Most Kansas Citians don’t know it exists, but the world’s largest heart-shaped forest sits quietly in our own backyard. Located on eight acres near Kansas City International Airport, it has welcomed travelers to the Heart of America from the sky for more than three decades.
The forest’s story began in 1987, when Iroquois Chief Leon Shenandoah visited Kansas City and spoke of the spirit he felt:
“I am an elderly man and when I travel, I grow weary. But when I’m here in the Heart of America, my heart grows strong and my spirit soars like an eagle.”
Moved by his words, architect Bob Berkebile of BNIM led hundreds of volunteers to plant the forest in 1990, giving lasting shape to the “Heart Spirit” Shenandoah described.
What began as a single planting grew into a thriving ecosystem of more than 2,500 trees, some now reaching 50 feet tall, producing an estimated 24 tons of oxygen each year.
Over time, invasive growth crowded out the trees, drainage issues took hold, and the heart shape became undefined. Sur Landscape Architecture assessed the site and designed a phased restoration plan, including a new entry plaza, accessible pathways, a forest perimeter path, and grading to remove aging detention ponds, reestablishing the landscape. Good Oak led the conservation work within the forest itself, trimming, replanting, and clearing invasive species, while JE Dunn Construction brought the plan to life.
Restored and rooted once more, the Heart Forest carries Shenandoah’s words forward, a living reminder of the spirit that first inspired it.
This project was carried out in collaboration with The Foundation for Regeneration. To learn more or support the campaign, visit heartforest.org.
