Help Us Replant
the Riparian Zone
Volunteer to
plant trees and shrubs
and Reforest the Red!
What Are Riparian
Zones and Why Do
They Matter?
A riparian zone is the land
adjacent to rivers, lakes,
and wetlands. Many of the
trees in the riparian zone
along the red river have
been removed for a better
view, or for firewood or
lumber when this area was
first settled.
1120 28th Ave N., Ste. B
Fargo, ND 58102
River Keepers is a non-profit
organization that was established in
1990 to advocate for the sustainable
use of the Red River of the North in
Fargo, ND-Moorhead, MN area.
Find us at www.riverkeepers.org or
Facebook by searching
“River Keepers”
Coordinated by:
Sponsored by:
Reforest The Red: Restore the Riparian Zone
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
MAY-EARLY SEPTEMBER
Bring 10 or more of your friends, family
members, and/or associates for a
minimum of 2-hours!
Strategically planting trees along the Red River creates a buffer,
maintains river bank stability, encourages growth of native plants,
improves water quality (Fargo-Moorhead’s drinking water source), and
provides habitat for wildlife.
Provide shade—Shade cools stream
Planting trees along the Red
temperatures, which allows aquatic
River will…
species, such as fish, to thrive.
Improve bank stability—River banks in
healthy riparian zones are stabilized by
permanent woody roots, and by deep
roots of native grasses and wildflowers.
These roots can slow down erosion and
slumping.
What to wear: Long pants, closed toed
shoes, and gloves that can get muddy.
Dress for the weather!
If you have your own shovel, please bring it
and write your name on the handle!
For safety reasons, we ask that one adult is
present for every five youth.
To schedule a planting date and/or
for more information
contact River Keepers at
christine@riverkeepers.org
-or701.235.2895
Improve water quality—Dense stems of
native grasses, shrubs, and trees
physically slow surface runoff and out-of
bank-floodwater, which causes
sediment to be dropped on the soil
rather than in the waterway.
Provide suitable habitat for the river
wildlife—Riparian zones provide crucial
habitat for birds and other wildlife such
as herons, wood ducks, pheasants,
turkeys, turtles, foxes, and eagles. A
diversity of plant species ensures the
greatest variety of wildlife.
Improve air quality—A healthy
riparian zone filters out windblown
sediment and air born pollutants
caused by erosion, cars, construction,
and farm machinery.
Additional recreation
opportunities—The riparian zone
provides opportunities for
recreationalists to fish, bird watch,
picnic, and enjoy other activities.
Reduce crime rates—residential
areas next to green spaces have been
shown to create neighborhoods with
lower crime rates. Vegetation can be
managed to create a reassuring
environment that increases
community presence, allowing
opportunities to get to know
neighbors, reduce fear, and increase
citizen surveillance.