The Healthy Headwaters Lab

Our lab has a single mission: to restore freshwater ecosystems to full health and vitality for the benefit of future generations.

We use science to connect land, water, and people.

To address challenges facing freshwater around the world, we draw on robust data synthesis, empirical place-based studies, and translation ecology. Our close work with communities and decision-makers helps to drive truly impactful science.

We are committed to inclusion, diversity, kindness, and curiosity as part of our commitment to science excellence and impact.

— Dr. Catherine Febria’s Research Team & Lab Group

Research Focus Areas

Projects

Our lab conducts research in Canada, USA, and New Zealand on headwater ecosystems — drains, wetlands, streams, and the interfaces between surface and groundwater — which are under-explored. Restoration actions often seek to mimic their attributes to restore functions across a landscape.

Lab Facility & Services

Dr. Febria is Co-Director of the refreshed Organic Analysis and Nutrient Research Facility at GLIER, which enables water quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem health research. We offer high-quality, certified analytical services to support the work of our collaborators, students, government, industry, and community groups across the Great Lakes basin.

Teaching

The field course “Traditional Ecological Knowledge and the Environment”, co-developed with Walpole Island First Nation, offers students a chance to work with Indigenous instructors and gain new perspectives. Dr. Febria also teaches the Limnology and Stream Ecology courses at the University of Windsor.

Our Community

The Healthy Headwaters Lab is committed to ensuring our science is rooted in the needs of the local community.

News & Updates

We will be updating our news with more exciting updates coming soon but for now if you want to see what we were up to in the past, hit the button below to go to our News & Updates page.

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The land, water and future generations need Indigenous guardians; Indigenous guardians need YOU!