Ravines, bluffs, and hillsides can provide some of our region’s most exquisite landscapes, but these sloping habitats are subject to erosion when buildings, roads, or the dense shade of crowded trees disturbs the native plant community and alters the natural water flow. Whether gradual or sudden, erosion can be a distressing – if not dangerous – problem.

We begin by selectively thinning non-native trees to allow sunlight to reach the woodland floor and promote groundcover growth. Using the felled trees, we create check dams to slow the flow of water. Then we disperse native seeds and protect their early growth with straw matting. Given time, the fibrous roots of these native plants will anchor the soil and protect the steep terrain.

Click here for a printable PDF ravine erosion control flier.