(1) WINCHESTER INDIANA

Project Location: Winchester Community High School, Winchester, Indiana

                                                           Project Overview: 

This project focused on addressing severe erosion along the White River stream bank at Winchester Community High School. Our objective was to stabilize the eroded shoreline by regrading the area and introducing native plant species. This not only enhanced the stream bank's stability but also beautified the landscape and created a habitat for pollinators.

                                                          Project Steps: 

1. Site prep work

        We restored the eroded stream bank by first regrading the area to create a stable slope for native plants to be installed. Our goal was to create a 3 to 1 ratio on the slope to mitigate erosion in the future. 

2. Installing Erosion Control Measures 

        Living Soil Tubes were installed to provide additional stability to the stream bank. Vegetated Coir log (Living Log), which hold native plant species, were placed along the shoreline. Over time, these biodegradable logs will integrate into the soil, leaving behind a dense cover of native grasses, and sedges.

3. Planting Native Species

        A variety of native plant plugs and woody species were added to the regraded area. These deep-rooted plants go down 20-30 ft which anchors in far deeper than the initial slope. Native plants will help secure the soil, preventing future erosion which enhancing the aesthetic appeal with diverse colors and textures. Additionally, the plantings will attract wildlife and support pollinators, creating a thriving ecosystem along the stream bank that will continue to develop for years. We are contributing to cleaning the White River by planting native species that effectively absorb excess nitrogen and phosphorus. Adding these systems across the United States greatly improves our overall water quality. 

Educational Purposes:

This project greatly benefits students as they are able to observe real life applications of environmental restorations and develop a better understanding of how the process develops overtime. By visiting the stream bank and witnessing the impact of regrading, native plantings, and erosion control measures, students gain insights into sustainable land management practices. This project helps to understand how these developments help expand natural ecosystems while also fixing, and preventing, future erosion. 

Below you can find our before, during, and after photos during this regrading process. 

Please note: The after photos are subject to change as the native plantings continue to develop and beautify the area.