Kansas Water Plan Partnership Initiative (KWPPI)

The Kansas Water Plan Partnership Initiative (KWPPI) funding supports education initiatives across the state. Learn more about KWPPI projects below:

Building Connections: Engaging Youth Through Water Quality Education and Technology
Friends of the Kaw

This project includes the development of lesson plans, activity instructions, student worksheets, and in-class presentations designed to support hands-on learning. Friends of the Kaw also completed surface water modules made up of materials for five lessons focusing on watersheds (including stormwater runoff and groundwater storage), water quality testing, data analysis, and best management practices.

Pilot testing of the curriculum took place in September 2025, reaching 20 teachers and 400 students, and providing valuable feedback to support future implementation.

To learn more and see how this project has progressed, visit the Friends of the Kaw website.

Implementation of a new no-till drill and education program materials
Doniphan County Conservation District

The Doniphan County Conservation District Office is strengthening local water quality efforts through the implementation of a no-till drill and expanded conservation education materials.

The district continues to promote no-till best management practices for water quality through outreach in local newspapers and on social media, helping share the benefits of conservation practices with producers and the broader community.

In addition, Doniphan County is partnering with the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education (KACEE) to complete educational materials for use with both students and adults across the county. KACEE will also assist with the implementation of education programs.

For updates on this project, visit Doniphan County Conservation District's Facebook.

Water Ambassadors Program
Prophet Aquatic Research and Outreach Center (PAROC) at Emporia State University

PAROC is working to develop and launch a Water Ambassadors Program aimed at expanding water education and engagement.

Initial efforts included planning meetings with the PAROC Outreach Director, STEM Outreach Director, and ESU Schools of Science and Mathematics faculty, along with the development of a two-day Ambassador Camp schedule and lesson plans. The program was advertised in fall 2024; however, due to low enrollment the first camp was canceled.

Building on these early lessons, PAROC is revisiting the program and partnering with the K-State Water Institute, K-State Research and Extension, the KWO, and Rock Springs 4-H Camp to create a broader, more coordinated communications effort. PAROC will serve as the pilot for this collaborative approach.

For information on PAROC's upcoming events, visit Emporia State University's website.

Implementation of water education programs
Osage County Conservation District

The Osage County Conservation District is expanding water education across the community through the implementation of conservation education programs led by a dedicated education coordinator.

On June 1, 2025, the district hired a part-time education coordinator who, in just the first two months, logged 106 hours, traveled 545 miles, and reached over 50 youth and 550 adults with conservation and water-focused education.

Educational efforts included programming at Range Youth Camp, a noxious weed workshop, library summer reading programs, Gather & Grow workshops, plant identification programs, grazing management sessions, cover crop and soil health workshops, and watershed lessons.

In addition, the coordinator presented to the Osage City Ag Mechanics class, covering watersheds, BMP practice design and construction - including shooting slopes, drainage, and water management.

Stay up to date on this programing, visit the Osage County Conservation District's Facebook.

Implementation of a new roller/crimper in cover crop management and completion to enhance soil health and for outreach programs
Nemaha County Conservation District

This year, the Nemaha County Conservation District utilized a roller/crimper to help producers manage cover crops and strengthen soil structure. The equipment was used four times, offering real-time guidance and hands-on learning for local producers - many of whom reported great results and plan to use it again.

The district held a Soil Health Event in November to showcase the roller/crimper in action and encourage more producers to adopt sustainable soil practices. With the roller/crimper now available for the entire growing season, Nemaha County is set to expand its impact across the region.

For more updates or information on the roller/crimper, visit Nemaha County Conservation District's Facebook.

Earth Balloon for water and natural resource education
Finney County Conservation District

The Finney County Conservation District purchased a second Earth Balloon to expand outreach across southwest Kansas. With 36 volunteers and 11 committee members contributing over 860 hours, they trained educators and used the Earth Balloon in programs held throughout January, April, and July 2025. 

Counties including Morton, Stevens, Seward, Haskell, Grant, Kiowa, and Finney all benefited from this hands-on learning experience, reaching around 700 students with a deeper understanding of our planet's water and natural systems.

For more information about the earth balloon and education events, visit the Finney County Conservation District's website.