Rivercane Restoration

The "Cane Train" project is a community-led restoration effort in Yancey County, North Carolina dedicated to planting native river cane (Arundinaria gigantea) plants in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. The effort also aims to engage local communities in conservation through education and volunteer planting days. River cane, a native bamboo species, is ideal for streambank restoration due to its ability to stabilize soil, resist flooding, and improve water quality.

Beyond its ecological benefits, river cane is deeply significant to the Cherokee people, who have used it for millennia in nearly every aspect of life—from basket weaving and making blowguns to constructing walls, mats, and food storage containers. Our coalition consulted the Eastern Band of Cherokee Cooperative Extension on this project. Today, river cane grows in just 2% of its historical range, and the Cane Train project is one step toward reversing this loss. Reviving canebrakes not only supports biodiversity but also honors Indigenous cultural traditions and stewardship.

The dense root systems of River Cane reduce erosion and sediment runoff, while its tall growth provides shade that helps regulate water temperatures—benefitting fish and aquatic life. Additionally, river cane absorbs excess nutrients and outcompetes invasive species like Japanese knotweed, protecting the integrity of native ecosystems. By restoring canebrakes, the project will provide essential habitat for wildlife, including endangered species such as the swamp rabbit, river cane moth, and numerous migratory birds.