Places To Go

Kansas City Region | Anthony and Beatrice Kendzora Conservation Area

Lake, wetlands draw birders, anglers.

With a 35-acre lake and nearly 120 acres of wetlands, the Anthony and Beatrice Kendzora Conservation Area (CA) attracts plenty of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, which, in turn, attracts plenty of birders.

Located on nearly 750 acres in northeast Platte County and southeast Buchanan County between Kansas City and St. Joseph, Kendzora CA is a regular stop for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds, said Area Manager Chris Blunk.

“Right now, there’s a ton of different species of ducks up there, all kinds of migratory birds,” Blunk said. “It’s a big birding area in general.”

In addition to the lake and wetlands, the area’s nearly 450 acres of forest, fields, and grasslands also provide habitat for forest and upland bird species, he said.

When flooded by the Platte River, the wetlands join the lake as a fishing destination.

“If it gets water from the flood waters, there’s been a lot of fishing opportunities in the wetland as well,” Blunk said. “When that river floods, there’s a lot of bow fishing, and people catch all kinds of fish out of the waters after the lake or river has flooded it.”

“We’ve got the Platte River that runs through. And I can typically go out and see two or three bald eagles on my way to work every day.”

—Kendzora CA Manager Chris Blunk

Anthony and Beatrice Kendzora Conservation Area consists of nearly 750 acres in Platte and Buchanan counties. From West Frank Street (Route Z) in Edgerton, take North Platte Avenue/ Union Mill Road north 1.5 miles. 39.5223, -94.6418 short.mdc.mo.gov/ZLV 816-858-5718

What to do when you visit

• Birdwatching Included in the Great Missouri Birding Trail (short.mdc.mo.gov/ZLC). The eBird list of birds recorded at Kendzora CA is available at short.mdc.mo.gov/ZL9.
• Fishing Black bass, catfish, crappie, sunfish.
• Hiking Mowed maintenance roads available for hiking.
• Hunting Deer and turkey Deer and turkey regulations are subject to annual changes, so refer to the Spring Turkey and Fall Deer and Turkey booklets for current regulations.
• Also dove, rabbit, and squirrel
• Trapping Special-use permit required.
• Waterfowl Hunting Open hunting. Waterfowl regulations are subject to annual change, so check the Migratory Bird and Waterfowl Hunting Digest 2020–2021 for current regulations.

To Look For When You Visit

• White-tailed deer
• Beaver
• Double-crested cormorant
• Bald eagle