About Us

River Keepers was born from a simple but powerful belief: the Red River of the North is not a liability — it is a living river that creates a stronger, healthier community.

In the early decades of Fargo–Moorhead’s history, the Red River was central to daily life. People fished its waters, explored its banks, and understood its value. Over time, however, that connection faded. The river — the region’s dominant geographical feature — came to be viewed by many as something to avoid rather than embrace.

In 1990, following a community-wide assessment that revealed the Red River was underutilized, underappreciated, and in some cases mistreated, River Keepers was established to help change that narrative. Read the Study Report Here

Our vision is that our community is actively engaged as stewards of a vibrant and healthy Red River. To achieve this vision, our work is broad in scope but focused in purpose — to help people learn about, sustain, and safely enjoy the Red River.

• Learn: We help people understand the value and importance of the Red River through water education programs, interpretive signage, and community events such as the Red River Water Festival and Resilient Yard Workshops. By creating spaces for learning and curiosity, we inspire future water leaders and foster deeper connections between people and place.
• Sustain: Each year, approximately 1,500 volunteers work alongside River Keepers through initiatives like the Storm Drain Marking Program, Reforest the Red, cleanups, and water quality monitoring efforts. From cleaner water and greener spaces to shared pride and community ownership, our work is about more than conservation — it’s about connection.
• Enjoy: Research shows that people who actively use and value a resource are more likely to protect it. That’s why we create safe, meaningful recreational opportunities including youth and adult fishing events, River Paddling Excursions, and Race the Red canoe and kayak races. These experiences foster physical and mental well-being, build outdoor skills, and celebrate the natural beauty of our region — strengthening both individual health and community bonds.

Impact & Recognition:  Over the years, River Keepers has helped transform how the community sees and values the Red River. Our education and advocacy programs have been recognized by organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including:

• Red River Basin Commission – 2001 Red River of the North Water Trail, and 2003 Red River Water Festival
• ND Forest Service Trees Award – 2001 Service Organization, 2019 Volunteer Organization
• The United States Environmental Protection Agency — 2004 Friend of the EPA Award
• Fargo Moorhead Convention & Visitors Bureau – 2011 Best Package Award
• Cass County Soil Conservation District – 2012 Urban Conservation Achievement Award
• The Clay County Soil & Water Conservation District — 2018 Outstanding Conservationist
• The City of Moorhead — 2022 Moorheart Award
• YWCA Women of the Year – 2025 Arts, Culture and Community Category

Collaboration: River Keepers has a long history of collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, schools, businesses, and nonprofit organizations. Together, we work to ensure the Red River remains a source of pride, recreation, and environmental health for generations to come.