The Old Fort Bank Stabilization Project is nearing completion and now crews have begun work on stabilizing the riverbank along Headwaters Park. In front of the Old Fort, the large boulders used to armor the toe of the bank slope will protect the bank from erosion during high water events. Native shrubs, perennials, grasses and trees will be installed above the boulders. Similar techniques and similar materials will be used to stabilize the riverbanks at Headwaters, Bloomingdale and Guldlin Parks.

These bank stabilization projects are the first of many projects recommended in the Riparian Master Plan the City of Fort Wayne commissioned at the end of the Riverfront Master Planning process. The projects address erosion, invasive plant species, and create the riparian buffers necessary to improve water quality and the user experience of those enjoying our rivers.

The Parks and Recreation Department is also coordinating riverfront cleanups (riparian management) to remove invasive plant species. Groups led by Riparian Management Supervisor Dan Wire, clip honeysuckle limbs from bushes and cut down the remaining trunks with handsaws. These volunteer riparian management events take place on Saturdays from 8:30 am – noon. Individuals, as well as groups of 4-40 volunteers, are encouraged to sign up for a Saturday, or an alternate date, by calling Dan at 260-427-6408. Visit http://riverfrontfw.org/connect/#be-an-advocate for more information. To date, 237 people have volunteered and 15 tons of honeysuckle have been removed during Riverfront Fort Wayne riparian management efforts.

The bank stabilization project is expected to be completed by the end of June.