RDRWA’s Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program grant provided support for three successful outreach events aimed at promoting and restoring riparian health in the Rosebud and Michichi subwatersheds. These events occurred through collaboration between Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (RDRWA), Wheatland County and the Nature Conservancy of Canada, and emphasized the importance of riparian areas in enhancing ecosystem services such as flood and drought resilience.

In the Rosebud subwatershed, Sarah Schumacher from Wheatland County and Darian Coulter from RDRWA organized two planting projects. The first took place on October 16^th on private land at an eroded section of Serviceberry Creek, where 15 participants worked to plant 420 rooted plants and 1,100 tree and shrub live stakes to improve riparian health. The second event was held on October 23^rd at Rosebud along the Rosebud River. This public initiative attracted 40 volunteers, including members of the Rosebud community and staff from Cows and Fish, who planted 1,294 trees and shrubs.

On November 1^st, RDRWA joined forces with the Nature Conservancy of Canada for a riparian planting event at the Michichi Creek Boardwalk in Michichi. Thirteen volunteers planted 350 Sandbar Willow, 140 Yellow Willow, 60 Bebbs Willow, and 88 Balsam Poplar, enhancing riparian health in the area. These events demonstrated the value of collaborative efforts and community engagement in preserving and restoring riparian ecosystems.