Sticks, Stakes, & Smarts: Budget Friendly Hacks to Improve Your Woodland Stream

This hands-on program teaches landowners how to restore woodland streams using simple, cost-effective methods. By planting livestakes—cuttings from native woody plants—and placing hand-built woody structures like logs and brush bundles, participants will learn to control erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat.

The program covers everything from selecting and installing livestakes to strategically placing woody structures for maximum impact. These techniques work together to stabilize banks, slow water flow, and support biodiversity, all without expensive equipment or heavy machinery.

With practical tips on-site assessment, materials, and maintenance, this program makes stream restoration accessible to anyone. Whether you’re preventing erosion in your backyard or working on a larger project, you’ll gain the skills to create a healthier, more resilient waterway.

Take action, get your hands dirty, and restore your stream—naturally!

Speakers will include:
Caitlin Stillisano, Lake SWCD Watershed Coordinator
Maurine Orndorff, Lake SWCD Conservation Projects Coordinator
Jared Spring, Lake SWCD Board Supervisor

This workshop is offered free of charge, but due to parking, space is limited and registration is required.

The first 20 households to register and attend the workshop have the option to take home 20 free native live stakes!

Please contact us with any questions

Email:  soil@lakecountyohio.gov

Phone: 440-350-2730

Mail: 105 Main St., Suite B301, Painesville, Ohio 44077

PLEASE REGISTER BY # OF CARS NOT # OF ATTENDEES