HAMILTON COUNTY SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT
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Live Staking Information 

Believe it or not, the top pollutant in Hamilton County streams is sediment. One way to reduce the sediment load in our streams is to prevent erosion, which can sometimes be easier said than done. So why not take a lesson from nature? Roots from vegetation naturally hold soil in place, but digging into an eroding streambank to plant trees could cause more problems. Enter the ‘live stake’!  
 
Live stakes are cut branches of dormant, living riparian trees. Water loving species such as willow are the best candidates, and naturally have the best root structure for hanging on to streambanks. Start by clipping a dormant branch about as long as your arm and a big as your finger. Then, simply shove your stake most of the way into the eroded bank. The buds underground will grow into roots, the buds above ground will grow into shoots, and you’ve planted a brand new tree that will naturally stabilize that eroding streambank! 
 
In late winter and early spring, we recruit volunteers to help with the harvest and installation of these live stakes. Check out the videos below to learn what the fun is all about! For more information about live staking and how to get involved, visit hcswcd.org or contact Public Involvement Coordinator Sarah Meadows at 513-772-7645, sarah.meadows@hamiton-co.org.

Live Stake Harvesting 

Live Stake Installation 



1325 East Kemper Rd., Suite 115
​Cincinnati, OH 45246
Phone:
​(513) 772-7645

Copyright © 2018 Hamilton County Soil & Water Conservation District
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  • Home
  • Programs & Services
    • Get Involved!
    • Agriculture
    • Conservation Education
    • Earthwork/ Earth Movement
    • Soil Fertility
    • Storm Water
    • Stream Conservation >
      • Stream Conservation: Why?
      • Cooper Creek Collaborative
      • Stream Impairment
      • Stream Conservation: How?
      • Your Streams
  • Complaint & Inquiry Form
  • Contact
  • About
    • Board of Supervisors
    • Staff
    • Organizational Profile
    • Employment
  • Publications
    • Minutes and Financials
    • Newsletters and Publication
    • Resources
    • Articles
  • Tree Sale
  • Stormwater
  • UDF Watershed