Live Staking Information
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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’!
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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.
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.