Wednesday August 12, 2026
American Rivers —
On June 11, dozens gathered in the early morning light at Great Valley Grasslands State Park outside of Merced to celebrate a milestone 15 years in the making — the reconnection of the San Joaquin River with more than 220 acres of historic floodplain habitat. The energy was palpable as scientists, tribal leaders, state officials, nonprofit partners, and community members came together to witness something that had taken the better part of two decades to achieve.
The Grasslands Floodplain Restoration Project, completed in February 2026, is one of the most significant floodplain restoration efforts in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The project will improve habitat for threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species, support groundwater recharge, and restore one of the last and largest undisturbed expanses of wetlands and native grasslands in the region.
American Rivers led the project implementation in close partnership with CA State Parks, River Partners, and Flow West. The celebration was timed to coincide with California State Parks Week and was one of five spotlight events held across the state.