The River Institute’s Science + Nature is BACK ON TAP!🍻
Want to learn more about native plants and their many benefits? Join us on July 24th at Schnitzels for an inspiring exploration of the power of native plants to restore and protect local ecosystems!
📆 July 24th 2025
⏰ 7:00-8:00pm (EST)
📍 Schnitzels European Flavors back room
🆓Free - all ages event
Talk Title:
"Rooted in Resilience: Native Plants and Supporting the Ecosystem Along the Water's Edge"
Speaker Bio:
Chantal Lefevre is a passionate environmental professional dedicated to protecting Canada’s freshwater ecosystems and promoting sustainable shoreline stewardship. With a background in environmental science and hands-on experience delivering shoreline naturalization projects, Chantal leads education and outreach initiatives through Watersheds Canada’s Natural Edge program. This award-winning program supports waterfront property owners in planting native vegetation that stabilizes shorelines, enhances biodiversity, and improves water quality.
Talk Description:
This presentation will explore The Natural Edge program and how planting native vegetation along shorelines is a powerful tool for restoring and protecting both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Native plants provide deep-rooted solutions to erosion, improve water quality, and offer essential habitat for wildlife—including species at risk such as the Cutlip Minnow and Monarch Butterfly.
Through real-life shoreline restoration examples in the St. Lawrence Area of Concern, the talk will highlight how native plantings support biodiversity, climate resilience, and long-term stewardship. Participants will gain an understanding of the ecological roles native species play, how they benefit both land and water environments, and why shoreline buffers are key to adapting to increasing environmental pressures.
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