By Sean Duke, Penn State Extension – Berks County
Photo courtesy of THLT LCX on Unsplash
Anyone interested in stream repair or who has a stream on their property can learn about low-cost stream repair techniques at an upcoming Penn State Extension webinar, “Branches to Banks: A Budget-Friendly Stream Repair,” on Monday, March 23, from noon to 1 p.m.
Participants will learn how live staking can help repair eroding streambanks using nothing more than branch cuttings from certain native trees and shrubs and a few simple supplies. These branch cuttings, called live stakes, grow into mature plants when installed correctly along streambanks, providing natural stabilization and long-term erosion control.
During this webinar, attendees will explore how live staking works as an accessible, low-cost streambank repair technique, the benefits it provides for both landowners and waterways, which native plants work well for live staking in Pennsylvania, and how to confidently harvest, prepare, and install live stake branches.
For an additional fee, participants can select a bundle of 10 locally and freshly harvested live stakes for pickup from one of seven counties, to be installed on their own property. Stake bundles will be available for pickup March 24-27. Check specific locations for pickup hours. Quantities are limited. Installing live stakes after harvesting is time sensitive.
Organizers encourage attendees to register before Friday, March 20. Registration carries a $5.00 fee. Participants wishing to support the broader work of the Master Watershed Steward program can choose the “additional support” option.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu/branchestobanks2026.
