Stream Bioengineering at Arbor Day Farm

The power of stream bioengineering can be seen in these photos. Above is damage caused by South Table Creek flooding in 1993, and, below, the stream has been restored through innovative bioengineering techniques.

The power of trees and other vegetation to moderate even the power of floods is demonstrated in this stretch of South Table Creek. The area was severely damaged by floods in 1993, resulting in the destruction of a stretch of county road. To offset this damage and help prevent it in the future, the Arbor Day Foundation turned to new bioengineering techniques.

Working with local county officials, Americorps volunteers, and the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, the Foundation used living trees and shrubs to stabilize the creek bank. Seventy feet along the southeast bank, a live cribwall was cabled in place (cribwall is the use of a rectangular framework of logs or old timbers that are overlaid with live stakes or cut branches that will take root along the stream bank). The cribwall was then filled with rock below the water level. Dormant willows were laid in place above the water line and set perpendicular to the bank. Now as the willows grow, their roots provide strength and resistance to sliding and flowing water.

Downstream from the cribwall, other bioengineering techniques were used, including the placement of a brushmatress and facine (a living cable of willow branches) in a trench. As new willows sprout from this framework, they help stabilize slopes, improve infiltration, filter runoff, improve wildlife habitat, and add to the natural beauty of the creek.

Phase II of the south Table Creek stream restoration began in 1998 with funding help from the EPA and the USDA National Agroforestry Center. Technical assistance was provided by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Natural bends or meanders of the stream were restored to help slow water flow. In addition, six new bioengineering technique demonstration sites now make this a model for biotechnical streambank protection.

Principles you can use…

For landowners with a creek on their property, bioengineering techniques may be a wise conservation choice. Community decision makers and landscape architects are also increasingly turning to bioengineering practices.

To learn more…

Publications:

To receive the Arbor Day Foundation’s free “Conservation Trees” booklet with information on riparian buffers and other conservation techniques, write to: Conservation Trees, c/o The National Arbor Day Foundation, 211 N. 12th Street, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Web sites:

More information on bioengineering and conservation buffers can be found at the following Web sites:

The Arbor Day Foundation - for additional conservation information or to order the “Conservation Trees” booklet on-line, or visit our tree store to learn about or order trees suitable for riparian buffers

The Natural Resources Conservation Service – for helpful information on stream corridor restoration and other conservation design practices

The USDA National Agroforestry Center - A partnership of the USDA Forest Service and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Trees Forever – for information on planting trees and grasses along streams and rivers