River Restoration and Stewardship: Practical Ways to Improve a Watershed

How restoration, buffers, wetlands and community stewardship can support healthier rivers.

Protect stream buffers

Vegetation along waterways can filter runoff, stabilize banks and provide shade.

Restore damaged streams carefully

Good restoration should address the causes of erosion, not only reshape the channel.

Use wetlands strategically

Wetlands can help manage nutrients, sediment and stormwater.

Reduce polluted runoff

Agricultural and urban practices can both be adjusted to reduce water-quality impacts.

Stewardship needs maintenance

Projects work best when monitoring and follow-up continue after installation.