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🌎 Happy Earth Day! Celebrate by taking action for the Seine River Greenway 6 practical ways to help



  1. Pick up litter in your immediate area




One of the most direct ways to help the Seine River is to remove litter before it has a chance to move through the storm system. In Winnipeg, anything left on streets, sidewalks, or boulevards can be carried by rain or snowmelt into catch basins and eventually into the river.

A short walk with a bag and gloves, even just on your own block, can make a visible difference. Focusing on areas near storm drains, bus stops, and pathways is especially effective, as these are common points where debris collects and moves into the drainage system.




  1. Remove invasive plants from your yard



One of the most direct ways to help the Seine River is to remove litter before it has a chance to move through the storm system. In Winnipeg, anything left on streets, sidewalks, or boulevards can be carried by rain or snowmelt into catch basins and eventually into the river.

A short walk with a bag and gloves, even just on your own block, can make a visible difference. Focusing on areas near storm drains, bus stops, and pathways is especially effective, as these are common points where debris collects and moves into the drainage system.




  1. Reduce runoff from your property




When rainwater runs off roofs, driveways, and other hard surfaces, it can carry pollutants toward storm drains and waterways. Slowing that water down helps reduce pressure on the watershed and improves water quality.

Simple steps include using a rain barrel, directing downspouts onto grass or garden areas, or planning areas where you can plant vegetation later in the season to help absorb water. In Winnipeg, it is important to ensure downspouts drain onto your own property and not onto sidewalks or streets.




  1. Be mindful of what goes down your drains



What goes down household drains does not disappear. It eventually makes its way through the wastewater system and into local waterways. Products used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry can contain nutrients and chemicals that contribute to water quality issues, including excess plant and algae growth in rivers and lakes.

You can reduce this impact by choosing low-impact cleaning products, using only what you need, and avoiding putting fats, oils, grease, or chemicals down the drain. Returning unused medications to a pharmacy is another simple step. Small changes at home help reduce what reaches the Seine River and support healthier freshwater systems overall.


Learn more: 




  1. Make your windows safer for birds




Bird collisions with windows are a common issue in urban areas, especially during spring migration. Reflections and clear sightlines can make glass difficult for birds to see.

You can reduce this risk by adding visible patterns to windows, such as decals or tape, especially on larger panes or windows near trees and green space. Small changes like this can significantly reduce collisions.


Learn more:




  1. Support Save Our Seine




Want to see real, local impact? Support Save Our Seine!

Every year, community support helps restore habitat, remove invasive species, and keep the Urban Seine River Greenway clean and accessible. This is work you can see on the ground, in parks, along trails, and across the corridor. Thank you for being part of it.

You can:





May is peak migration season along the Urban Seine River Greenway. As trees begin to leaf out and insect life increases, the urban river corridor comes alive with returning birds. Warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds move through in waves, joined by waterfowl and shorebirds. It is one of the best times of year to experience the diversity of bird life right here in the city!

We invite you to join us for two guided birding workshops this May. Whether you are new to birding or building your skills, these sessions are welcoming, hands-on, and a great way to connect with the seasonal rhythms of the Seine River Greenway. No registration required


Workshop #1: Wings in the Woods: Birding Bois-des-Esprits with Important Bird Areas Manitoba

Date: May 2, 2026

Time: 9:00 am – 10:30 am

Location: Meet up at the South side Bois-Des-Esprit Forest trail head just off the Royal Wood Bridge (Shorehill Drive). Parking available at the South Glen Shopping Centre. 710 St Anne's Rd.

Workshop description:

Join Mackenzie from the Manitoba Important Bird Areas Program for a birding walk at Bois-des-Esprits! After a short talk about the Important Bird Areas Program and the work that we do, we’ll head into the woods to see what birds we can find. All skill levels are welcome, binoculars provided.


Workshop #2: Catch the Chorus: Spring Birding at Blenheim Park

Date: May 16 (with May 17 as a fall-back in case the 16th is rainy )

Time: Two (2) guided walks will be provided;


Tour 1: 'Early Bird' Walk 6:30am - 8:00am

Tour 2: Mid-Morning Bird Walk 8:30am ending at 10:00am


Location: Blenheim Park situated at the corner of Egerton Road and Blenheim Avenue in Old St. Vital. Street parking is available.

Workshop description:

Bird Migration is in full swing on the Seine River Greenway. On our walk at Blenheim Park we will be seeing and hearing many birds that are returning to nest, as well as many bird species that are just passing through on their way north. Grab your binoculars and join SOS consulting ecologist, Chris Penner, at Blenheim Park for a fun and informative outing.

















 
 
 

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