In early 2024, Michael Fedoroff embarked on a mission to Tuckabum Creek in York County, Alabama. As an environmental anthropologist, Fedoroff was determined to help restore the native rivercane plant by planting 300 stalks in an eroded and degraded wetland area. This ambitious project was set to be the largest cane restoration effort in Alabama’s history. After carefully planting the stalks and fortifying them with hay, Fedoroff and his team anxiously awaited the outcome.
A few days later, heavy rains caused the river to rise by 9 feet, causing concern for the newly planted rivercane. Returning to the site, Fedoroff and his team were relieved to find that the rivercane had not only survived but had also helped stabilize the stream bank. This success highlighted the importance of rivercane in preventing erosion and protecting vulnerable ecosystems.
Rivercane, once abundant throughout the Southeastern United States, played a crucial role in maintaining soil stability and preventing floods. However, centuries of land development and agriculture have led to the decline of rivercane, with only about 12 remaining canebrakes in the entire country. Recognizing the ecological significance of rivercane, a dedicated group of scientists, volunteers, Native stakeholders, and landowners have joined forces to revive this essential plant.
During Hurricane Helene, waterways lined with rivercane fared significantly better than those without. Adam Griffith, a rivercane expert, witnessed the devastation caused by the hurricane and emphasized the importance of native vegetation in protecting stream banks. Inspired by this event, Griffith and others have committed themselves to restoring rivercane habitats and educating the public on its benefits.
The Rivercane Restoration Alliance (RRA), led by Fedoroff, is spearheading efforts to bring back rivercane across the Southeast. With a substantial grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the RRA is working on projects in 12 states to reintroduce rivercane, preserve existing stands, and raise awareness about its ecological value. Collaborating with major stakeholders, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Native tribes like the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the RRA is ensuring that rivercane’s cultural significance is also honored.
Historically, Native peoples in the Southeast utilized rivercane for crafting tools and artifacts, but as the plant declined, many turned to synthetic materials. Ryan Spring, a member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, is actively involved in reintroducing rivercane into tribal culture and ecology. By educating communities and restoring rivercane habitats, Spring and others are reviving this essential plant’s role in both the environment and Native heritage. Basket making has long been a traditional craft in many communities, but a recent shift in materials is bringing a fresh perspective to this age-old practice. In the Southeast, a group of artisans are turning to rivercane as their new medium of choice for crafting baskets. This innovative approach not only showcases the versatility of rivercane but also highlights its potential for ecological restoration.
Rivercane, a native plant species that resembles bamboo, has been historically undervalued and often mistaken for the invasive Chinese bamboo. As a result, landowners and managers have overlooked its ecological significance, leading to its removal from many natural landscapes. However, a growing awareness of the benefits of rivercane has sparked interest in its conservation and utilization.
Laura Young, of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, has been at the forefront of this movement. Recognizing the high cost and limited availability of rivercane plants, she developed a cost-effective method known as the “cane train” for propagating rivercane. By planting rhizome cuttings in soil-filled bags, Young was able to establish a thriving canebrake along a riverbank for a fraction of the usual cost.
While the cane train method has its limitations, such as the need to match plant varieties with specific environmental conditions, it has proven to be a simple and accessible way to engage volunteers and private landowners in riverbank restoration efforts. In Yancey County, North Carolina, a collaborative project led by the county government and local organizations successfully planted hundreds of rivercane shoots to stabilize eroded stream banks in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
The beauty of using rivercane for basket making lies not only in its cultural significance but also in its potential to promote ecological resilience. By incorporating rivercane into their craft, artisans are not only preserving a traditional art form but also contributing to the restoration of native habitats. As Rivercane continues to gain recognition for its ecological value, it is paving the way for a more sustainable future where art and nature harmoniously coexist.
