The Geomorphology Project has played an important role in supporting environmental protection and biodiversity conservation. By reducing sediment entering the waterways, the Petitcodiac Watershed Alliance (PWA) has made a positive impact on aquatic habitats. As part of our ongoing commitment, we continue to survey and restore properties that make positive impact on aquatic ecosystems and habitats for Species at Risk (SARA). This newsletter will provide an update on our project activities and progress.
Figure 1 – Turtle Found on site during Survey.
By restoring 2 properties to reduce sediments input into the waterways, the PWA has met the goals of restoring over 346.5 m² of land in 2025, a portion of that in North River while the other in Little River. In our effort to assess local biodiversity, we conducted Electrofishing in North and Little river before and after the restoration to see what species are present in the region. This initiative is to compare pre- and post-restoration results to observe how the restoration of the eroded properties may have contributed to the number of species present in the region. Also, with the help of Fort Folly Habitant Recovery (FFHR), we were also able to conduct wood turtle survey to ensure we did not impact habitant for wood turtle while conducting the bank rehabilitation. By collecting and analyzing this information, we can better understand how improving habitat conditions contributes to sustaining biodiversity and enhancing ecosystem resilience.
Figure 2 – First day of restoration North River
Figure 3 – After Picture of North River
Our restoration process involved several key steps, including site assessments, design planning, erosion control using natural and bioengineering methods, re-vegetation with plants, and continuous monitoring to ensure long-term success.
Different restoration sites require unique design plans, materials, and approaches. Through our ongoing partnerships with organizations such as Fort Folly Habitat Recovery and 5R Environmental Consulting, we are able to assess each site based on a range of environmental sustainably factors. This collaborative approach allows us to determine the most effective and sustainable restoration methods to enhance habitat quality for Species at Risk (SAR).
After completing our restoration work and surveys, PWA hosted site visits and assessments with DFO to discuss the overall project. It was an engaging session where we walked around the restored sites and discussed about the monitoring plans PWA had for the site. DFO showed strong interest in the FlexMSE materials used to stabilize the banks. These are seeded bags prefilled with soil that have a long lifespan of up to 120 years. Over time, as they decompose, they turn into soil, allowing the banks to blend naturally with their surroundings. The durability of FlexMSE comes from its composition industrial-grade polypropylene which provides structural strength and longevity. FlexMSE also offers greater environmental compatibility compared to traditional hard armoring methods, making it a more sustainable and stable solution for bank stabilization.
We will be hosting our Community of Practice Forum on December 4th, 2025, which will be held online. The purpose of this meeting is to engage with participants from the “Discovering and Understanding the River Corridor Through Data Collection and Interpretation” training held from July 16–19, 2025. During the session, we hope to hear from participants about how the training supported their fieldwork and contributed to their overall field season.
We want to thank all our partners and funders for their collaboration working towards this project. We will continue to thrive for a healthier waterway and habitat for species at risk, working in collaboration with partners, landowners, and local communities to promote biodiversity and sustainable watershed management.