Design and Process 

In the early 1990s, the City of Brandon recognized the desire of residents to preserve the health and diversity of the Assiniboine River’s ecosystem.  In 1995, the Assiniboine River Corridor Master Plan was created, providing a 25-year development plan for the rejuvenation of the river corridor. Brandon Riverbank Inc. was formed as a not-for-profit organization that cares for the Assiniboine River Corridor site so that it is a gathering place for people to connect with nature and explore native ecosystems. 

The extensive tall grass native prairie landscape on the grounds of Riverbank supports biodiversity as well as soil health. The native prairie landscape absorbs and stores carbon. Native grasses provide food, nesting materials and habitat cover for birds; and they serve as host plants for numerous butterfly and moth species as well. Red foxes, birds, rodents, pollinators, insects, deer and many other species live and visit this important prairie landscape.  

The conservation group Ducks Unlimited constructed ponds several years ago and are involved in installing duck houses, maintenance and providing advice on controlled burns. Brandon is a Bee City, which commits Brandon to use sustainable land management strategies.  Efforts are made to support pollinators by engaging the public through their website and social media on the importance of tall grass native prairie landscapes. Volunteers from Bee City Brandon recently completed a pollinator garden, and a wildflower pollinator garden near the banks of the Assiniboine River. Community volunteers often help to remove invasive species, pick up garbage and generally help care for the public site, including a local naturalist who manages four purple martin houses. 

For more information, visit www.riverbank.mb.