Rivers Network

Bridging River's advocates

River & wetland Conservation and Restoration - Regenerative Hydrology

Rivers and Wetlands restoration

Rivers and wetlands restoration restores natural water flows and habitats to improve ecosystem health. It involves removing barriers like dams, replanting native plants, stabilizing banks, and controlling invasive species. Techniques such as floating wetlands help improve water quality. Restoration also enhances flood control, biodiversity, and water purification, with community involvement vital for lasting success.

Man-Made Dams removal

Removing man-made dams restores rivers and wetlands by reconnecting habitats, improving natural flows, and supporting migratory fish. Though there can be short-term impacts like sediment release, careful planning reduces risks, and long-term results usually include healthier ecosystems and the return of native species.

Beaver Dams Analog

Beaver dams are small, porous, and temporary, creating networks of wetlands that recharge groundwater, filter water, and support diverse habitats. Unlike large, permanent human-made dams—which can block fish migration, alter sediment flow, and simplify ecosystems—beaver dams usually maintain connectivity and benefit local biodiversity. Beaver dam analogs, built by people to mimic these effects, are now used in restoration to slow water, increase drought resilience, and engage communities.

Regenerative Hydrology - an emerging paradigm

Regenerative hydrology aims to restore and enhance water systems using nature-based solutions. It focuses on whole-system thinking, mimicking natural flow patterns, building healthy soils, boosting biodiversity, and involving local communities. Key strategies include slowing, spreading, and storing water in the landscape, creating resilient ecosystems that mirror natural beaver dam and river-floodplain dynamics.

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