BACKGROUND Over time, the landscape surrounding Shingle Creek changed from natural cover to farming, and more recently to suburban residential development. As more streets and homes were built, the volume of water running to the stream dramatically increased. This increased flow cut the channel deeper and dramatically eroded streambanks, leaving behind steep cuts of exposed soils. These soils were transported to downstream environments causing damage to habitats downstream.

SITE SPECIFIC CONCERNS/GOALS Heavy shade within the site made it difficult to consider seeding without the removal of mature trees. Excavation and grading work was difficult given the steeply-eroded slopes and clay soils, which prohibited work for a full week after any rain event. The presence of a myriad of invasive plant species in nearby areas could compromise the establishment of native plants. Setbacks with the grading contractor pushed the end of the re-grading phase of the project into January, leaving the potential for exposed soils at the time of the snowmelt.

SOLUTIONS We made an inventory of local species, soils and hydrology in order to determine the most likely historical and appropriate set of plant species to use on site. The canopy cover was reduced by 50% in order to provide enough light for seed germination. This allowed us to removelower-quality trees from the site. A floodplain was created to allow the stream to meander rather than cut a deep channel over time. Side slopes were graded to reduce erosion. To reduce erosion during late-winter/early spring snowmelt or rainfall events, cover crops and two native seed mixes were sowed on top of 1-2 inches of snow for a winter-seeding in late February. Geo-jute erosion control fabric was laid down over the snow, then secured in place with heavy nails through the frozen soil. When the soils thawed, the fabric was fixed to the soils with erosion control blanket staples. Early season weed mowing followed. During late spring/early summer, more than 7000 plugs were installed to supplement the seeding. To keep the budget low, grasses used nearest the stream were types that establish colonies through rhizomes, effectively stabilizing soils.