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Watersheds globally face increasing pressures from human activity and climate change, with rivers experiencing degradation through channelization, pollution, over-extraction, and development. This lecture examines stream restoration as a critical solution, exploring regional approaches that share common principles: reestablishing natural flows, rebuilding riparian zones, and restoring ecological functions. Special focus will be given to native vegetation’s role in stabilizing banks, filtering pollutants, providing habitat, and regulating temperatures. The discussion will show how restoration techniques adapt locally while addressing universal concerns of water quality, flood control, and biodiversity. This talk frames restoration as holistic environmental stewardship that reconnects communities with water resources and builds climate resilience.
About Destini Petitt:
Destini Petitt has over 10 years’ experience in stream restoration and rehabilitation. She completed a PhD in Infrastructure and Environmental Systems, a M.S. in Natural Resource Science, and a B.S. in Wildlife Biology. Destini is passionate about understanding how land-use changes impact water quality and how watershed restoration impacts groundwater storage. Her dedication to environmental conservation extends to native plant species, where she advocates for their critical role in ecosystem health and resilience. Beyond her academic pursuits, Destini actively engages in volunteerism, participating in community-based conservation initiatives and mentoring aspiring environmental scientists. Currently, she is in the process of launching an erosion control business in Brevard, North Carolina.
