Moccasin Creek

The Moccasin Creek project envisions transforming the stream corridor running through Aberdeen into a vibrant “green and blue” public space, reconnecting the city with its ecological heritage. Over a three-day exploratory study, the Cramer Center—working with local stakeholders and community participants—identified an opportunity to reimagine Moccasin Creek not merely as a drainage channel, but as a significant urban park system. The proposed plan divides the creek into multiple distinct “reaches” that would be gradually restored through native vegetation, trail systems, and naturalized shoreline enhancements.
At its heart, the vision is both ecological and social: a continuous corridor that supports wildlife, improves water quality, and creates accessible recreational and educational spaces for Aberdeen’s residents and Northern State University students. The project aims to phase in restoration efforts–such as prairie plantings, shoreline rehabilitation, and creek rehabilitation–while also introducing wayfinding and educational signage, biking and walking paths, and gateway gardens. This approach would not only enhance biodiversity, but also foster a stronger sense of community identity and long-term environmental stewardship.
The Moccasin Creek study was led by the Cramer Center Board, under the guidance of Board Member Phillip Enquist, FAIA, and developed in collaboration with numerous design and ecological experts. Over a multi-day design exploration, the team conducted site analysis, mapping, and community engagement sessions that informed a visionary master plan for the creek corridor. Their work included delineating distinct “reaches” of the creek, proposing native plant restorations, shaping natural trails, and designing interventions like shoreline enhancements and educational wayfinding.

Phil Enquist – Mocassin Creek Presentation

Mocassin Creek Report

PARTICIPANTS

CONSULTANT TEAM
Steve Apfelbaum, Senior Ecologist, Applied Ecological Institute, Inc.
Jason Carlson, VP of Product, Geospatial Analyst, StratifyX
Phil Enquist, FAIA, Hon. ASLA
Dr. Şevin Yıldız, Assistant Professor, University of Illionis – Chicago
Dimitri Nesbitt, Editor
Jeannine Colaco, Cover Graphic Design
THE CRAMER CENTER FOR DESIGN AND INNOVATION
James P. Cramer, Hon. AIA, Founder Cramer Center
CITY OF ABERDEEN
Travis Schaunaman, Mayor
Robin Bobzien, City Manager
Matt Braun, Director of Parks, Recreation and Forestry
Tyler Bierman, Park Superintendent
Jeromy Thorstenson, Assistant Public Works Director
Aaron Kiesz, City Forester
ABERDEEN COMMUNITY
Lonnie Anderson, Developer and retired Engineer
NORTHERN STATE UNIVERSITY
Erin Fouberg, Associate Provost and Member, Aberdeen City Council
Robert Russell, Library Director and Co-Chair of the Cramer Center
John Long, Associate Professor of Environmental Physics
Eric Pulis, Associate Professor of Biology