Bioengineering

One of the last pieces of the stream restoration is protecting the banks from future erosion. Due to the severely limited project budget, only the bare minimum of bioengineering techniques are being used. These photos show coir blankets being installed on the banks. Coir is a very strong and flexible mesh made of coconut fibers. It is being attached to the banks using wooden stakes and biodegradable staples (made from corn).  Plants will be planted directly through the blanket and the coir will hold the banks until the plants grow large enough so that their roots can form a strong protective matrix. Coir installation is labor intensive, and the Conservation Corps of Long Beach (in the blue shirts) was brought in to assist. This provided good work experience for the Corps members and saved a little money for the project.

Coir blankets were installed along the full length of the stream (except at the boulder treatments and bridges).  Unfortunately, the project budget can only afford to pay for Bubalo to plant willow stakes at key locations.  Over the next few months, Nature Center staff and volunteers will be planting container plants and more willows to provide additional bank protection, riparian habitat, and visual screening.