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Riverine Wetlands
A behind-the-scenes look into the Wetlands of Nebraska project featuring riverine wetlands
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Who is Grant?
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Grant Reiner carrying the Blackmagic URSA mini pro 12k camera in a spring branch canyon wetland along the Niobrara River. Photo by Brooke Talbott
My name is Grant Reiner, and I am a producer with Platte Basin Timelapse. I have lived in several different states Ohio, Illinois, Kansas, California, Colorado and Alaska but have found home in Nebraska. I earned my undergraduate degree in Fisheries and Wildlife and a Masters of Applied Science degree with an emphasis in Science Communication at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I have been with PBT since 2017, starting as a production intern, continuing as a graduate student and now I am a full-time producer.
My role in the wetlands project was as the lead producer for the Riverine Wetlands film and contributing videographer for each of the other wetland films. I have been so fortunate to live in and explore many different states, but I feel Nebraska is one of the most underrated states in which I have had the privilege to live. The diversity of landscapes, geographies, wildlife and water bodies is absolutely incredible. I have a newfound respect for wetlands because of the Wetlands of Nebraska project.
I have always been drawn to water. I grew up fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, backpacking, and boating. My past knowledge of any type of wetland was very limited. However, throughout this project I learned so much about Nebraska’s wetlands; met really interesting, passionate individuals; and gained a new appreciation for these amazing places. That has to be one of my favorite aspects of my job. I get to learn from some really amazingly smart individuals. My brain is probably just hard wired this way, but I can’t imagine not continuing to grow my education. I am a curious person and anything wildlife or nature based piques my curiosity more than anything else. I want to keep learning, I want to keep experiencing new things, and I want to continue putting wildlife, landscapes, research and conservation on a stand from which others can grow their curiosity and knowledge.
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This map shows the different wetland categories featured in the 2022 Wetlands of Nebraska guidebook.
Riverine Wetlands
Riverine wetlands are found all across Nebraska. These diverse systems get their water from three sources: snow melt in the Rocky Mountains, ground water from the Ogallala Aquifer and other aquifers, and precipitation from our region's weather. Riverine wetlands are found along the fringe, or edge of rivers, and are also found along the floodplain of a river. The deeper water of a stream would not be considered a wetland; however, many riverine wetlands are directly impacted by the water levels in their rivers’ systems. Riverine wetlands also include small streams and creeks not just the larger rivers found in Nebraska. Riverine wetlands hold tremendous biodiversity. They also face challenges that impact their function and health. People in Nebraska work to protect, restore, and care for these ribbons of life.
The Platte River near Rowe Sanctuary (top left, Photo by Ethan Freese). The Missouri River near Niobrara State Park (top right, Photo by Grant Reiner). The Niobrara River near Smith Falls State Park (bottom left, Photo by Ethan Freese). The Middle Loup River near Halsey National Forest (bottom right, Photo by Ethan Freese).
In the Riverine Wetlands film, we start out in far Western Nebraska, where buttes rise high above the surrounding grasslands, and where the North Platte River flows out of the mountains and becomes a prairie river. Here a conservation group, Platte River Basin Environments, and partners restore Dry Spotted Tail Creek by creating a new stream channel. They also restored old river channels by digging down to the groundwater. As we move downstream we meet Andy Caven and Emma Brinley Buckley, two incredibly smart researchers who study the different ecosystems found along the Central Platte River Valley. These two live together along the Central Platte River and collaborate on their research, driven by their curiosity. The North Platte River and the South Platte River come together near the town of North Platte, where the next story begins. The fish hatchery at North Platte has developed a way to propagate and release freshwater mussel species within different rivers across the state. We tagged along on a trip to the North Loup River where specialists were looking for previously raised and released pocketbook and fatmucket mussel species. Moving farther North, we found ourselves at the Niobrara River. Smith Falls State Park has the tallest waterfall in Nebraska. Amy Kucera, superintendent of Smith Falls State Park, introduced us to Gordon Warrick who is responsible for protecting the area’s aspen and birch trees. These trees have persisted because of microclimates created from freshwater seeps that run into the Niobrara River. The final story showcased the Missouri River just outside of Omaha, Nebraska. Alex Wiles is a conservation photographer/filmmaker who has been working on a story called “Floodplain: Life in the Big Muddy,” that highlights the different species found within the Missouri River and its surrounding floodplains. These are just a few of the stories that can be found along riverine wetlands in Nebraska.
The North Platte River flowing past Scottsbluff National Monument by Scottsbluff and Gering, Nebraska. Photo by Dakota Altman
Riverine Wetlands
Water is a necessity for all life. So much so that it has driven the colonization and spread of human communities across the globe. The same thing can be said about Nebraska. Communities were built around Nebraska's river systems, allowing for easier travel, access to potable and irrigation water, and habitat for wildlife populations both above and below the surface. Along the floodplains and backwater sloughs of these diverse river systems lie riverine wetlands fueled directly by the changing water levels of the deeper, flowing water. These riverine wetlands may look different across the state but the roles they play in ecosystem functions, the success of wildlife populations, and the significance of these wetlands to humans are equal across the diverse geographies and landscapes in which they are found. They supply drinking water, irrigation water, improve water quality, protect us from flooding, and provide a lot of opportunities for hunting, fishing, boating, watching wildlife, and exploring. Riverine wetlands are not without their hardships. Invasive species threaten and outcompete native species for resources; dams and reservoirs manipulate river flow and wetland dispersion; humans have channelized many of our rivers and streams along with the construction of dams and reservoirs. There are organizations, landowners, and individuals, protecting and restoring riverine wetlands all across the state. These systems are important for all humans and for the wildlife that rely upon clean water and intact ecosystems.
Ted LaGrange, Grace Gaard, and Tom Peterson photographed standing in a dry western alkaline wetland near the North Platte River. Photo by Mariah Lundgren
Tools and Techniques
Underwater Learning
I have always enjoyed swimming, boating, fishing, wading, surfing, and snorkeling. Because I am comfortable in water, the idea of learning underwater photography and videos was appealing. The Wetlands of Nebraska project was the perfect opportunity to learn and improve those skills. We purchased an underwater housing for our Nikon Z50, a small mirrorless camera that has a high quality sensor that allows shooting in 4K. Its size is good for the shallow prairie water bodies and wetlands.The Z50 becomes water proof because of the specific Nauticam housing built for this camera. It slides into the housing perfectly and has all of the attachments necessary to control the camera from the outside of the housing.
Nauticam's underwater housing for the Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera. Photo by Grant Reiner
This specific Nauticam housing was capable of mounting external wet mount lenses. A wet mount lens manipulates how the lens connected to the camera sees. These wet mount lenses are easily connected to the front of the housing, one wet mount lens turns the Z50 lens into a micro lens, and the other wet mount lens turns the Z50 lens into a 180 degree wide angle lens. It creates this perfect scenario where we do not have to leave the water to open up the underwater housing and switch lenses, we can easily mount the lenses underwater to photograph a subject up close and personal with the macro lens, or capture a wide angle view of the subject with its environment around it.
Behind the scenes of Grant Reiner filming underwater in a backwater slough wetland of the North Platte River. Video by Mariah Lundgren
One of my favorite places to be underwater is along the North Platte River in western Nebraska. Platte River Basin Environments, a conservation group based in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, purchases properties along the North Platte River and within the Wildcat Hills to manage the land for both cattle and wildlife populations. One property has a series of backwater sloughs along the North Platte River. The water is clear, cold and shallow, making it the perfect place for fish to spawn, river otters to feast, wetland plants to flourish, and for mussels to filter. It was within this slough that I learned how to successfully take underwater photos and videos.
A bluegill stands guard above its nest in a backwater slough of the North Platte River. Photo by Grant Reiner
Among my favorite experiences in this slough was photographing/videoing bluegill spawning. Bluegill create nests underwater. The females guard their nests, keeping them tidy by fanning the rocks and aerating their eggs. Female bluegill are serious protectors; they will even chase largemouth bass off to protect their offspring. I witnessed this behavior underwater, watching the bluegill fan their nests, chase off bass and other bluegill. I was careful to not disturb any of their nests or behaviors as I photographed these beautiful fish. I plan to return to this same slough each year to continue to record this behavior.
Grant Reiner getting ready to go underwater with the Nauticam underwater housing for the Nikon Z50. Photo by Mariah Lundgren
In order to get close to these fish, I used the 16-50mm lens. The Z50 is a crop sensor camera so the 16-50mm lens is really closer to a 24-75mm lens. This allows us to get close shots and wide shots. As I spent more time floating among the bluegill, their interest in me faded as they learned I was not a threat to their nests. The more time I spent with them, the closer they would let me get. My first priority was the safety of the fish and the safety of their nests. Once they knew I would not change their behavior or harm their nests, I approached closer and was able to use the 180 degree wide angle wet mount lens to capture these bluegill fanning their nests from above and from right next to their nests, showing what the environment around them looked like. I have become obsessed with underwater photography and plan to capture more streams and lakes within the Platte Basin.
There is no need to purchase expensive housings and cameras for underwater work, there are less expensive options that are just as effective. We have always used Gopros as an option for underwater work. We place them at the bottom of the water, or on a stake with the ground and leave them for an extended time period to capture anything that may swim by. We have captured the Plains Topminnow on video, Shortnose Gar in urban wetlands, Caddis Fly larvae creeping across the ground, and tadpoles living their best life. They are easy to use and easy to place in shallow water bodies and wetlands.
A split shot of bluegill nests underneath the surface of a backwater slough of the North Platte River. Photo by Grant Reiner
Underwater Gear List: (List under construction)
- Nikon Z50
- Nauticam Housing for the Nikon Z5
- 16-50mm Z mount lens
- Micro Wet Lens
- Wide Angle Wet Lens
- Kraken Underwater Video Lights
- GoPro Hero 8
Stories From the Field
Nebraska's Recreational River
This was my first time paddling the Niobrara River. Several of us from PBT decided it would be a good idea to spend a couple days filming while we were on the water to get a better understanding of what makes this National Scenic River so special. In the past, I have seen the Niobrara from a distance, however, it is a completely different river when you are on the water. We chose October, known for spectacular colors, to paddle the Niobrara River. The Niobrara’s valley has six different ecosystem types within a half mile stretch, making it an incredibly biodiverse landscape and partly why the Niobrara is designated a National Scenic River. This designation preserves a river's free flow and natural, cultural, and recreational values.
Aspens and Birch trees lit up with golden light along the Niobrara River. Photo by Ethan Freese
A vertical panoramic photo of Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska. Photo by Grant Reiner
We met Amy Kucera, who works for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission as the Smith Falls State Park Superintendent. She is one of the most fun, energetic, passionate individuals I have ever met. She is absolutely in love with the Niobrara River. Through her stories, I have gained a new appreciation for this river. She grew up along the Niobrara near the town of Verdigre and she now runs one of the most beautiful parks in Nebraska. There are 230 known waterfalls throughout, some are located within Smith Falls State Park, including Smith Falls, the tallest waterfall in Nebraska.
We started at Cornell Bridge, just west of Valentine, Nebraska, which crosses the river at Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge and paddled in kayaks and canoes to Smith Falls State Park where we camped for the night. This stretch of the river is very different from other sections. Groundwater seeps from the tall bluffs that line the river’s edge form spring branch canyons. The cold water seeps support particular species that can survive only in these narrow microclimates. Two examples are aspen and birch trees, ice age remnants, that turn brilliant orange and yellow in fall. Seeing these trees and experiencing the waterfalls along this stretch was one of my favorite parts of paddling this section.
Ethan Freese with PBT kayaking the scenic portion of the Niobrara River. Photo by Grant Reiner
We also paddled from Smith Falls State Park to the Norden Chute. The Norden Chute is a hydraulic feature on the river where the water is forced through a pinch point forming a fast moving chute of water before the channel widens and becomes a braided river. There are a few rapids through this section, a few of us were brave enough to paddle the Egelhoff rapids. They are a narrow pinch point where all of the water gets pushed through fairly quickly. The river is unique but the wetlands along the river, including the spring branch canyons, are incredible. The Niobrara River may not have much of a floodplain but these spring branch canyons are important tributaries and are a wetland all their own that are directly connected to the Niobrara River.
A panoramic photo of the rosebud formation frozen from seeping water in -30 degree weather. Photo by Grant Reiner
The Niobrara River is among my favorite places in Nebraska. This river changes significantly as it travels across the state. It starts in Wyoming as a little trickle that is easily stepped across, then as it makes its way east, it widens, and becomes a free flowing river. Most interesting to me are the coldwater seeps that flow out of the steep cliffs and make their way to the valley floor, joining the flowing water of the Niobrara. These create what are called spring branch canyons , unique microclimates that support a diverse ecosystem. Aspen and birch trees, remnants from the last ice age, can still be found there. I have found that riverine wetlands take many shapes and sizes, vary across the state, hiding in plain sight. There are so many different rivers in Nebraska, it is difficult to experience everything that all of them have to offer in such a small amount of time.
The Horsecreek Property
A backwater slough of the North Platte River near Henry, Nebraska. Photo by Grant Reiner
Platte River Basin Environments owns the Horsecreek property that has become one of my favorite properties to explore. The property is not publicly accessible. Throughout the landscape are a series of sloughs, and wet meadows, connected with the North Platte River. I woke up one morning in the bed of my truck, it was late July but the weather was unusually cool, which made for comfortable camping. The sun was just below the horizon. I took a gentle stroll to the edge of the slough wetlands to see if there was any wildlife activity. I stopped in my tracks as I noticed a family of river otters splashing around. From the looks of it, there were two pups and two adults. Mariah Lundgren was with me; we watched as they played together, ate together, and swam the length of the slough together. Every once in a while they would pop up with crawfish in their mouths, crunching away. Eventually, they noticed our presence, put distance between us and themselves, and as the sun rose higher in the sky, became fat and happy, and retreated to their den. We were able to capture some nice footage of the river otter family.
River Otters in a backwater slough of the North Platte River. Video by Grant Reiner
Along the same property, I had the privilege of tagging along a mentor hunt. PRBE uses the Horsecreek property to get children out into the wilderness to learn how to hunt several different types of species. I joined in the morning when two children were learning how to duck hunt. We got up way before sunrise and met outside the gate to the property. We drove through the darkness underneath the canopies of the trees with only the headlights guiding the way. We arrived to an old, well loved blind. In the dark, the hunting guide waded into the frigid water to place decoys in front of the blind. Once the decoys were in place, we sat quietly, patiently waiting for the ducks to arrive. It was cold, the duck blind was uncomfortable, and there were no ducks yet. As the sun began to rise, the anticipation began to rise as well. It was hard not to get excited to see these kids harvest their first ducks. We waited, and waited, and waited some more.
Mentor hunters in a blind along a slough of the North Platte River, hunting for ducks. Photo by Grant Reiner
Our feet were cold, our hands were cold, let's be honest, we were all just really cold. Being next to the river, the cold hit us right down to the bone. The guide kept us lively as he tried to call in the ducks using a duck call. Finally some ducks decided that the backwater slough of the North Platte River looked like a good place to stop and rest. They came in low, the kids readied their shotguns, and bam. Shot missed and the ducks took to the sky. We continued waiting, watching as ducks flew overhead. The lure of the guide's duck calls failing at every attempt to convince ducks to get within shooting distance of our blind. As the sun got higher in the sky, we saw fewer and fewer migrating waterfowl flying overhead. It was time to go jump scare some ducks in a neighboring slough. We all quietly got out of the blind, our knees creaking from the cold. Quietly and slowly we made our approach to the other slough, the kids were led ahead. Once they were in position, they sprang up on top of the bank of the slough scaring the ducks within. They unload their shotguns. Unfortunately, they missed their shots with the commotion of the scattering ducks. With adrenaline pumping, our limbs warmed up, we made our way back to the crumbling blind. After more waiting, the morning is called. Hopefully next time, birds will be harvested and bellies will be filled.
Two mentee's jump shooting ducks out of a slough along the North Platte River. Photo by Grant Reiner
Freshwater Mussels
Being the producer for riverine wetlands, I was able to travel across the state to see a lot of Nebraska’s rivers. I remember one day being told that a fish hatchery based out of North Platte, Nebraska, was working on propagating and releasing native mussels back into the streams and rivers where they used to be plentiful. Being a person that has always been drawn to water, I wanted to learn more about freshwater mussels.
A pocketbook mussel using its lure. Photographed in a studio with biologists. Photo by Grant Reiner
Freshwater mussels look like large clams. I was blown away by how incredible these undervalued organisms truly are. In order to reproduce, these species rely on using a lure of their creation. The Lure is a piece of their body used to mimic a small fish in order to have a larger predatory fish attack it. The adult mussels attract fish to them using this lure. When a fish bites at the lure, the adult mussel shoots glochidia (minute baby mussels) into the fish gills, where they parasitize the fish for two weeks, then drop off to grow. It is wild to me that these mussels who have no eyes, yet can mimic a fish.
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Fisheries Biologists from the North Platte Fish Hatchery releasing pocketbook mussels into a tributary stream of the North Platte River. Photos by Grant Reiner
I have a newfound appreciation for freshwater mussels and for the folks who have decided to propagate and reintroduce them into their native habitat. The reward is well worth the time it takes to raise these creatures. When freshwater mussels are in high enough numbers, they clean a tremendous amount of water, which in return provides cleaner water for humans and for the wildlife that rely upon those water sources. These freshwater mussels are found in the deeper water but are also found in riverine wetlands. I hope these unique species will continue to be protected and appreciated in the future.
Moonrise above a riverine wetland at Fontenelle Forest along the Missouri River. Photo by Ethan Freese
Reflections
I never knew how diverse Nebraska’s riverine wetlands truly are. The sheer length of all of the rivers within Nebraska alone is astounding. Many may be surprised that there are nearly 80,000 miles of rivers and streams in Nebraska, each with riverine wetlands that support a diversity of life. Wetlands exemplify the statement “everything is connected.” Water drives all life. There are wetlands that always have water, some have water seasonally, while others only get water every once in a while. This fluctuation of hydrology is important in how these wetlands are formed, what species they can support, and what kinds of soils are found there. I had a difficult time understanding what constitutes a riverine wetland. I have heard the term riparian corridors before but never fully understood that within these riparian corridors, smaller ecosystems such as riverine wetlands and floodplains exist. I have a new appreciation and understanding of these wetland systems. They support life, clean our sources of water, disperse impacts of flooding, and are these beautiful, sometimes underappreciated landscapes and ecosystems. They may stink at times, be super muddy and difficult to move through but once you take a step back, close your eyes, listen, breathe, and use all your senses to immerse yourself into these riverine wetlands, there is no going back to looking at them as merely mosquito-infested swamp. They are so much more, and will now be one of my favorite ecosystems.
Please enjoy the following photo gallery of images captured for this project in the Nebraska Sandhills by me (Grant Reiner), Ethan Freese, Dakota Altman and Mariah Lundgren.
Visit Riverine Wetlands
Wetlands of Nebraska - Riverine
Riverine Wetlands to Visit
- Dry Spotted Tail Complex
- Chet and Jane Fliesbach Wildlife Management Area
- Dogwood Wildlife Management Area
- Fort Kearny State Recreation Area
- Martin's Reach Wildlife Management Area
- Muskrat Run Wildlife Management Area
- Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park
- Louisville State Recreation Area
- Platte River State Park
- Schramm State Park
- Two Rivers State Recreation Area
- Fremont Lakes State Recreation Area
- Bramble Wildlife Management Area
- Whitetail Wildlife Management Area
- Indian Cave State Park
- Langdon Bend Public Access
- Peru Bottoms Wildlife Management Area
- Hamburg Bend Wildlife Management Area
- William Gilmour Memorial Wildlife Management Area
- Randall W. Shilling Wildlife Management Area
- Fontenelle Forest
- Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge
- DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge
- Ponca State Park
- Niobrara State Park
- Powder Horn Wildlife Management Area
- Black Island Wildlife Management Area
- Red Fox Wildlife Management Area
- Wood Duck Wildlife Management Area
- Yellow Banks Wildlife Management Area
- Dry Creek Wildlife Management Area
- Fred Thomas Wildlife Management Area
- Smith Falls State Park
- Fort Niobrara National Wildlife Refuge
- Borman Bridge Wildlife Management Area
- Chat Canyon Wildlife Management Area
- Agate Fossil Bed National Monument