Big Muddy Speaker Series

Presentation by Bryan Hopkins, MO. Dept. of Natural Resources

NOTE: This month’s presentation will be the FOURTH Wednesday (not the second Wednesday as usual)

Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Westport Coffeehouse Theater – 4010 Pennsylvania Ave. Kansas City, MO
6 p.m. Social Hour
7 p.m. Presentation

The Missouri River, which means “River of Big Canoes”, is named for the historical boat of choice on this massive river. After a couple of centuries of trying out steamboats and barges, paddlecraft is making a comeback on our Great Rivers.

A photo of “Blue Moon”, Janet Moreland’s boat during her source-to-sea “Love Your Big Muddy Expedition” in 2013. photo copyright by Janet Moreland.

Bryan Hopkins, a self-proclaimed paddling addict who funds his need for boating gear by working on interstate river issues for the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will discuss the growth of large river water trails on the Missouri and Mississippi River

He’ll explore this substantial increase in paddling recreation, highlighting the newly redesigned Missouri River Water Trail which covers 550 miles of the lower river.  When you add the rapid development of water trails on the lower and upper Mississippi River, things are looking up for the Great River State turning into an internationally acclaimed destination for unique paddling adventures.

Bryan will share some tips on getting started paddling these majestic rivers as well introduce the exciting race scene that has expanded in recent years.

Directions

Westport CoffeeHouse – 4010 Pennsylvania Kansas City, Mo – www.westportcoffeehouse.com

The Westport CoffeeHouse is in the Westport entertainment area, midtown KC, south of downtown and north of the Plaza.  The main intersection is Westport Rd and Broadway.  From this intersection, go west on Westport Rd one block to Pennsylvania. Turn north (right).

OR you can get there from the intersection of Southwest Trafficway and Westport Rd.  Go east on Westport Rd to Pennsylvania. Turn north (left).

Westport Coffee House is approximately one block down on the west side of Pennsylvania.  Parking can be had either south of the coffee house in the large parking lot or just north of the coffee house alongside the building.  Enter through Green Room Burgers or Westport CoffeeHouse.