Woman Paddles 170 Miles To Monitor River Health
Each year, for 20 years straight, Laura Caldwell has paddled the entire 170-mile length of the Kansas River. Known locally as the “Kaw” river, Caldwell makes the journey to keep tabs on the waterway’s health and condition.
In the process, Caldwell led an effort to create the Kansas River Inventory, the first comprehensive, publicly available document on the river’s conditions, animal and plant life, and recreational use.
Caldwell has worked as a teacher, scientist, investigator, and media spokeswoman. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, she coordinates all activities for the Friends Of The Kaw group.
Through her work and long distance paddling, the Kansas River environment is now well documented as a benchmark for future research. Here’s to another 20 years of paddling advocacy and adventures for Caldwell!
