In the heart of Grand Forks, ND, the long-running challenges of the Red River of the North are being met head-on. With flooding, erosion and shifting riverbanks affecting both neighborhoods and nature, the “Art of Restoration” is no longer just a fancy phrase—it’s the practical work of cleaning up, rebuilding and re-planting in a major way.
Over recent years, Grand Forks residents along the river have seen erosion eat into green space, flood risk rise, and keystone habitats suffer.
The latest initiative takes cues from a similar project in Canada (the “Messy River Series” there) with one key difference: here in Grand Forks the effort is grounded in local partnerships of city government, volunteers and conservation groups.
The project brings together earthmoving crews, native-plant specialists, and high school service groups to repair banks, re-establish native vegetation, stabilize slopes and improve public access to the river.
These activities serve multiple goals: flood resilience, habitat restoration for fish and birds, enhanced recreational space,
and better storm-water control.
For homeowners along the Red River, the restoration work offers peace of mind as strengthened riverbanks reduce the risk of erosion, property collapse and costly flood damage. Anglers and outdoor enthusiasts are already seeing the benefits of cleaner water, healthier fish habitats and safer access to walking paths, boat launches and bird-watching areas. City officials say the project will also help lower long-term maintenance costs for riverfront infrastructure while cutting down on emergency repair efforts after major weather events.
For environmentally minded residents, the effort is more than just practical—it's a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with the river and help restore native prairie and riparian ecosystems that once thrived along its banks.
“Our shoreline was literally melting away,” says local homeowner and volunteer Diane Carlson. “When we heard about the restoration plan we signed up because we knew we couldn’t just wait for nature to fix it — we have to help.”
City Parks Director Mark Johnson adds: “The good news is this isn’t just a one-and-done fix. We’re building resilience into the riverbanks so that they can adapt to changing water levels and weather patterns. It’s about the long game.”
In the past two weeks crews have wrapped up the first zone of stabilization along the west riverbank near Riverside Park, replacing eroded turf with deep-rooting native grasses and installing rock toe protection.
Next phase begins this week: volunteers will shift upstream to Sheridan Drive, where much heavier erosion has been documented. Funding from the city’s storm-water program and a regional conservation grant will support the next 12-month schedule. Residents in affected zones will see temporary closures of select riverside walking paths starting early November.
Grand Forks is not simply fighting back against the elements — it’s reclaiming its riverfront. By uniting city staff, local residents and conservation-minded volunteers, the Art of Restoration becomes a shared story of hope, resilience and community. The river may be messy, but this town is bringing order — and thriving green space — back to its banks.
