June 5, 2026In October 2025, River Partners began punching holes in levees at Great Valley Grasslands State Park, giving the San Joaquin River space to flow freely when it overflows its banks. A restoration project led by American Rivers and in partnership with State Parks, this reflects the growing recognition of the importance of seasonal wetlands and floodplains, especially against the backdrop of climate change. Restoring floodplains is a key part of California’s efforts to increase climate resiliency in the Central Valley. While providing flooded soil with the nutrients carried by the river’s sediments, benefiting native vegetation and wildlife, it will also replenish groundwater aquifers and provide flood protection for communities further downstream.
The river is free to flow again and do what it should do: Sit on the land.
“We wanted to use flooding as a natural tool for non-native invasive species management, but we soon realized this project had many other benefits. It would reconnect the river to a historic channel, hold and slow down water during high flood events, and recharge groundwater. This all seemed like a big win for this natural area of the park.”
~ State Parks Central Valley District Natural Resources Manager Heather Reith
