In a healthy ecosystem streams and riverbanks are characterized by thick stands of woody shrubs and trees,  sadly many riverbanks lack healthy and vigorous vegetation, this lack of vegetation leads to many unfavourable outcomes for the waterways including erosion, loss of habitat and decreased resiliency to fluctuating water levels.  Many efforts are being made to restore healthy function to our waterways and Willow (Salix) species form the backbone of restoring bank stability in riparian areas. We have established Willow mother-beds at our Strathmore, Alberta Nursery, these beds are home to thousands of locally collected native Willows. Our stock was sourced from the Bow, Red Deer and Oldman River watersheds.