The Georgia Conservancy is restoring a 1.5-mile riparian buffer along the Chattahoochee River at the Columbus waterfront. This project removes invasive species, plants 500 native trees and shrubs, and establishes permanent conservation easements to protect the river corridor. Native riparian species including river birch, bald cypress, and buttonbush will be planted along the 50-foot buffer zone, providing critical habitat for migratory birds and improving water quality by filtering agricultural runoff from upstream. The project is part of a larger 10-year initiative to restore native vegetation along 50 miles of Georgia rivers.