Celebrating Wetlands on World Rivers Day
The Savannah River watershed in South Carolina plays a vital role in filtering water and providing habitat for at-risk species.
They say you never set foot in the same river twice. What's the closest river to you? And how would you define your relationship to it? You can trace the history of human migration along the lines drawn by these waterways. Protection of rivers is crucial to securing Healthy and Abundant Forests for future generations. By encouraging practices that support water quality and wildlife, The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), IP and our partners aim to restore and maintain healthy forests and river ecosystems.
The Savannah River watershed has degraded over time, threatening the ecosystem and the drinking water supply for over 500,000 residents in the area. We work closely with the NFWF to safeguard water quality and protect vulnerable wildlife in the area.
This restoration project, led by the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Lab and supported by NFWF and IP’s grantee, The Longleaf Alliance, focuses on revitalizing these wetlands and surrounding longleaf pine forests to improve their ecological function. Healthy, sustainable forests are key to maintaining water quality, and the restoration of these wetlands will help ensure the longevity of the watershed’s health.
On World Rivers Day, we are proud to stand with our partners and grantees who help restore the forestry landscape.
IP is also part of the Savannah River Clean Water Fund, which is working in the same area to protect and responsibly manage forests to improve water quality. The Fund is a collaborative initiative in partnership with The Nature Conservancy aimed at protecting and managing forests to safeguard water quality across the Savannah River Watershed. Learn more about our sustainability partnerships.
These wetlands and longleaf pine forests are crucial for filtering water that flows into the Savannah River, a significant source of drinking water for the region. They also provide critical habitats for rare amphibian species, such as the gopher frog, which spend much of their life in the upland forests but rely on the seasonal pools for reproduction.
“On World Rivers Day, we are proud to stand with our partners and grantees who help restore the forestry landscape,” said Sophie Beckham, IP Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer. “At International Paper, we recognize that healthy forests and wetlands are the backbone of thriving ecosystems and vital water resources. Our commitment to projects like restoring the Savannah River watershed will ensure that these critical ecosystems continue to provide clean water and support diverse wildlife for generations to come.”
These restoration efforts are part of a broader initiative to help landowners manage their forests sustainably. Healthy forests, particularly those in the longleaf pine ecosystem, are essential for protecting water resources and preserving biodiversity.
