Riverfront Memories at Chambers Grove
On September 24, 2025, we came together at Chambers Grove Park for Riverfront Memories—a celebration of art, story, and community along the St. Louis River. The day was filled with laughter, reflection, and meaningful conversations, and we are so grateful to everyone who attended and to our partners who helped create such a special experience.
Families and friends gathered by the river for free photo sessions with Pointed North Photography, capturing memories along the water that so many of us hold dear. Nearby, Ayana Greene invited everyone to contribute to a community mural—a colorful expression of our collective connection to this watershed. Katie shared the traditional art of cattail weaving, reminding us how nature provides both materials and meaning. Our partners at the Wisconsin DNR shared about restoration projects underway in Superior, while the Lake Superior Headwaters Sustainability Partnership guided folks through an interactive map of our watershed. Together, these activities invited reflection not only on the past but also on the future of the river.
One of the most powerful parts of the event was reading the written reflections participants shared. People told stories of fishing trips with grandparents, afternoons spent exploring the riverbanks, and the quiet moments of peace that come with watching the water flow. These memories remind us that the St. Louis River is more than a landscape—it’s a living part of our community’s story.
We were also honored to learn through language and history. Naawakwe Howes led us on a journey in Ojibwemowin, starting from Gichigami (Lake Superior) and traveling upriver on Gichigami-ziibi (St. Louis River). Along the way, he shared stories of giants and the landforms they left behind—teaching us that the river is as much a storybook as it is a waterway. Tom Howes then spoke about treaty rights and the deep history of how the river has always provided for the people of this place. These teachings rooted the day in respect, reminding us that caring for the river is both a responsibility and a gift.
For us, this event was about more than gathering at the river. It was about weaving together different ways of knowing—art and science, story, individual memories and community vision. It was about remembering why home and place matter, and why we must continue to nurture our relationship with the river so it can sustain future generations.
We left Chambers Grove with full hearts, colorful art, new knowledge, and deeper connections. Most of all, we left with a renewed sense of commitment: to care for the St. Louis River, to listen to its stories, and to ensure it remains a source of life and inspiration forever. Thank you to everyone who joined us, shared your reflections, and helped us celebrate. Together, we are building memories that flow as surely as the river itself.
