316 United Newsletter 5/9/2025

Check out upcoming outdoor events coming up this weekend. Get outside and enjoy!

May 09, 2025

Hey friends,

Whew—it’s May, and like a lot of you, I’ve got a full plate! Between graduations, spring projects, and trying to remember what day it is, things feel a little non-stop. But I always try to make time for one of my favorites this time of year—the Wichita Iris Show at Botanica this Sunday. If you’ve never been, go check it out. It’s a beautiful reminder of why we care so much about protecting this planet.

There’s plenty happening in the world of sustainability too, and this issue of 316 United is packed with ways you can plug in the outdoors—whether you’ve got five minutes to walk around the block or an afternoon to spare.

Don’t forget! Wichita Clean Streams is taking orders for rain barrels at https://www.rainwatersolutions.com/products/wichitacleanstreams. The cost is just $88. Rain barrels qualify for up to $100 rebate your Wichita Water bill.

Until next time ~ Randi

Upcoming activities and events focused on community and environment.

RiverFlix | Free Family Movies - LILO AND STITCH

Exploration Place, 300 N McLean Blvd, Foundation Amphitheater. Food trucks and seating start at 6pm. Move starts at Sunset. Watch your favorite movies under the stars. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy quality time with loved ones in a magical setting. Bring your blankets, snacks and a sense of adventure as we create unforgettable memories together

https://www.facebook.com/share/18kRXwQRhJ/

Wild Wetlands Walk

Friday, May 9 2025 Pracht Wetlands Park, 829 W 29th St N, Wichita, KS 67205 6:30pm Southwind Group, Kansas Sierra Club - One of the few remaining wetlands in the Midwest, Pracht Wetlands Park provides a safe haven for migratory birds, muskrats, frogs and many other wildlife species while giving visitors a sensory experience with the use of elevated boardwalks, lush vegetation and bird blind structures.

www.facebook.com/share/1J1uZepAjc

Sunflower Balloon Fest

Friday May 9th 5 pm - May 11th 5 pm 227 W Main St, Anthony, There will be balloons, vendors, and a whole bunch of other things. It's going to be great!

www.facebook.com/share/1ZHpx6L7oy

Wichita River Cleanup

Saturday, May 10 2025 10 am We will be meeting up at Garvey Park on 3501 S Washington. There is a small parking lot, a playground, and bathrooms here. If the parking lot is full, you can park on one side of the street (watch the signage). Where we will be picking up trash will likely put us in a lot of sandy territory right on the river If you have troubles in sand, there should be areas you can pick up along the bike path and trees. Everyone is invited to help out, but please leave pets behind (for safety reasons). Wear a pair of sturdy shoes you are okay with getting dirty. Also, please wear clothing appropriate for picking up trash. All bags and gloves will be provided.

www.facebook.com/share/1LPsF5BkWY

Safe City Cycling class

Saturday, May 10 2025 Bike Walk Wichita. 1-4pm 325 N St Francis St. Share this class with the adults you know are out on the road understand the rules of the road as a bike rider. $25. Register here:

https://app.betterunite.com/bikewalkict-safecitycyclingclass051025?fbclid=IwY2xjawKLN7pleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFDZzFmR29IV2t2ZHZGU0lNAR70zBtN779LUOL3Qd3m_0YxCKOkScMss3yebfLrvSDRidtCe1MIofw3kw3ciw_aem_AtpwTFT-iIASmAnYN-pCwA

Iris Show | Wichita Area Iris Club

Sunday, May 11 2025. Botanica, 691 N Amidon 7am - 10 am entries received
10:30 am to 11:00 am floor classification
11:00-12:30 pm Judging
1:00 - 5:00 pm Show open to the public

www.facebook.com/share/1H93oxf9Qa

2nd Sun Slow Roll+Stroll: Keeper of the Plains

Sunday, May 11 2025 We'll meet at 2:00 PM, at Exploration Place parking lot, located at 300 N. McLean Blvd, This Sunday's ride will be about 4 miles.
The walk can be determined at the start time.

https://www.facebook.com/share/16Uvx6xpJn/

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: K-9 Rooster Dog Park Reopening

Monday, May 12 2025. 2127 N Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 11 am by Wichita Park & Recreation and Wichita District 6 After thoughtful upgrades and enhancements, this beloved community space is ready to welcome back Wichita’s four-legged residents and their human companions. Join us as we cut the ribbon on a park.

www.facebook.com/share/198yWk3gyA

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Country Acres Dog Park Grand Opening

Wednesday, May 14 2025, 11 am 750 Country Acres St, Wichita, KS by Wichita Park & Recreation and Wichita District 5. We’re excited to officially welcome dog lovers and their furry friends to one of Wichita’s newest outdoor destinations. Whether you're a daily park-goer or a first-time visitor, this thoughtfully designed space offers the perfect mix of fun, function, and comfort for both pets and their people.

www.facebook.com/share/1Nyvn6pLs6

Let’s get outdoors every week!

Family Gardening Saturday

Saturday, May 3 2025 Saturday, April 26 2025 8 am, Gardening event by ICT Treehuggers at Safe Streets, 1200 E Waterman. Learn about the ICT Treehuggers and get involved in Community Gardening. Come at 8 am for our coffee social before going out into the community to garden

www.facebook.com/share/1Xd1sMoGLt

ICT Farms Co.

ICT Farms are creating real change. Join them in regenerating our communities! Many opportunities to volunteer during the week, weekends, or evenings. Also at numerous locations. Check out their website for more info.

ictfarms.com/volunteer

Every Saturday »Kansas Grown! Farmers Market

7100 W 21st St N. 8am - Noon. Kansas Grown! farmers markets offer a variety of special events throughout the year, including Kids' Day, Tomato Fest, Stone Soup Day, and many others.

www.kansas-grown.com/event-calendar

Every Saturday » Old Town Farm and Art Market

Old Town, East 1st St and N. Mosley, Wichita, April-October 8:00am-1:00pm Food, Art, Artisan Goods, Live Music, Street Entertainers, and so much more.

www.oldtownfarmandartmarket.com

Coffee Social : Treehugger Tuesday

Tuesday, May 6 2025 9am Coffee, Community, & Cultivation @Safe Streets, 1200 E Waterman, 9 am
We start our day with a cozy coffee social while watching the City Council livestream, chatting about local happenings, and sharing resources. Afterward, we head out into the community to garden together. Bring your favorite mug, your ideas, and your green thumb (or borrow one of ours).

www.facebook.com/share/14JAGFX2pxK

RECYCLE - REUSE - CONSERVE

Water Conservation-Free low flow shower heads

Starting on April 14, City of Wichita water customers can pick up a FREE low-flow shower head  or sink aerator while supplies last at the City Hall information desk, one of our Wichita Public Library locations, or a City of Wichita neighborhood resource center. 

www.wichita.gov/507/Water-Conservation-Rebate-Program

Recycling Guide | Sedgwick County, Kansas

Recycling information changes frequently. Please check back for updates. Locations listed in the Recycling Guide are in Wichita unless otherwise noted.

www.sedgwickcounty.org/environment/recycling-guide

PRo Kansas Recycling

725 E. Clark, Wichita, KS. Open Saturdays 9 am-3 pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays 1 pm-4 pm. Recycle your glass, tin cans, plastic, cardboard, office paper, magazines and more,

prokansasrecycling.org

Got ideas or need suggestions on getting more involved? Drop me an email at [email protected]. Together we can make our city and our world a better place.