-based tourism attractions such as the Ancient Petroglyphs Rock. The Kentucky Waterways Alliance is thrilled to partner with organizations and communities striving to protect their waterways while promoting community engagement. We hope to see you on June 8th, as we clean up Goose Creek and surrounding areas.
Join KWA on the beautiful Belle of Louisville on their OUR RIVER CITY CRUISE to learn what makes the Ohio RIver--and the River City--so special. This narrated cruise will also feature Al Gorman, KWA’s Artist-in-Residence. Al creates thought-provoking and very cool art from objects found in the Ohio River. Al will offer an interactive art activity for kids and adults will enjoy his unique perspective on the Ohio River. Get your tickets here. Members of KWA can use the code "Partner" to receive a 15% discount.
Celebrate Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Patagonia’s commitment to clean Kentucky water with an event at Quest Outdoors on May 24 from 4-7. Country Boy Brewing will be there to spice up the fun with proceeds going to Kentucky Waterways Alliance. Patagonia will present a check to Kentucky Waterways Alliance to continue their ongoing environmental protection efforts.
Quest Outdoors has supported the Kentucky Waterways alliance for 31 years and we are ecstatic we helped foster the relationship between Patagonia and KWA. Patagonia not only makes the highest quality goods, they have created a culture of integrity and through those efforts partners with grassroots organizations and frontline communities to restore lands, air and waters to a state of health. Thank you Patagonia and Quest Outdoors!
Quest Outdoors has supported the Kentucky Waterways alliance for 31 years and we are ecstatic we helped foster the relationship between Patagonia and KWA. Patagonia not only makes the highest quality goods, they have created a culture of integrity and through those efforts partners with grassroots organizations and frontline communities to restore lands, air and waters to a state of health. Thank you Patagonia and Quest Outdoors!
Wild & Scenic Red River Fest Pre-Party and River Cowboys Film Premiere
May 17: You are invited to attend the Red River Fest Pre-Party on the evening of May 17, from 6:00-10:00 pm, at Sky Bridge Station featuring live music and the film premiere of River Cowboys, a short documentary on the tire disposal issue in the Red River and one communities effort to make a difference. This film was produced by KWA and Friends of Red River with the support of grant funding from River Network and Kentucky River Authority.
Wild & Scenic Red River Fest
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May 18-19: Join KWA in beautiful Clay City for live music all day, a fun float on the Red River, vendors, environmental education, rock climbing, cornhole tournament, and more! Don't miss our Water Tent where environmental oganizations will offer interactive activities and workshops, including the opportunity to become a certified water sampler. This is FREE festival, however there is a fee for the Fun Float registration and kayak rental.
ABOUT THE FUN FLOAT: This 4 mile (~2hr) fun float launches from Clay City Park Kayak/Canoe Launch and ends at Carmen’s Landing Public Access. Participants will paddle along the beautiful and tame lower section of the Red River, named the “Clay City Loop.” It is the only place on the Red River that you can paddle without the need of a shuttle as the river wraps around historic Clay City and you can just walk the .2 miles from the takeout back to the launch/your vehicle at Clay City Park. Kayak Rental is available. More Fun Float information and registration (required) HERE.
ABOUT THE FUN FLOAT: This 4 mile (~2hr) fun float launches from Clay City Park Kayak/Canoe Launch and ends at Carmen’s Landing Public Access. Participants will paddle along the beautiful and tame lower section of the Red River, named the “Clay City Loop.” It is the only place on the Red River that you can paddle without the need of a shuttle as the river wraps around historic Clay City and you can just walk the .2 miles from the takeout back to the launch/your vehicle at Clay City Park. Kayak Rental is available. More Fun Float information and registration (required) HERE.
Date: Saturday, April 27, 2024
Time: 12:00-5:00 PM
Location: West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601
Cost: Free to attend, but $5.00 entry fee to compete
About: Join KWA at the West Sixth Farm for the 3rd annual rock skipping contest. There will be a $5 entry fee with all proceeds benefitting Kentucky Waterways Alliance. In addition, a portion of all beer sales during the event will support KWA's work.
Professional stone skipper Dave "The Spiderman" Ohmer will be the guest judge this year along with Jon Jennings, the 2023 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Champion. This West Sixth Farm competiton is a qualifier for the Rabbit Hash Stone Skipping Championship. THE WINNER OF THE DISTANCE DIVISION WILL QUALIFY THE CONTESTANT TO ENTER THE PRO DIVISION IN JUNE AT THE RABBIT HASH STONE SKIPPING CHAMPIONSHIP.
Competiton Details: Feel free to bring your own stones. The stones must be naturally formed with no alterations. Stones may be subject to inspection. Awards will be given at the end of each division. Each contestant throws 3 stones. The furthest distance that a single stone travels after the third skip will be the winner. (In the event of a tie, there will be a skip-off. Each contestant will get 1 stone for 3 heats, for a total of 3 stones thrown round robin style. The cumulative distance of the 3 stones will decide the winners.)
Ages 10 and under: Register by 12:45; contest at 1 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for all participants in this division!
Ages 11-16: Register by 1:45; contest at 2 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for all participants in this division!
Ages 17+ Women: Register by 2:45; contest at 3 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for top 3 participants in this division! (In the event of a tie, the cumulative score will decide the winners.)
Ages 17+ Men: Register by 3:45; contest at 4 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for top 3 participants in this division! (In the event of a tie, the cumulative score will decide the winners.)
All Ages Distance: Register by 3:45; contest to follow Men's 17+
Time: 12:00-5:00 PM
Location: West Sixth Farm, 4495 Shadrick Ferry Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601
Cost: Free to attend, but $5.00 entry fee to compete
About: Join KWA at the West Sixth Farm for the 3rd annual rock skipping contest. There will be a $5 entry fee with all proceeds benefitting Kentucky Waterways Alliance. In addition, a portion of all beer sales during the event will support KWA's work.
Professional stone skipper Dave "The Spiderman" Ohmer will be the guest judge this year along with Jon Jennings, the 2023 Mackinac Island Stone Skipping Champion. This West Sixth Farm competiton is a qualifier for the Rabbit Hash Stone Skipping Championship. THE WINNER OF THE DISTANCE DIVISION WILL QUALIFY THE CONTESTANT TO ENTER THE PRO DIVISION IN JUNE AT THE RABBIT HASH STONE SKIPPING CHAMPIONSHIP.
Competiton Details: Feel free to bring your own stones. The stones must be naturally formed with no alterations. Stones may be subject to inspection. Awards will be given at the end of each division. Each contestant throws 3 stones. The furthest distance that a single stone travels after the third skip will be the winner. (In the event of a tie, there will be a skip-off. Each contestant will get 1 stone for 3 heats, for a total of 3 stones thrown round robin style. The cumulative distance of the 3 stones will decide the winners.)
Ages 10 and under: Register by 12:45; contest at 1 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for all participants in this division!
Ages 11-16: Register by 1:45; contest at 2 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for all participants in this division!
Ages 17+ Women: Register by 2:45; contest at 3 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for top 3 participants in this division! (In the event of a tie, the cumulative score will decide the winners.)
Ages 17+ Men: Register by 3:45; contest at 4 PM. Each contestant throws 5 stones. The highest number of skips for a single stone will be the winner. Prizes for top 3 participants in this division! (In the event of a tie, the cumulative score will decide the winners.)
All Ages Distance: Register by 3:45; contest to follow Men's 17+
Aveda Earth Month Hair Jam 2024
Get ready to celebrate sustainability and style at The Depot at NoCo on Sun, April 28, 2024, doors at 6:00 PM.
Join us for a night of eco-friendly hair demonstrations, music, and community vibes. Show off your best earth-inspired hairstyle and connect with like-minded individuals who care about our planet. Let's jam together for a greener future! Event will feature: DJ, food trucks, local vendors, cash bar, raffle, and live graffiti art!
Proceeds benefit Kentucky Waterways Alliance and The Hoosier Environmental Council.
Event is 18+
Tickets are $20.00
In case of bad weather, an alternative location will be posted.
Join us for a night of eco-friendly hair demonstrations, music, and community vibes. Show off your best earth-inspired hairstyle and connect with like-minded individuals who care about our planet. Let's jam together for a greener future! Event will feature: DJ, food trucks, local vendors, cash bar, raffle, and live graffiti art!
Proceeds benefit Kentucky Waterways Alliance and The Hoosier Environmental Council.
Event is 18+
Tickets are $20.00
In case of bad weather, an alternative location will be posted.
Beargrass Clean Sweep 2024
As part of KWA's Commonwealth Sweep and in honor of Earth Day we are cleaning up Beargrass Creek! KWA's particiaption in this project was made possible by a grant award from Hydro Flask’s Parks For All program. The Earth Day Beargrass Clean Sweep 2024 is co-hosted by these partners: Metro Council District 9 (Andrew Owen), Metro Council District 8 (Ben Reno-Weber), Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Beargrass Creek Alliance, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Metro Solid Waste Clean Collaborative, MSD, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Registration required: bit.ly/BgCS24
Location: We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Ledge Road and Lexington Road
Time:
Date: Saturday, April 20, 2024
Registration required: bit.ly/BgCS24
Location: We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Ledge Road and Lexington Road
Time:
- 8:30-9:00 am: Check-in
- 9:00 am: Welcome and Instructions
- 12:00 pm: Cleanup ends
- Arrive on Saturday, April 20, between 8:30-9:00 am to check in at the registration table. Every participant must sign a liability waiver.
- At 9:00 am instructions will be given to the volunteers.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather and work: closed toe shoes, long pants, etc.
- This event is rain or shine--it will be cancelled in the event of storms with thunder and lightning.
Join KWA at Richwood on the River for This is The Ohio: Life, Death, Rebirth of the Beautiful River
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Ohio River Way are proud to host a screening of esteemed filmmaker Morgan Atkinson's new documentary, This is the Ohio: Life, Death, and Rebirth of the Beautiful River. In the one-hour film, Atkinson travels the 981-mile river—from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois—uncovering revealing perspectives and looking at the river in a new and provocative way. This is the Ohio will open the eyes of people who thought they knew the Ohio as well as those who have never considered its importance.
Please join KWA, Morgan Atkinson, and the Ohio River Way for this special evening!
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Location: Richwood on the River, 1233 KY-36, Milton, KY 40045, just across the river from Madison, Indiana!
This is a free event, but registration is requested HERE to reserve a seat.
Timeline:
Kentucky Waterways Alliance and Ohio River Way are proud to host a screening of esteemed filmmaker Morgan Atkinson's new documentary, This is the Ohio: Life, Death, and Rebirth of the Beautiful River. In the one-hour film, Atkinson travels the 981-mile river—from Pittsburgh to Cairo, Illinois—uncovering revealing perspectives and looking at the river in a new and provocative way. This is the Ohio will open the eyes of people who thought they knew the Ohio as well as those who have never considered its importance.
Please join KWA, Morgan Atkinson, and the Ohio River Way for this special evening!
Date: Saturday, March 2, 2024
Location: Richwood on the River, 1233 KY-36, Milton, KY 40045, just across the river from Madison, Indiana!
This is a free event, but registration is requested HERE to reserve a seat.
Timeline:
- 6:30 pm, Doors open
- 7:00 pm, Program begins
West Sixth for a Cause with KWA
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Join Kentucky Waterways Alliance at West Sixth Brewing - Nulu
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Inaugural Kentucky Watershed Network Collaborative Summit
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THE SUMMIT IS AT CAPACITY. PLEASE REGISTER FOR OUR WAITLIST!
You're invited to KWA's Inaugural Kentucky Watershed Network Collaborative Summit! What: KWA's Kentucky Watershed Network Collaborative Summit is a FREE EVENT (lodging not included) and will provide valuable resources and networking opportunities. This event is about creating a space and time to learn with and from each other and from experts in the field and to work collaboratively together to achieve these goals. Why: To come together with the purpose of increasing our collective impact on improving water quality in Kentucky for all wildlife & people who rely on clean water. To continue to establish needs and priorities for Kentucky Watershed Network activities and provide valuable resources and networking opportunities. How:
Where: Lost River Cave River Birch Room When: Thursday 11/2/23 (full day) & Friday 11/3/23 (morning)
Lodging info: Follow the links below for our room block reduced rates. Block of rooms held until 10/15 & includes breakfast. Embassy Suites Bowling Green ($148/night) Hyatt Place Bowling Green ($109-$119/night) Additional info on places to stay, things to do, and places to eat can be found here. **If you have food restrictions, please contact [email protected] so we can plan accordingly for Thursday 11/2 lunch** |
Past Events
Sixth Annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest
The 6th annual Wild & Scenic Red RiverFest on 5/20/23 takes place at Clay City Park in Powell County.
The family friendly event includes a Red River Race, Fun Floats, free live music ALL DAY, free rock climbing wall, free presenters, food & drink vendors, silent auction, trivia, prizes and more! Fun environmental education programming is available at the event tent and you can win prizes for participating! This event is FREE thanks to our wonderful sponsors
Clay City Park is the launch location for the event’s Clay City Loop Race & Fun Float and the takeout is a short .2 mile walk across Main Street. Registration is required for the paddle and there is a fee if you would like to rent a boat. You can also bring your own boat. Scholarships are available. See below for event schedule. We hope to see you on Saturday May 20, 2023!
The family friendly event includes a Red River Race, Fun Floats, free live music ALL DAY, free rock climbing wall, free presenters, food & drink vendors, silent auction, trivia, prizes and more! Fun environmental education programming is available at the event tent and you can win prizes for participating! This event is FREE thanks to our wonderful sponsors
Clay City Park is the launch location for the event’s Clay City Loop Race & Fun Float and the takeout is a short .2 mile walk across Main Street. Registration is required for the paddle and there is a fee if you would like to rent a boat. You can also bring your own boat. Scholarships are available. See below for event schedule. We hope to see you on Saturday May 20, 2023!
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An Evening with Rinker Buck, author of New York Times best seller, Life on the Mississippi
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Life on the Mississippi – An Epic American Adventure
Date: May 22, 2023 Reception: 5:30 pm Program: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location: Filson Historical Society (In-Person and Zoom Options) Cost: Free for Filson Members; $15 for non-members Rinker Buck will share tales from his book about building a wooden flatboat from the bygone era of the early 1800s and journeying down the Ohio River, to the Mississippi River and on to New Orleans. Buck, a modern-day Huck Finn, casts off down the river on the flatboat Patience accompanied by an eccentric crew of daring shipmates. Over the course of his voyage, Buck steers his fragile wooden craft through narrow channels dominated by massive cargo barges, rescues his first mate gone overboard, sails blindly through fog, breaks his ribs not once but twice, and camps every night on sandbars, remote islands, and steep levees. As he charts his own journey, he also delivers a richly satisfying work of history that brings to life a lost era.
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PAST EVENTS
Catwalk For Water
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm, show from 7:00-9:00pm.
Tickets: $25.00
Location: Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
This event benefits Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other clean water initiatives in Kentuckiana. Locally owned and operated Aveda salons come together to raise money for Earth month by showcasing their innovation, creativity, and technical skills in hair, makeup, and fashion. Using their love for the planet as inspiration, design teams will create a look using only recycled materials that celebrates beauty, fashion, and the Aveda mission to care for the world we live in. Watch their models strut across the catwalk all while raising money for local clean water initiatives. Event includes a silent auction, of donations from local (to the region) businesses, with 100% of the proceed to support the overall contribution.
Important Detail: This event is 21+ only.
Date: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Time: Doors open at 6:00pm, show from 7:00-9:00pm.
Tickets: $25.00
Location: Whirling Tiger, 1335 Story Ave, Louisville, KY 40206
This event benefits Kentucky Waterways Alliance and other clean water initiatives in Kentuckiana. Locally owned and operated Aveda salons come together to raise money for Earth month by showcasing their innovation, creativity, and technical skills in hair, makeup, and fashion. Using their love for the planet as inspiration, design teams will create a look using only recycled materials that celebrates beauty, fashion, and the Aveda mission to care for the world we live in. Watch their models strut across the catwalk all while raising money for local clean water initiatives. Event includes a silent auction, of donations from local (to the region) businesses, with 100% of the proceed to support the overall contribution.
Important Detail: This event is 21+ only.
West Sixth Rock Skipping Competition: April 29, 2023
Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep: April 22, 2023
Join us for an Earth Day Beargrass Creek Clean Sweep!
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Register in advance HERE.
Location: We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Ledge Road and Lexington Road
Time:
About Beargrass Creek: Beargrass Creek is Louisville’s primary urban stream. It is a 60 square mile watershed, composed of three main branches (the South, Middle and Muddy forks), which reach throughout the city of Louisville. The creek runs through some of our city’s most populous neighborhoods and flows through two historically significant Olmsted Parks. The confluence of Beargrass Creek with the Ohio River is connected to the Louisville Loop and Waterfront Park. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and MSD have created a 150-million-dollar ecological restoration plan to address degraded habitat over time due to pollution, development, and manipulation. The restoration of Beargrass Creek will provide habitat for wildlife, endangered species, as well as a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful stream for our citizens to enjoy.
The Earth Day Beargrass Clean Sweep 2023 is hosted by these partners: Metro Council District 9 (Andrew Owen), Metro Council District 8 (Ben Reno-Weber), Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Beargrass Creek Alliance, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Brightside, Metro Solid Waste Clean Collaborative, MSD, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
Register in advance HERE.
Location: We will meet in the parking lot at the corner of Ledge Road and Lexington Road
Time:
- 8:30-9:00 am: Check-in
- 9:00 am: Welcome and Instructions
- 12:00 pm: Cleanup ends
- Arrive on Saturday, April 22, between 8:30-9:00 am to check in at the registration table. Every participant must sign a liability waiver.
- At 9:00 am instructions will be given to the volunteers.
- Please dress appropriately for the weather and work: closed toe shoes, long pants, etc.
- This event is rain or shine--it will be cancelled in the event of storms with thunder and lightning.
About Beargrass Creek: Beargrass Creek is Louisville’s primary urban stream. It is a 60 square mile watershed, composed of three main branches (the South, Middle and Muddy forks), which reach throughout the city of Louisville. The creek runs through some of our city’s most populous neighborhoods and flows through two historically significant Olmsted Parks. The confluence of Beargrass Creek with the Ohio River is connected to the Louisville Loop and Waterfront Park. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and MSD have created a 150-million-dollar ecological restoration plan to address degraded habitat over time due to pollution, development, and manipulation. The restoration of Beargrass Creek will provide habitat for wildlife, endangered species, as well as a cleaner, safer, and more beautiful stream for our citizens to enjoy.
The Earth Day Beargrass Clean Sweep 2023 is hosted by these partners: Metro Council District 9 (Andrew Owen), Metro Council District 8 (Ben Reno-Weber), Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Beargrass Creek Alliance, Olmsted Parks Conservancy, Brightside, Metro Solid Waste Clean Collaborative, MSD, and the Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).
Harrods Creek Cleanup: April 15, 2023
Help us Cleanup Harrods Creek in honor of Earth Month 2023!
- Date: Saturday, April 15, 2023
- Time: 10:00 am-1:00 pm
- Location: Creekside Landing Marina, 6511 River Rd, Prospect, KY 40059
- Registration is required.
- Volunteers will gather at Creekside Landing Marina to clean up Harrods Creek and its banks.
- All volunteers are encouraged to bring their own canoe, kayak, and a personal floatation device. We have limited spots available in loaner canoes.
- Our ability to hold this event is dependent upon water levels of the creek so be sure to check your email the night before for updates.
Stand Up for the Ohio River: A Louisville, Kentucky Listening Session
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Community Boathouse, Waterfront Park, 1321 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM EDT
Community Boathouse, Waterfront Park, 1321 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202
With input and support from community members and partners, the Ohio River Basin Alliance and National Wildlife Federation are overseeing a process to craft a plan to protect and restore the Ohio River, its tributaries, wetlands, and surrounding habitats in the 14-state region.
Community input is vital to the plan. The National Wildlife Federation, Kentucky Waterways Alliance, Ohio River Basin Alliance, and the Ohio River Way are hosting a series of listening sessions to get input on the plan from local community residents, advocates, and organizations, so that local priorities can be reflected in the plan. We want to make sure the plan is bold and visionary—an action plan that represents the priorities of the people and communities in the region. The restoration plan will address serious threats to fish, wildlife, and people, including problems such as sewage contamination, mining waste, polluted runoff, and toxic pollution. The plan will also seek to reverse environmental injustices, including inadequate water sanitation services, unaffordable drinking water, and flooding concerns. The regional restoration plan will be delivered to the U.S. Congress in 2023, with the goal of securing new federal investments to implement the plan and to provide clean, safe, and affordable water to every person in the region. |
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2022 Wild & Scenic Film Festival
Friday, September 16, 2022
Sauerbeck Family Drive In
6:30-10:30 pm
Sauerbeck Family Drive In
6:30-10:30 pm
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KWA is thrilled to be hosting our 14th Annual Wild & Scenic Film Festival. This event supports our work across the state to protect, restore, and celebrate Kentucky's Waterways. This year’s event will be in a hybrid format: attendees will be able to watch the festival online from the comfort of their own homes or join us for a family-friendly, in-person event at the Sauerbeck Family Drive In, located in La Grange, Kentucky.
Louisville's biggest environmental and adventure film festival combines stellar filmmaking, beautiful cinematography, and first-rate storytelling to inform, inspire, and ignite solutions and possibilities to restore the earth and human communities while creating a positive future for the next generation. |
2022 Annual Meeting
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The 2022 Annual Meeting is open to members and the public. The meeting will be held on Zoom. Advance registration is required.
REGISTER HERE This meeting is an opportunity to learn about last year's accomplishments and the work we are planning to do this year. In addition, we will have a presentation on our Red River Watershed Project as we celebrate five years of accomplishments. KWA Board of Directors Election If you are a current member of Kentucky Waterways Alliance, you are invited to vote in election of the Board of Directors. The 2022 elections are being held on-line. If you are a member and have not received an email from us with a link to vote, we may not have your current email address or the notification we sent may be in your spam folder. If you would like to receive a link to vote, please send your preferred email address to Deb, our office manager, at [email protected] or call her at 502-589-8008. Voting ends Thursday, June 23, 2022, at 12:15 pm. Election results will be announced at the end of the annual meeting. Board of Director Profiles |
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Kentucky Waterways Alliance (KWA) and The Friends of Red River (FORR) invite you to join us for Wild and Scenic Red Riverfest which is presented by Clay City Tourism, Stanton Tourism, Wolfe County Tourism, Powell County Tourism and Kentucky River Authority. Red RiverFest is a celebration of the “Wild & Scenic” Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild & Scenic River System which keeps it free-flowing and protected.
“It’s an honor to work with the dedicated volunteers of Friends of Red River. We hope that our efforts to clean the river, construct more access, teach environmental education, and provide fun paddle events to the Red River community and visitors helps to foster a love of the river and cultivate stewards of our precious natural resource,” - Laura Gregory, Red River Watershed Coordinator. The on water activities take place on May 21st, launching from Clay City Park Kayak/Canoe Launch and taking out at Carmen’s Landing, 1/4 mile away from launch site - you can just walk back across the street to Clay City Park to join in the festivities. Partners this year for the 5th annual Wild & Scenic Red Riverfest include presenting sponsors - Clay City Tourism, Stanton Tourism, Wolfe County Tourism, Powell County Tourism & Kentucky River Authority. Friends of Red River is a watershed group, who hosts river cleanups, creates new river access, provides environmental education, & hosts fun events on the Wild & Scenic Red River, the only waterway in Kentucky that has this invaluable designation from the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Kentucky Waterways Alliance is a nonprofit working to protect, restore and celebrate Kentucky's waterways. KWA envisions a Kentucky that sustains our vast network of healthy waterways. Kentucky’s lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands support thriving aquatic ecosystems, healthy fish and wildlife populations, abundant recreation, and dependable, clean water supplies for future generations." Contact Laura Gregory at (606) 359-0324 or [email protected] |
Stone Skipping Competition at West Sixth Farm benefitting KWA!
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2022
Location: West Sixth Farm.
Cost: Registration is $5.00 and all money will go to Kentucky Waterways Alliance!
Time: 12:00-4:00 pm. There will be three categories and times for registration:
PRIZES will include a surprise something fun for all the kids who participate – and our top three adult skippers will get West Sixth gift cards!!! Start practicing those skips, y ’all! Can’t wait to see you at the farm Sunday, May 15th!! Taproom will be open 12-8pm as usual!
Location: West Sixth Farm.
Cost: Registration is $5.00 and all money will go to Kentucky Waterways Alliance!
Time: 12:00-4:00 pm. There will be three categories and times for registration:
- Kids under 10: Registration from 12pm-1pm, Rock Skipping from 1pm - 2pm
- Kids 11 - 16: Registration from 1pm - 2pm, Rock Skipping from 2pm - 3pm
- 17+ : Registration from 2pm - 3pm, Rock Skipping from 3pm - 4pm
PRIZES will include a surprise something fun for all the kids who participate – and our top three adult skippers will get West Sixth gift cards!!! Start practicing those skips, y ’all! Can’t wait to see you at the farm Sunday, May 15th!! Taproom will be open 12-8pm as usual!
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Kentucky River Jam: Hosted by Canoe Kentucky
Saturday, August 21, 2021 Saturday, September 25, 2021 520 W Main St., Frankfort, KY 40601 The Kentucky River Jam is returning to Frankfort for Summer 2021. This is a music and art festival at the Ward Oates amphitheater in Frankfort. |
Volunteer Opportunity: Elkhorn Creek Cleanup with Canoe Kentucky
Saturday, August 28, 2021
More details and registration link to be posted soon
In partnership with Canoe Kentucky, KWA is hosting two cleanup events on the Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, KY. This will be a canoe cleanup, and boats, life jackets, and all other necessary equipment will be provided.
Saturday, August 28, 2021
More details and registration link to be posted soon
In partnership with Canoe Kentucky, KWA is hosting two cleanup events on the Elkhorn Creek in Frankfort, KY. This will be a canoe cleanup, and boats, life jackets, and all other necessary equipment will be provided.
Volunteer Opportunity: Kentucky River Cleanup with Canoe Kentucky
Saturday, September 11, 2021
More details and registration link to be posted soon
In partnership with Canoe Kentucky, KWA is hosting a cleanup event on the Kentucky River in Frankfort, KY. This will be a canoe cleanup, and boats, life jackets, and all other necessary equipment will be provided.
Saturday, September 11, 2021
More details and registration link to be posted soon
In partnership with Canoe Kentucky, KWA is hosting a cleanup event on the Kentucky River in Frankfort, KY. This will be a canoe cleanup, and boats, life jackets, and all other necessary equipment will be provided.
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Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium
Monday, September 13, 2021 The 2021 Kentucky Water Resources Annual Symposium will be held on September 13, 2021, at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Kentucky. The day-long symposium combines platform and poster presentations that allow attendees to hear the latest in water resource research, practice and education. A tentative agenda is available here. Conference registration fees are kept low through partial subsidy of symposium expenses using USGS 104(b) grant funds. This year we are excited to offer a reduced student registration rate. If you are a student, please be sure to select "Student Admission" on the registration form to access the discounted rate. Registration will close on September 6, 2021. If you have any questions or need assistance with your registration, please contact [email protected]. |
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Give for Good Louisville
Friday, September 17, 2021 Learn more here Give for Good Louisville is a 24-hour online day of giving. The real success of Give for Good Louisville will not be how much money we raise but the tremendous impact those dollars will have when nonprofits across the Louisville community put them to work! Join the giving on September 17th at giveforgoodlouisville.org. |
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Virtual Ohio River Recreation Trail Summit
Thursday, October 14, 2021 9:00am-11:00am on Zoom Ivy Tech Community College Register for this event here Join us to celebrate the progress made on this exciting project to connect communities through recreation on the 270 miles of the Ohio River from Portsmouth OH to West Point KY. Help us to explore future opportunities and chart a course with other river partners. |