When the rainy season rolls around, community members who live by creeks wait with looming fear over streambank erosion. California’s weather is characterized by temperate warm weather most of the year. In the Winter California has bursts of rainfall. Long dry spells followed by  intense downpours can cause soil on the banks to become too saturated in water, leading to erosion. Over time, the foundation of creek beds cannot withstand the rain. To remedy this, we can turn to soil bioengineering. Soil bioengineering is the technique of using native plant material and soil, rather than concrete or rock, to stabilize the slope on creek beds.
While soil bioengineering may sound technical and inaccessible to the average person, it is actually easy and cost-effective to do with a small group of people and the right materials. Common material used for a successful soil bioengineering project include, willow stakes, plant mats, and soil. Willow cuttings should be collected locally. Willow branches should be cut into stakes and hammered into the creek bed. Plant mats are made of biodegradable vegetative material. The mats give the streambanks more foundation, while native riparian plants are growing. Willows have fast growing roots that can hold soil together creating an adaptive structure to the foundation of streambanks. Willows have other benefits to riparian habitats. Once trees become established there will be shade to keep water temperatures cool.

Concrete retaining walls are an alternative, however there are no ecological benefits. A nature-based solution is less expensive than concrete and easier for homeowners to do on their own. Organizations such  as California Urban Streams Partnership (CUSP) and the Flood Control District  provide assistance to community members who want to start their own soil bioengineering project.