Riverbottom Restoration Project
(309)496-9848
The Riverbottom Restoration Project was created in 2003 as yet another way for Living Lands & Waters to improve our Nation’s Big Rivers. Over the years, a decline in riverbottom hardwoods became recognizable. The bottomland forest ecosystem is lacking the diversity of nut and fruit baring trees. Seed from native hardwoods, such as oaks and hickories, is important to provide food and habitat for wildlife. Natives also tend to be more tolerable to flood and drought. Living Lands & Waters recognized the importance of replenishing bottomlands with native hardwoods.
The Living Lands & Waters’ crew and volunteers from schools, clubs, scout groups, civic organizations, and communities, have planted over 21,000 trees. Living Lands & Waters uses RPM (Root Prune Method) trees or bare root seedling trees. RPM trees are grown in a nursery for a year or more and are 4 to 6 feet tall with a well established root system. Bare root seedling trees are within their first year of growth and are small with a less developed root system. The planting type and species of tree we use depends on the location, situation, and preference of our partners.
The trees planted by the RFRP are a one-year old, 4-6’ tall tree grown in a specialized way called the RPM (Root Prune Method). The seedlings tap root in constantly pruned throughout the first year of growth to stimulate increased height and lateral root growth. The remarkable increase in height helps the tree to better survive floods and compete against other fast growing vegetation. The increased and lateral root growth allows for better uptake of nutrients and water and better stability in the ground.
Grants and donations make it possible for Living Lands & Waters to purchase trees, seed, plants, equipment, and supplies. State and federal agencies continue to partner with us, giving the organization more options, geographically, for plantings and restoration projects. Living Lands & Waters is looking forward to continuing these partnerships with agencies, organizations, corporations, foundations, supporters, and volunteers.
In 2006, Living Lands & Waters changed the name from Riverbottom Forest Restoration to Riverbottom Restoration, in an effort to broaden the project’s goals and objectives. Planting trees remains a high priority. However, the future holds opportunities for prairie and wetland restoration, as well as, continuing exotic and invasive species removal.
Living Lands & Waters needs your help to heal and protect our shorelines, riverbottom, and flood plain. Please see the Riverbottom Restoration schedule for volunteer opportunities.
