Discover, Learn & Protect: Summer on the Urban Seine River Greenway

Meet the River Keepers

For more than 30 years, Save Our Seine's River Keepers have been the boots on the ground and the paddles on the water, working alongside hundreds of dedicated volunteers to care for the Urban Seine River Greenway. Together they restore habitat, remove invasive species, improve public access, and help protect one of Winnipeg's most remarkable natural spaces.

This is the first in a short series introducing you to the passionate people behind one of SOS's flagship programs.

Hey I’m Nastassja! This is my third summer with Save Our Seine and here are a few things about me and why I love working for SOS.

What made you want to become a River Keeper?

I grew up paddling rivers and lakes and when I found out about this job I knew I had to do it.

Being able to go to work and canoe all day is pretty awesome. My dad was also a river keeper when he was young and it’s been lovely to relive those memories with him.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about urban nature or the Seine River?

One thing I wish people understood more about the Seine River is that it there are some invasive species but there are a lot of important species. Particularly beavers who play a vital role in the ecosystem. Destroying their lodges and dams does more harm than good and keystone species should be left untouched.

What is the strangest, funniest, or most memorable thing you have seen while working on the river?

The best thing that I’ve seen on the river throughout the years has been the coconuts. Finding this tropical fruit in the Seine River always makes me laugh as we are so far from where they originated from. I do understand the cultural significance that these offerings bring but it’s still very funny every time I find one!

Favourite plant, animal, or spot along the Greenway?

Last summer I saw a group of otters swimming in the Seine which was absolutely stunning. These creatures aren’t typically spotted in the area and spend a lot of time on shore but if you ever get the chance to spot one consider yourself incredibly lucky.

Hello folks My name is Samuel Kerr. I'm new to the team this year and it has been amazing

What made you choose to become a River Keeper?

I initially applied to become a riverkeeper to gain experience as an environmental

studies student at the University of Winnipeg. After applying, it became clear it was the perfect match for me. I am an avid angler and outdoors enthusiast, and it all started on the Seine. I grew up swimming in the Seine, fishing, and exploring the shoreline on my bike. I quickly fell in love with the greenway; it's part of why I became an environmental student, and I'm proud to take care of it.

What is your favourite part of working on the Seine?

I often joke that if I won the lottery, I would be doing the same thing I am now as a river keeper. I hate seeing the shorelines cluttered with garbage and consumed by invasive species. I find it very satisfying to remove and handle issues along the Seine River. I feel the most at home on the water, so I'm at home as a River Keeper.

What is something that surprises people about the Seine?

I think most people are surprised at how much life is thriving in and around the river. People view it as just another dirty city river with no potential; in reality, it is home to healthy fish, snakes, turtles, coyotes, foxes, and so much more. With endless paddling routes, fishing spots, trails and even simply nice spots to escape from the city clutter, the Seine really is a hidden gem.

What is one thing you wish more people understood about the Seine?

People often overlook how much impact the little things have. We need to work together as a city to maintain our beautiful urban nature areas. Whether it's taking the few extra steps to properly dispose of waste or picking up one piece of garbage during your walk,it all goes far in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Favourite plant or animal along the greenway?

My Favourite animal in the Siene has to be the Bigmouth Buffalo. The Bigmouth buffalo is a filter-feeding fish currently designated as a species of Special Concern in the province. It is often mistaken for the invasive common carp, which is similar in appearance. The bigmouth buffalo actively cleans the river as a filter feeder, even eating invasive Zebra Mussels.

Why do you think River Keeper work matters?

River Keeper work is extremely important. The city of Winnipeg lacks the resources to maintain a clean and healthy river. Despite Save Our Siene’s amazing volunteers, there is still an overwhelming amount of work required to maintain the greenway. Having a fully dedicated team with the proper leadership and equipment is a crucial part of sustaining a healthy river environment in a busy city such as Winnipeg.

Inspiring Young Stewards Through Hands-On Learning

The SOS River Keepers guide Ecole Lacerte students in planting native flowering shrubs to support pollinators, create habitat and increase the phytogenic function of the Niakwa rain garden

On June 24, Save Our Seine partnered with École Lacerte for a day of hands-on learning at the Niakwa Rain Garden and in the Seine river as part of the school's Adopt-a-River / ClimAction program. Together, students planted native shrubs, removed invasive species, explored freshwater science through water quality testing, and discovered how healthy watersheds support both people and wildlife.

Save Our Seine was a major partner in creating the Niakwa Rain Garden and continues to care for and enhance the site year after year. The rain garden not only helps improve water quality and supports native plants and pollinators, but also serves as a living outdoor classroom where students can experience environmental stewardship firsthand. The enthusiasm from the students was contagious as they explored the Seine River, asked thoughtful questions, and took pride in making a lasting contribution to their community.

SOS would like to thank teacher Alain Cenerini and École Lacerte for an outstanding day of learning and stewardship. By working together with schools and community partners, we are helping inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and giving young people the knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to care for the Urban Seine River Greenway for years to come.

This event was supported by Manitoba Heritage Conservancy and G3E

Speak Up for Winnipeg's Urban Forest

Trees are some of the hardest-working infrastructure in our city. They cool neighbourhoods during heat waves, improve air quality, absorb stormwater, provide wildlife habitat, reduce erosion, and make our communities healthier and more beautiful places to live. Investing in our urban forest today helps reduce costs and build a more resilient Winnipeg for the future.

On July 16 th City Council will consider a proposal to reduce funding for Winnipeg's tree planting program by $1.2 million following changes to provincial infrastructure funding allocations. We recognize the difficult decisions facing both levels of government and greatly value the City of Winnipeg as one of Save Our Seine's most important partners. If you value Winnipeg's trees and green spaces, we encourage you to contact your City Councillor—and your MLA—and ask them to work together to protect funding for tree planting and urban forest renewal.

Together, we can help ensure Winnipeg continues investing in one of its greatest natural assets. Every new tree planted today is an investment in cleaner air, healthier neighbourhoods, stronger communities, and a greener future for generations to come.

Building the Future of the Urban Seine River Greenway

The Manitoba Habitat Conservancy logo has been appearing on many recent Save Our Seine posts, newsletters, and event promotions—and for good reason. Thanks to funding from Manitoba Habitat Conservancy (MHC) through the Conservation Trust, SOS is bringing the third phase of its Urban Restoration and Enhancement (URE) Initiative to life, helping create an even healthier, more vibrant Urban Seine River Greenway for everyone to enjoy.

Building on the success of the first two phases, URE Phase 3 adds new outdoor education features in Blenheim Park, completes the Reconciliation Node in Bois-des-Esprits, expands school programming, offers free public workshops and guided tours, and supports River Keepers and volunteers as they restore and enhance habitat throughout the Greenway. Together, these projects help connect more people with nature while protecting and enhancing one of Winnipeg's most remarkable urban natural areas.

Manitoba Habitat Conservancy is a Manitoba-based conservation organization dedicated to protecting wildlife habitat, conserving Manitoba's natural landscapes, and helping people connect with nature. We are incredibly grateful for MHC's investment in the Urban Seine River Greenway and for helping make these exciting projects possible.

Learn more about Manitoba Habitat Conservancy: https://mbhabitat.ca/

Construction is underway on the Bois-des-Esprits Healing Forest Education Node, made possible through funding from Manitoba Habitat Conservancy's Conservation Trust.”