04/22/2026
Watershed Wednesday 💧
Water connects everything in nature. Each week we’ll highlight something about our local watersheds and how we can all help keep them healthy.
Today’s Topic: Why Streams Meander 🌊
Ever notice how streams and rivers rarely run straight?
Those bends, called meanders, are key to healthy waterways. As water moves through each curve, it slows down, reducing erosion and protecting streambanks. Faster water along the outside of bends gently reshapes the bank, while slower water on the inside allows sediment to settle.
This natural movement creates a mix of habitats. Deeper pools form on outer bends, giving fish shelter, while shallow inner areas support plants and smaller aquatic life.
When streams are straightened, water speeds up, erosion increases, and habitat diversity is lost. Letting streams follow their natural path is one of the best ways to support a healthy watershed💧
SEA works to protect and restore watersheds across southeastern Prince Edward Island so our ecosystems, wildlife, and communities can thrive.