Our Approach

Live Stakes

Live staking is a simple technique that installs a dormant cutting directly into the ground. This technique is often utilized where single stem plantings will provide adequate plant cover, slope stability and fish habitat. Live staking should be combined with other revegetation techniques.

Fascines

Fascines are dormant branches bound together to create a log-like structure that will root, grow, and provide plant cover quickly. Fascines are used to revegetate and stabilize slopes, break-up slope length and/or provide a transition from one revegetation technique to another.

Riparian Ecology

Restoring native forested buffers is critical to fostering a healthy ecosystem and stable economy.

Called the arteries and veins of our landscape, rivers and streams hold many attractions for Vermont’s residents, tourists and wildlife communities. But a river’s stability and the wildlife corridor it provides depends on the deep-rooted vegetation and woodlands that buffer banks. Riparian or streamside vegetation binds the soil, creating a stable bank that is resistant to erosion and capable of filtering sediments and pollutants before they reach the water. Historically neglected, riparian buffers went unprotected as towns cleared and built roads, farmers grew crops and loggers cut to the edge of riverbanks, all at great environmental and economic cost to Vermont. From 1995-1998, flood damage alone resulted in $57 million in public and private land losses. Streamside woodlands protect fish and wildlife habitat, improve water quality, reduce flood damage and agricultural land loss and offer privacy, shade and improved recreational opportunities.

The demand for riparian trees and shrubs in the State has grown exponentially in recent years, as conservation and restoration projects have expanded. Riparian conservation efforts in Vermont annually require 100,000 to 150,000 native trees and shrubs. The Intervale Conservation Nursery has expanded in order to offer a wide selection of native species with local genotypes.