Audubon Dakota was awarded the River Keepers Environmental Award which recognizes outstanding leadership in the protection of the river environment relative to environmental concerns, water, soils, vegetation, and wildlife. The award was presented at the annual River Keepers board meeting on Monday, April 18th, 2022.

Audubon Dakota established the Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative (UWP) in 2014 along with local landowning partners, aimed at restoring and enhancing riparian grasslands, wetlands, and woodland habitats in urban settings. Locally, partners include Fargo Park District, City of Fargo, City of Moorhead, Buffalo Red River Watershed District, and North Dakota State University. The UWP Nature Parks are generously supported by our partners including the Outdoor Heritage Fund, North Dakota Game and Fish, the Minnesota Conservation Partners Legacy grant program, Starion, and more. There are 19 UWP nature parks in the Fargo/Moorhead area along the Red River that support important wildlife habitat and engage our community with access to hiking, birding, cross-country skiing, and other outdoor activities.

The Urban Woods and Prairies Initiative aligns with the goal of River Keepers to advocate land use, river use, and environmental practices that contribute to a sustainable, safe, and economically beneficial river ecosystem.