JASON SETNYK
The River Institute’s Science + Nature on Tap series returned recently with an enthusiastic crowd at Schnitzels European Flavours in Cornwall, where research scientist Matt Windle presented “Reviving the River’s Edge: Restoring Resilient Shoreline Habitats.”
The free, all-ages event attracted attendees in person and online, eager to learn more about shoreline restoration efforts along the St. Lawrence River and why they matter now more than ever.
Windle, who is also the Program Leader for Research and Technical Services at the Institute, shared insights from several local projects focused on restoring fish habitat, reestablishing native shoreline vegetation, and piloting nature-based solutions to combat erosion. “These projects have involved a lot of collaboration with so many people to get going,” said Windle.
“We’re really excited to share the results because they’re not only doing good for the river, but also offering real, testable alternatives for shoreline management.”
The talk focused on the importance of the “river’s edge,” the transition zone between land and water known as the riparian zone. In healthy condition, this area features native vegetation, shallow-water habitat, and natural structures that protect against waves and ice while supporting fish and wildlife.
But along the St. Lawrence, these natural buffers are increasingly threatened by erosion. This is an issue that is only expected to intensify with climate change. Windle explained that shoreline erosion not only puts habitats at risk, but also affects water quality and threatens infrastructure and private property.
Rather than relying solely on hard-armouring approaches like seawalls or large rock barriers, the Institute is exploring “living shoreline” strategies: nature-based methods that stabilize banks while enhancing habitat. These include native plantings, the use of natural materials, and designs that work with, rather than against, natural river processes. “We’re focusing on three main areas,” said Windle. “One is fish habitat, another is shoreline vegetation in the riparian zones, and the third is erosion control using nature-based methods. All three offer opportunities to support biodiversity and make our shorelines more resilient.”
While the work is ongoing, early signs are promising. “For the fish habitat site, we’ll be checking which species move in over the next few years,” he said. “With shoreline vegetation, we’ve removed invasive phragmites in some areas and are watching for native regrowth. And for the erosion control sites, we took precise measurements beforehand and will be monitoring whether the banks remain more stable now.”
To assess success, Windle outlined a range of indicators: increases in native fish and plant species, a decrease in invasive species, and reduced erosion along treated shorelines. “Shorelines are eroding every single year,” he noted. “So we took very precise measurements before installing any new structures. A measure of success would be: do these shorelines now remain stable?”
Windle emphasized the importance of community engagement, both for awareness and action. “Sometimes it’s hard to know what’s happening along the river in Cornwall,” he said. “We want to share what’s going on, and give people ideas and resources they can use, especially if they have shoreline properties.” He hopes attendees left feeling informed and inspired, with practical ideas and connections that could help them get involved.
The Science + Nature series brings scientific topics to the public in a relaxed, interactive format. Speakers range from university researchers to local experts, and audience questions are encouraged. With environmental issues like shoreline degradation becoming more urgent, Windle believes events like this are crucial for building local understanding and momentum. “If people walk away from this thinking differently about the river, and what they can do to help protect it, then that’s a success too.”
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