Mud Creek Watershed Restoration Project

Stream Dr. Training

for Landscapers

In this one-day training, professionals with solid landscaping background gain knowledge and skills to evaluate damaged stream sites and design high quality repair solutions.

If you are interested in the next training, please contact the Mud Creek project. We'll add your name to the list and let you know when the next training is planned.

About the Stream Dr. Program

Why?  -- The Need

Stream restoration is an up-and-coming industry.

Across Western North Carolina, streambank erosion — and the resulting build-up of sediment in stream channels — is receiving increased attention from government agencies and private landowners. Fast-paced land development and recent hurricane damage have increased the incidence of badly eroding streams and the need for stream restoration.

With increased need for stream restoration, a demand has been created for professionals to carry out this work. While large-scale government-funded projects contract with big engineering firms to re-shape stream channels in 1/4 mile+ increments, a void exists for homeowners seeking assistance in fixing relatively small-scale blow-outs on backyard and neighborhood streams.

Necessity is indeed the mother of invention. This new need for affordable consulting and service for small-scale stream repair provides a potentially valuable new business niche in the landscaping arena. At the same time, a danger exists for increasing usage of stop-gap measures that may inadvertently do more harm than good to stream ecosystems.

The time is ripe for “Stream Repair 101” for anyone involved in earthmoving, planting, or landscape design — services that are sure to be in demand for stream repair applications in the near future.

What's in it for Me?

In this one-day training, professionals with solid landscaping background will gain knowledge and skills to evaluate damaged stream sites and design high quality repair solutions.

Why do I need special training?

High quality stream repair uses elements of natural channel design to the greatest extent possible. The goal is not only to repair eroding spots and prevent future erosion, but also to return natural features and processes to streams to enhance the quality of habitat and other environmental functions they provide.

Band-aid Boulders: Poorly placed solutions simply send the problem downstream.

Designing a high quality stream repair requires analyzing dimension, pattern and profile of the stream; understanding channel features and biological considerations; assessing average and peak stream flow; and considering the hydrology and topology of the surrounding site.

This workshop provides background information and additional resources on these topics, plus a hands-on example of installing an erosion control solution using natural design elements.

What will I take away?

• Increased professional knowledge and skills
• Eligibility for listing in local Extension Service literature as a resource professional for landowners seeking assistance with stream repair (i.e., free referral from the local Extension Service).

Stream Dr. participants view a restoration site, while NC State Extension Specialist Dan Clinton explains the installation of rock vanes to direct the energy of the water away from the banks and back toward the center of the channel.		What would the Stream Dr. do?   Stream Dr. participants view an eroding stream site and discuss the best repair strategies.