The Native Bamboo That Could Help Hold WNC Riverbanks Together

By Jon Tharp, Broker  ·  September 30, 2026

Rivercane is a native bamboo species whose ecosystems have been reduced to less than 2 percent of their historic range. A partnership is working to advance its restoration.

Students in Warren Wilson College's Master's in Applied Climate Studies program, known as MACS, are partnering with RiverLink and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Cooperative Extension. They are mapping existing rivercane stands, researching the policies that affect restoration, assessing the potential of planting rivercane along utility easements and developing resources to encourage propagation of the plant.

Why does rivercane matter in Western North Carolina?

"We've long known the ecological value of rivercane, but Helene emphasized just how effective this plant is at holding streambanks together and preventing erosion," says Hannah Coats, RiverLink's land resources manager.

The answer is underground. "The plant's dense network of underground stems, called 'rhizomes,' helps hold soil in place even during intense flood events," Coats says.

MACS student Tim Comstock came to the project with an environmental chemistry background and was surprised to learn about the extent of rivercane's original range and function. "In particular, the ability of a true canebrake ecosystem to filter out runoff debris and pollutants is difficult to overstate," he said.

What does rivercane mean to the Cherokee?

The plant carries significance beyond its ecological functions. Rivercane has been used by Cherokee people for generations in basketry, blowguns and other cultural practices, and incorporating that history and knowledge into the project has encouraged the students to think about restoration as more than a scientific exercise.

"It isn't simply about restoring a native plant," says MACS student Fiona McColley. "It's about restoring ecological function, supporting biodiversity, strengthening river systems and recognizing the cultural importance of a species that has deep significance for Indigenous communities."

McColley has worked on GIS mapping, policy research, stakeholder engagement and project communications, including identifying existing and potential restoration sites. "One of the biggest lessons for me has been recognizing that restoration is about relationships as much as it is about planting vegetation," she says.

What comes next for rivercane restoration?

The student research is already helping RiverLink. According to Coats, the findings have helped the organization secure additional resources and launch a new rivercane propagation pilot project, which RiverLink will be officially announcing soon.

RiverLink hopes rivercane can eventually become a routine part of stream restoration across its native range. Increased availability through regional nurseries could make the species more accessible for restoration professionals and even home gardeners.

"I hope [this project] demonstrates that climate adaptation doesn't always require entirely new solutions," McColley says. "Sometimes it begins by restoring native ecosystems, working collaboratively and investing in the long-term stewardship of the places we all depend upon."

You can learn more at Warren-Wilson.edu/graduate-student-projects. The Laurel of Asheville originally reported this story: https://thelaurelofasheville.com/outdoors/conservation-warren-wilson-college-riverlink-and-the-ebci-partner-for-rivercane-project/

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is rivercane?

Rivercane is a native bamboo species whose ecosystems have been reduced to less than 2 percent of their historic range. It is effective at holding streambanks together and preventing erosion, and its dense network of underground stems, called rhizomes, helps hold soil in place even during intense flood events.

Who is working to restore rivercane in Western North Carolina?

RiverLink and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Cooperative Extension are partnering with students in Warren Wilson College's Master's in Applied Climate Studies (MACS) program on rivercane restoration.

Can home gardeners plant rivercane?

Increased availability through regional nurseries could make rivercane more accessible for restoration professionals and even home gardeners.