Combining work, academics, and service is the hallmark of Warren Wilson College—and at the heart of what happens at the Center for Working Lands. That mission came to life this spring during a large-scale live staking effort led by Forest Manager Corinna Steinrueck, Associate Professor of Conservation Biology Dr. Liesl Erb, and a legion of enthusiastic students.

Following post-flood remediation work by the Army Corps of Engineers, much of the Swannanoa River and its banks were left severely devegetated. This raised concerns about increased erosion and negative impacts on critical fish, mussel, and amphibian habitat. The ecological damage required an immediate response.

Live stakes—dormant cuttings of trees and shrubs that can be planted directly into the ground—were the answer. Forestry Crew members worked diligently for days cutting willow and dogwood live stakes, knowing they only had a short window before the stakes broke dormancy and the planting opportunity passed. Corinna and her crew planted thousands of live stakes along the Swannanoa River where it runs through campus.

Outside of campus, in areas most severely impacted by the flood remediation, Dr. Erb facilitated a broad community effort. Eight different Warren Wilson classes, the Conservation Biology Crew, the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, neighboring landowners, and other community partners came together to plant the remaining live stakes.

In total, more than 18,000 live stakes were planted along the Swannanoa River. Many are now leafing out and visible along the riverbanks.

While this was a remarkable achievement, there is still much to be done. The Center for Working Lands is expanding these efforts with the goal of becoming a resource for river restoration through the propagation, education, research, and distribution of riparian species. The College is also building partnerships with the NC Wildlife Resources Commission, RiverLink, Asheville GreenWorks, and local governments to ensure these efforts are coordinated and impactful.