OWC has invested in natural infrastructure for many years to support valuable benefits to our watershed. In this blog, our Restoration Manager provides some additional insights on the restoration work that OWC is investing in and how you can be part of that!
The Oldman’s Treasures
Our watershed is home to many diverse ecosystems, extending eastward from the forested slopes of the Rocky Mountains, to the rangelands in the foothills, and the prairie grasslands. Ecosystems consist of dynamic webs of life and nature that interact and are connected by nutrient cycles and energy flows, which we are also part of. These ecosystems provide countless benefits and services, from clean water coming from the mountains to carbon sequestration in the grasslands.
OWC’s Restoration Manager, Debra Still, shares her admiration and knowledge of some of these ecosystems:
“Wetlands, prairie potholes, and riparian zones are my heart and soul. Home to thousands of migratory birds each year, native and endangered fish species, and the colorful yellow and red vegetation from the dogwoods! To sit on the side of a wetland and listen for its own world to come alive creates such a sense of peace and wonder. Water filtration, groundwater recharge, habitat creation and biodiversity are just a few simplified reasons to fight for these invaluable systems.”
The cottonwood riparian forests in our watershed provide shelter and erosion protection for kilometers along the Oldman River and its main tributaries. They are also resilient to flood, and cottonwoods’ thick trunks provide fire protection and a home for many species. Photo by Maria Albuquerque.
Debra also said that since continuing her schooling, she has newfound respect for our native grasslands:
““Under constant pressure from urban expansion and agriculture, these often overlooked species are what make our prairies special. Roughly 125 rare vascular species are found here, and many animals that are not found elsewhere in Alberta. The swift fox, the painted turtle, and the short-horned lizard are just a few of these amazing creatures the grasslands have the privilege of hosting.””
Native grass, like tall fescue, has long and extensive roots that can reach water and nutrients 2 to 3 feet deep. Their root system makes them resilient to multi-year drought. Photo by Matt Lavin.
“Last, but certainly not least the Rocky Mountains,” the birthplace of the Oldman, Castle, Crowsnest, and Waterton Rivers. These mountains are synonymous with our headwaters, an environment that provides clean water and air and is home to endangered fauna and flora.
““Watching the soft pink sunrise paint the snowy peaks in an alpine glow is nothing short of remarkable. From Grizzly and Black bears to the Clarks Nutcracker and the multitude of creatures in between. Not to mention the plant species found here. There is no shortage on things to see and do within these mountains, and you never know what adventure lies waiting for you beyond the next peak!””
Mount Tecumseh in Crowsnest Pass. Photo by Maria Albuquerque.
As outlined in previous blogs, our watershed's ecological diversity significantly benefits its residents, human and non-human alike. Loss and/or degradation of natural infrastructure, resulting from expanding human development, has strained the ecosystems’ ability to provide these services. For example, Alberta has lost up to 70% of its original wetland cover in settled areas, primarily due to agricultural and urban development. This means that less water is stored naturally on the land, which has adversely affected water quality and availability. Degradation of riparian zones (green transition areas between land and water) reduces their filtering and buffering capacity, leaving nearby communities more vulnerable to flood and drought. Despite these losses, many valuable areas remain within the watershed where natural infrastructure could greatly benefit from being restored. This is where the efforts of the OWC and our partners come into play, as we work to support the recovery of these vital ecosystems.
Restoring the Oldman’s Health
Since 2005, OWC has invested in natural infrastructure through restoration, which is one of the types of natural infrastructure.
There are three types of natural infrastructure: Conserved Ecosystems, Restored Ecosystems, and Engineered Ecosystems. From the International Institute of Sustainable Solutions.
We asked Debra what restoration is in practice, and here is how she explained it:
“Restoration in practice is utilizing multiple techniques to repair ecological damage. Tree planting to restore an area plagued by disease, wattle fencing to reduce stream bank erosion, or removing invasive species that reduce the native plant life to thrive. Ecological damage can be caused by human use or natural disasters, both of which can require restoration.”
OWC has worked with partners across the watershed on numerous restoration projects, including planting and staking willows, building Beaver Dam Analogues (BDAs), and applying rough and loose techniques to restore streambanks, water flow, and soil nutrients. The map below shows some of the sites where we have worked with nature in our watershed to restore natural infrastructure and ecosystem services.
Restoration sites in the Oldman watershed that OWC has been involved with from 2014-2024. Map created by Maria Albuquerque.
None of this work would have been possible without our strong network of watershed heroes and nature infrastructure experts. Many of our projects were in partnership with other non-profit organizations, such as Blood Tribe Land Management, Cows and Fish, Miistakis Institute, Freshwater Conservation Canada (formerly Trout Unlimited Canada), and with many landholders and hundreds of volunteers!
OWC staff planting willows at Kainai Nation with Mike Bruised Head in 2024. Photo by Kallie Desruisseaux.
Kallie Desruisseaux and Shannon Frank willow staking at Beaver Creek in Piikani Nation in 2022. Photo by Shannon Hart.
BDAs are constructed within the stream using vertical posts (either natural or manufactured), a natural binding material (usually willow, spruce, or other vegetation from the site), and a combination of gravel and mud at the base. OWC, Piikani Nation, Cows and Fish, and Miistakis building BDAs in 2022.
Restoration at Dutch Creek. Willow staking, live plantings, rough and loose (soil decompaction), and hitching rails in 2021. OWC archive.
“The investment in natural infrastructure allows many landowners and the first nations more opportunities and financial assistance to increase the overall health and functionality of the land. Funding through our grants facilitates much-needed projects to get off the ground, such as off-site waterers to keep cattle out of riparian areas, fencing, and tree planting. Learning and listening to the landowners is crucial in understanding where the gaps are and in which areas we can assist. The decrease in water availability, drought issues, and loss of habitat are major issues landholders face every day. Through our investment in NI we can guide them to the best possible solution for each individual concern.”
2025 Plans & How Get Involved!
OWC will continue to work with nature to find solutions for erosion control and flood protection, increase biodiversity and habitat, and improve water quality and quantity. This year, we are carrying out many natural infrastructure projects and have plenty of opportunities for watershed residents to volunteer or get involved.
“This year is an exciting one! We have a wetland that is in the process of getting constructed, and work on our native pollinator project in Claresholm kicks off. Here we are creating gardens, planting native pollinator friendly flowers, increasing their food
source and habitat with more being planned and prepped for this year and next. Multiple planting days, coordinating with Kainai Nation on a spring development for the bison, coordination with other groups mitigating beaver issues, and multiple off-site watering systems, fencing, and beaver dam analogs.”
If you want to participate in natural infrastructure projects with OWC, email our Restoration Manager at debra@oldmanwatershed.ca and sign up to become a volunteer!
Willow Staking in the Porcupine Hills with Staff from Cows and Fish, and volunteers in 2022. Photo by Conlan Donahue.
