8th Conference on Natural Channel Systems
Hosted by the Natural Channels Initiative, June 8-10, 2026, at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario.
2026 Conference Theme
The 8th Conference on Natural Channel Systems will be held at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario from June 8-10, 2026. The focus of the conference is:
Resilient River Corridors: Navigating Challenges, Opportunities and Change
The natural channel system encompasses more than just the channel, focusing on the river corridor shifts the thinking to include the area of land surrounding the channel that provides the floodplain and riparian functions necessary to maintain a naturally stable and healthy river corridor.
At this conference we will look back at what factors have affected and changed our river corridors since the conference was first held 30 years ago. We will also explore the new challenges and opportunities presented to the natural channel system practitioners. Our focus will be on the importance of addressing the river corridor in our watercourse management practices. The conference will include keynotes, concurrent sessions, workshops/training sessions/tours, a young professionals event, and a banquet.
We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be co-chairing the 2026 Natural Channels Conference! This event has always held a special place in our hearts. Over the years, attending this conference has not only significantly inspired and motivated our careers, but it’s also been instrumental in forging important networking connections.
We are absolutely thrilled and deeply honored to be co-chairing the 2026 Natural Channels Conference! This event has always held a special place in our hearts. Over the years, attending this conference has not only significantly inspired and motivated our careers, but it’s also been instrumental in forging important networking connections.
Both of our journeys with the conference began as students; we were both completing master’s at the University of Waterloo. Cailey’s research then focused on the fascinating relationship between river processes and fish behaviors, and Christina was researching how sediment moves in rivers in urbanized settings. As time passed, we returned to the conference as professional engineers. Christina has previously worked as a consultant and is currently working at the Toronto Region Conservation Authority, and Cailey has spent the last decade working as a consultant. While we have taken different paths, we have stayed connected, and the conference has helped to facilitate that connection.
What truly sets this conference apart is its unique ability to bring together all river enthusiasts, fostering an environment where sharing and learning happen. We are so incredibly glad to help facilitate this invaluable opportunity for future generations of river enthusiasts and to help keep the flame burning bright for those of us already meandering down the road of river work.
For three decades now, the Natural Channels Conference has been a cornerstone for our community. Over these 30 years, we’ve witnessed remarkable shifts in scientific understanding, a surge in available data, and evolving policies and management approaches for our natural systems. The theme of the upcoming conference Resilient River Corridors: Navigating Challenges, Opportunities and Change will give us the opportunity to look back at past practices as we meander through new opportunities and challenges. While the upcoming conference will undoubtedly look different from the very first one, one thing has remained constant: our shared passion to protect and preserve these vital systems.
We are so excited to share two thoughts of encouragement with all of you as we look ahead to the conference: what we hope you’ll bring with you, and what we hope you’ll be able to take away from the conference. We hope that you bring your passion and experience. We ask you to start thinking about what you’d like to see presented at the conference and what you’d like to share with the community of practitioners. Our call for session ideas will be sent out in Fall this year and the call for abstracts will be sent out in Winter of 2026. We look forward to reading interesting abstracts, seeing the experiences presented, and taking part in exciting discussions about the science. We hope that you take away new insights and connections; meeting people from different industries, specializations, and places, and use these connections to add diversity to your own practice in the future.
Christina Bright & Cailey McCutcheon
Co-Chairs’ of the 8th Conference on Natural Channel Systems
Date & Location
The 8th Conference on Natural Channel Systems will be held on June 8-10, 2026 at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario in the Peter George Centre for Living and Learning building.
What to Watch For / Coming Soon
Sponsorship and Exhibitor Opportunities
Coming Soon
Partner with us: Build connections and showcase your brand to a targeted, engaged audience — sponsorship opportunities coming soon.
Our sponsorship and exhibiting prospectus will be ready soon, offering a chance to partner with us and gain visibility among a targeted audience.
Stay tuned for more sponsorship and exhibitor details early this summer.
Accommodations
This fall
We’ve secured a variety of on-site residence accommodations at McMaster University, and are arranging a nearby hotel with a discounted rates for attendees.
Full accommodations details will be available this fall.
Training Opportunities
This fall
Our committee is hard at work preparing a range of valuable training opportunities and hands-on workshops for Sunday, June 7, 2026. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills or dive into new areas of knowledge, we’ve got something for everyone.
Stay tuned for detailed session topics, expert facilitators, and registration information coming this fall.
Call for Sessions & Abstracts
This fall and winter
Your ideas matter! Submit your session ideas and abstract and join the conversation.
Will you be ready to share your research, insights, or innovations with a dynamic community of professionals and thought leaders?
We will be inviting submissions for session ideas this fall, followed by call for abstracts this winter.
Keynote Announcements
Stay Tuned
Our Keynote Speaker lineup will be announced starting this fall. Stay tuned for updates.
Looking to Stay up to Date with Conference News?
Join our mailing list to receive email updates related to the Natural Channel Systems Conference and stay up-to-date on the latest news and events of the Natural Channels Initiative.
News & Announcements
May 2025 – Website for the 8th Conference on Natural Channel Systems launched
