Environmental Stewardship

The Lake Quivira community is unmatched in this region for its unique natural setting. Our lake, trees, hiking trails, wildlife, and green spaces offer our residents and members endless opportunities to fully enjoy and appreciate the environment each and every day.

The City of Lake Quivira, Quivira Inc., and the Lake Quivira Foundation together recognize the importance of environmental stewardship within our community. We support responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Our organizations are grateful for past leaders and volunteers who set this focus in motion and the members, employees, contractors, and others who consciously promote and serve as stewards of our environmental assets.

Our “Naturally Quivira” logo identifies information and activities centered around caring for and investing in Lake Quivira’s natural resources. Everyone in and around our extended community is invited to celebrate our natural resources:  To live them, love them and protect them so they will be here tomorrow and for generations to come.

The City of Lake Quivira, Quivira Inc., and the Lake Quivira Foundation work cooperatively on these conservation and sustainable practices and initiatives:

  • Spillway enhancements – The reconstructed west spillway, which opened in April of 2024. The City’s endorses the ongoing maintenance of this important infrastructure.
  • Opti-System Silt-pond Project – This system minimizes silt flowing into the lake at the silt pond adjacent to the horse stables.
  • Tree City USA Designation – The City’s applied to becomes a designated Tree City USA in 1995. The award was established by the Arbor Day Foundation program in partnership with US Forest Service and National Association of State Foresters 1976. The City must meet four standards to retain the designation: 1)a tree board or department, or volunteers develop and administer a tree management program, 2) a tree ordinance that establishes guidance for planting, maintaining, and removing trees on public property through legally enforceable public policy, and 3) a community forestry program with annual budget of at least $2 per capita, and 4) an Arbor Day proclamation and observance.
  • Fred Braun Annual Community Clean-Up Day – The City established this annual event in April 2016, just weeks before Fred’s death.  Each April since then, citizens have come together to honor and carry on the legacy of this active and impactful member of our community.
  • ‍Large Item Pickup Days – Generally held twice a year, this event gives residents the opportunity to properly dispose of large items not suitable for weekly garbage pickup.
  • ‍Paper Shredding - Dispose of paper items in this annual event.
  • ‍Yard Waste Dumpers and Recycling Bins - Located adjacent to the picnic grounds and north lower pickleball/basketball courts, these bins provide a convenient  and sustainable way to dispose of yard waste and recycling items. Please note acceptable items. Improper disposal of unacceptable items may result in a fine.
  • ‍Hiking Trails - The 13 well-maintained trails throughout Lake Quivira provide excellent spots for activities such as running, walking, biking, and sightseeing, bird- and nature-watching. Check out our map.
  • ‍Nature Center – This building was constructed in 2020 to provide a resource center and gathering place to advance the appreciation and conservation of natural assets of our community.
  • ‍Beach Pavilion – This structure by Crescent Beach promotes comradery and the enjoyment of our lake assets.
    Golf Course - Environmental practices that have earned its Audubon-certification, including wildlife habitat promotion, environmentally sound use and disposal of chemicals and fertilizer, and water and wastewater management.
  • Picnic Grounds and area below the dam – The community supports ongoing enhancements to renovate this area to provide more park space, improved sports fields, and a restored Coronado Springs.
  • Memorial Plantings and Gifts – Since the 1970s, more than 200 trees have been planted throughout the golf course and in common areas to honor friends and family.
  • Ongoing green space community education‍
  • Seasonal Guide to Natural Resources – Check out this calendar for with month-by-month guidelines and ideas to maximize the beauty and enjoyment of our natural resources at Lake Quivira. (Link to the two-page pdf featured in The Breeze, April 2021)
  • Native Plant Guide – Stop by the Nature Center to review the Native Plant Guide detailing local wildlife and plants that are beneficial for our plant zone. Lizzie Weems, a summer intern for the City in 2022, contributed to this project.

Johnson County Environmental Resources – Looking for ideas to protect our environment? Check here:

‍Contractors Must Protect Our Environment Too

Both the City of Lake Quivira and Quivira Inc. have requirements and guidelines in place for contractors performing residential construction activities around the Lake. They address safety and legal concerns as well as steps to preserve our natural habitat.

Following these regulations is required for remodeling, expansion and new construction projects.

The City Planning/Board of Zoning Appeals Committee and the Quivira Inc. Architectural Review Board work closely together and with homeowners to review and approve these projects. Homeowners must secure all necessary building permits and variances, which require approval by the City. Inspections also are coordinated through the City, with inspections performed by the City of Shawnee.

Homeowners are responsible for ensuring that contractors comply with regulations and are encouraged to give them a copy. Find them on line:

  • City of Lake Quivira - Zoning and Subdivision Regulations. Also, review the City's Building Permits page for more information and resources.
  • Lake Quivira Country Club Residential Construction Rules