Discover the Wildlife, People & Places that Make the Urban Seine River Greenway So Special.
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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 second in a short series introducing you to the passionate people behind one of SOS's flagship programs.
Hi I'm Aspen! This is my second year on the team and I love being a River Keeper!
What made you want to become a River Keeper?
Restoring and maintaining natural places in the city is very important to me, and I believe that urban nature is important for both people and wildlife. These areas provide a safer place for wildlife to live within a city, and they allow people to connect with nature in a way that can be difficult in a city.
What is your favorite part of working along the Seine?
Aside from my love of being outside and paddling the river at work, this job is extremely satisfying. Whether we clear a big log jam or pile the canoe full of garbage, we are able to see on a daily basis that we are making a positive impact on the Seine.
What is the strangest, funniest, or most memorable thing you have seen while working on the river?
The most memorable thing I saw on the river was a group of otters we saw in the
summer of 2025! They seemed to be playing and swimming. I’ve never seen otters so close before, and after we did more research we found that otters are a sign of a healthy river ecosystem!
What is one thing you wish more people understood about urban nature or the Seine River?
Most of the wildlife is beneficial, and the river is their home. While working there are occasional requests to move animals such as beavers or snapping turtles away from the river. Concerns about wildlife are very understandable, however the Seine is their home and its important for the entire ecosystem to have diverse wildlife.
Favorite plant, animal, or spot along the Greenway?
It's so hard to pick a favorite! From beavers and muskrats, to frogs, snakes, and turtles, every animal is exciting to see!
Why do you think River Keeper work matters?
Everyone benefits from having a healthy river ecosystem on the Seine. The people that paddle or walk along the Seine, the plants and animals that live in and along the Seine, and the river itself deserves to be taken care of. The River Keeper team provides a dedicated group that works to keep the Seine clean for everyone.
Hi I’m Nalani!!
This is my third summer as a River Keeper, and I don’t think I’ve ever been this excited to return to a summer job each season!!
What made you want to become a River Keeper?
I've always loved spending time outdoors and had a passion for wildlife, plants, and the environment from a young age. Growing up, I was always on the water, and every summer my auntie Mel took my sisters and me on canoe trips where she taught us how to paddle and deepened my appreciation for nature. Even though I chose a different path in university (Law), becoming a River Keeper has allowed me to stay connected to something I care deeply about while helping protect the Seine River and the environment.
What is the strangest, funniest, or most memorable thing you have seen while working on the river?
Wildlife encounters will always be the most memorable. Turtles sunbathing on logs will always be my favourite !! Although one of the funniest things I’ve discovered while working on the river is the incredible number of golf balls that end up in the Seine. I still don’t know who’s losing all of them, I don’t think the beavers are out there playing golf! When the water is clear, we’ll go golf ball hunting and can fill an entire bucket!!
What is one thing you wish more people understood about urban nature or the Seine River?
I wish more people understood how much life exists along the Seine River as well as how different the Seine River looks when you experience it from the water. When you’re walking or driving by, it can be easy to overlook, but once you’re paddling through it, you start noticing the details. I hope more people take the time to explore it, appreciate it, and feel connected to the river that is right here in our community.
What is your favourite part of working along the Seine?
My favourite part of working along the Seine is getting to spend my days canoeing, being outside, and sharing the experience with such an amazing team!!
I love that everyone on the team shares such a genuine appreciation for the river and wildlife. We probably have more photos of animals and insects than anything else on our phones.
The most rewarding part is knowing that the work we do each year helps care for the Seine and creates a healthier space for the wildlife and community that depend on it.
SOS Wildlife Watch: River Otters Return
The Seine River Greenway is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, and every season brings something new to discover. Through SOS Wildlife Watch, our new monthly feature, we'll share seasonal highlights and invite you to help document the incredible plants and animals that make the Urban Seine River Greenway such a special place.
One of the Greenway's most elusive residents has been making appearances this summer. River otters have recently been spotted near Blenheim Park, Bank Ave., and the Windsor Park Golf Course. While they are rarely seen, these playful and skilled swimmers are an encouraging sign of a healthy river ecosystem.
River otters spend much of their time in and around the water, feeding primarily on fish and other aquatic prey. They need clean water, healthy shorelines, and abundant habitat to thrive, making every sighting a reminder of why protecting and restoring the Seine River Greenway matters.
Have You Seen an Otter?
Keep an eye out during your next walk, paddle, or bike ride along the Greenway. If you spot a river otter, or any other interesting wildlife, take a photo and share it on Facebook or Instagram. Tag Save Our Seine and tell us where you saw it. We may feature your sighting in a future edition of SOS Wildlife Watch.
Invasive Species: A Growing Challenge Along the Seine
Not every plant growing along the Seine River Greenway belongs there.
Invasive plants are quietly transforming the Seine River Greenway. They spread aggressively, displacing the native plants that support birds, pollinators, and other wildlife. Left unchecked, they can transform diverse natural areas into dense stands dominated by just one or two species, reducing biodiversity and making it increasingly difficult for native ecosystems to recover.
Throughout the summer, SOS River Keepers and Landcare volunteers work together to identify and remove invasive plants throughout the Greenway. Every invasive plant removed helps protect wildlife habitat, gives native vegetation room to recover, and makes the Seine River Greenway healthier and more resilient for the future.
Some of the most common invasive species they encounter include:
Leafy Spurge
Canada Thistle
Common Burdock
Creeping Bellflower
European Buckthorn
Forms dense thickets that prevent native shrubs, wildflowers, and young trees
from growing.
What you Can Do
Remove invasive plants from your own property before they spread.
Choose native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers for your yard and garden.
Dispose of invasive plants responsibly. Never dump garden waste in parks or natural areas.
Encourage friends and neighbours to replace invasive plants with native alternatives.
Sign up for SOS Landcare volunteer emails and join us in removing invasive species and restoring native habitat.
SOS in the Media
Interested in learning more about Save Our Seine? Here are a couple of stories
from July:
Radio-Canada (French): River Keeper Lead Hand Nastassja Loiselle talks about working on the Seine River during this summer's high-water conditions. Listen here:
Winnipeg Guardian: Learn more about Save Our Seine and our work to protect, restore, and advocate for Winnipeg's Urban Seine River Greenway:
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