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

We offer formal and land-based teaching opportunities, by Dr. Febria and also in partnerships with local knowledge holders. Dr. Febria teachings Limnology, Stream Ecology and GLIER Graduate courses. The lab also offers certification in water quality and benthic monitoring together with place-based Indigenous Guardians capacity-strengthening.

Our Community

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

News & Updates

New Textbook! Released June 2026

FERN Newsletter – Issue 3 now out!

Insights from UWindsor’s National Urban Park Hub

New publication on Unionid freshwater mussel species at risk & Mitigation translocations

New technical report on coastal wetlands monitoring

An evening with David Suzuki 

Donate to the Indigenous Guardians Endowment Fund

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