Land Learning completed a streambank restoration project in Madison County, Missouri along the Castor River in fall of 2023. The Foundation was able to restore, protect, and maintain approximately 2,650 feet of the Castor River. Along with the bank stabilization the Foundation reinforced an unstable crossing on an unnamed tributary as well as restore riffle habitat within the tributary. The riparian corridor was also reestablished through tree planting, native grass and wildflower seeding, and invasive species removal. This corridor will be preserved in perpetuity. The vegetation in this area will help filter stormwater runoff and pollution, improving water quality of the Castor River.
Bank stabilization and riparian corridor establishment helps to prevent erosion and improves water quality. Water quality and clarity will improve and sedimentation will decrease. Projects like this help threatened and endangered species such as the Indiana Bat, Gray bat, Curtis Pearlymussel, and the Northern Long-eared bat.
Below you can see photos from before and after the streambank restoration construction.
