Greenway Riparian Restoration Efforts

In 2003, the city of Grand Forks established several riparian restoration sites in the Greenway to test a variety of restoration techniques. The Greenway restoration project was a collaborative effort between the Red River Riparian Council (RRRC), Red River Riparian Program (RRRP), ND Forest Service, and the ND Game and Fish Department. The goal was to stabilize the riverbanks, filter pollution from water runoff, establish wildlife habitat, and develop a natural place for recreational activities. One of these areas was located near the Elmwood Access, also known as the Koinonia area.

Much of the Elmwood Access area's topsoil was disturbed during the construction of the Flood Protection System. This disturbance presented an opportunity for a fresh start to create an area of natural vegetation.

In the years following the 1997 flood, the area known as the Elmwood Access suffered from years of flooding and neglect. Tall weeds such as ragweed and cocklebur invaded the space. The forest floor was void of vegetation, and Dutch elm disease hit areas along the river hard.

The area on the NE edge of Elmwood Access was mined for clay, which was used to build the earthen levee system. The topsoil was eventually replaced, graded, and seeded. Willows, green ash, and cottonwood trees were planted along the riverbank. Native grasses were allowed to develop naturally, as shown in the photos below.

Swipe the slider on the map below to compare the burrow pit in 2003 and the restoration of the area in 2023.

Foot traffic has been discouraged in most of the Elmwood Access area, particularly along the river. Heavy foot traffic can compact the soil, making it difficult for the tree roots to absorb water and nutrients. This can lead to tree decline. Heavy foot traffic also limits natural regeneration, which is vital for the future of tree stands.

In 2003, Elmwood Access had minimal forested cover and only a few scattered mature cottonwood and elm trees along the riverbank. Sedges were becoming established but competing with the weedy growth developed in the frequently flooded areas.

Restoration efforts have included removing weeds and non-native grasses and planting flood-tolerant native trees, shrubs, and grasses from the riverbank to the two-year flood recurrence elevation. Native grasses and floodplain trees were planted above that elevation.

The silt left behind by floods produced excellent seedbeds for all types of tree species, especially cottonwood, boxelder, and willow.

Most of the riverbanks in this area have steep cut banks around 10 feet high. These banks were unstable and risked falling into the river until a more stable slope could be reached..

Sandbar willows were planted along the river because of their rapid growth and ability to form a robust root system. This strong root mass helps stabilize the soil against the effects of the river water. Additionally, the willows are flexible enough to bend with the current, reducing the risk of breakage.

NOTE THE RED BUILDINGS IN BACKGROUND, JUST RIGHT OF THE MIDDLE, FOR POINT OF REFERENCE.

False indigo, another flood-resistant shrub, was planted behind the protective barrier of sandbar willows. Shrubs do not have the deep roots needed to stabilize the river­ bank, so cottonwood and green ash were also planted behind the willows and false indigo.

The green ash planted throughout the Elmwood Access provides seeds for many song­ birds and waterfowl to feed on, as well as the seedlings deer prefer. Patches of milkweed provide necessary food for butterflies, bees, and pollinators.

Years of vegetation management have improved the landscape in the Greenway, including the Elmwood Access area. Allowing vegetation to grow naturally has produced an area rich in diversity that benefits the riverbank and wildlife.

Visit the History section at www.greenwayggf.com to learn more history and restoration efforts in this area.