Residents and land managers can stabilize creek banks through soil bioengineering. What is soil bioengineering and how DOES vegetation hold substrate (soil, sand, clay, gravel) and creek banks in place? Watch this short but VERY informative video from Mike Vukman with the Urban Creeks Council in the East Bay!
There are several options for approach when it comes to the complex issues of river or creek bank stabilization projects. FEMA’s “Engineering with Nature- Alternative Techniques to Riprap Bank Stabilization” highlights several basic alternative practices that have successfully been implemented. The case studies demonstrate the use of large woody debris (LWD), erosion control blankets, woody plantings, and more, focusing on the improved ecological values and reduced maintenance requirements instead of riprap. Engineering_With_Nature_Alternatives to RipRap
Various Methods for Bank Stabilization
- Basic Rules of Thumb for Willow Staking
- Live and Inert Facine Streambank Erosion Control
- Soil Bioengineering (watch the video at the top of this page)
- Willow Planting, Staking, Wattling
- Learn more about willows, specifically in Marin HERE!
- A Great overview and how-to document from Oakland regarding the use of plants to stabilize your creek bank! Click HERE.
- Installing Soil Bioengineering: How to Succeed (by Dr. Ann Riley) Click HERE.
