Services
The Healthy Headwaters Lab (HHL) delivers science and research services for clients, with an emphasis on community-based organizations, First Nation communities including Indigenous Guardians, conservation authorities and research groups locally, nationally and internationally. Our research services include:
Water Quality Monitoring (Nutrients)
Water Quality Analysis (nutrients including carbon-based/dissolved organic matter fluorescence) and Sediment analysis are available as services to clients, with a sliding scale model for internal (UWindsor), local First Nations and other organizations. Our lab analyses are federally certified (CALA)
These services are run through GLIER’s Organic Analysis and Nutrients Lab. Please email healthy.headwaters@uwindsor.ca for a quote for services.
Benthic & Stream Assessment Biomonitoring
Our lab employs benthic biomonitoring technicians who are trained in provincial and federal benthic biomonitoring and stream assessment protocols (i.e., OBBN, OSAP and CABIN). We can perform a suite of biomonitoring services from field collection to lab-based IDs, as well as training. We regularly offer training in OBBN protocols either as part of Dr. Febria’s teaching (e.g., BIO4241 Stream Ecology) or as part of our capacity-strengthening efforts with local partners (e.g., City of Windsor, Parks Canada/UWindsor National Urban Park Hub, Indigenous Guardians). Reference collections (digital and physical samples) can also be included.
Rates vary based on scope of work needed. Please email healthy.headwaters@uwindsor.ca to discuss further.
Knowledge co-production and community-engaged research methodologies
We foster multidisciplinary partnerships in service to freshwater and ecosystem restoration and species conservation. We engage in science-policy development and knowledge co-creation as a distinct strength of our research program. This is formalized through our Farm & Freshwater Ecology Research Network and our Kinship Circle (formerly the Ode’imin Indigenous Knowledge Circle).
Please email healthy.headwaters@uwindsor.ca with any questions on how we can support your project, group or initiative.
Science- and land-based capacity-sharing and youth engagmeent
Working with youth, communities and Indigenous Guardians are core to our lab’s mission and values. We support various organizations through summer camps, youth training and land-based learning experiences. Much of this work is done for free, upon request by individual organizations and groups.
Please contact healthy.headwaters@