Restoring a stream sometimes means adapting the design to what is uncovered along the way.

During the realignment and restoration of Cashmere Stream, ancient stumps were unearthed. These stumps were remnants of a forest likely toppled by major floods hundreds, or even thousands, of years ago.

Rather than removing them, the new stream alignment was carefully adjusted to incorporate the stumps, allowing them to remain in place as valuable habitat for fish, aquatic insects and other freshwater life. As an ecologist, it is incredibly rewarding to see these remnants of an ancient forest alongside a cohort of newly planted trees.

This is a great example of adapting restoration plans to protect the past while creating a healthier stream for the future.

Extra for experts: The stumps were likely of mataī trees (Prumnopitys taxifolia, or black pine). Mataī are native to New Zealand and are podocarps, the name given to conifers from the family Podocarpaceae. Yes, New Zealand does have conifers! The cones just aren’t as big and woody as their northern hemisphere distant cousins.