Over two billion people worldwide don’t have access to safe drinking water today, and roughly half of the world’s population is experiencing severe water scarcity for at least part of the year. In the Great Plains, extended periods of drought can be tough on wildlife and people. That’s why WWF is working with partners to install artificial—or analog—beaver dams in streams on dozens of ranches in the Northern Great Plains. These structures aim to: 💧 Slow water flow 💧 Prevent harmful erosion 💧

The Grand River winds across the northern Great Plains of South Dakota, carrying water from rolling prairies and badlands toward the Missouri River. Unlike mountain-fed rivers with steep gradients, the Grand River flows through gently sloping terrain where climate and soil play a larger role than elevation. Seasonal snowmelt and summer storms drive its flow, causing wide fluctuations between dry periods and sudden flooding. Geography defines the river’s character. Sparse tree cover, fine soils,