Backyard Stream Repair 101 Workshop
Register here!
Wednesday August 19, 2026 | 9:00am-3:00pm
City of Opelika Public Library | 1100 Glenn St, Opelika, AL 36801
Hosted by: Auburn University Water Resources Center + Partners
Led by: David Bidelspach, RiverSHARED, Five Smooth Stones Restoration + Mike Akin, Creekline Trails of Opelika
Workshop description: Is your property near a creek or small stream? After heavy rain, do you notice bank slumping, exposed roots, widening channels, or muddy water? This beginner-friendly workshop will teach homeowners and concerned neighbors how small-scale streambank erosion happens and what practical, nature-based repair approaches you can use to help protect your land and support cleaner water. Whether you’re seeing early signs of erosion or planning improvements, this workshop is your starting point for making informed, responsible choices. This workshop is held for participants across Alabama, with examples and discussion tailored to local conditions. No prior experience required, open to the public.
Participants will learn:
- How to assess streambank erosion safely
- When “do-it-yourself repair” is appropriate vs. when to call professionals
- Do it yourself options
- How natural materials and native plants can increase stability
- Basic planning steps for a backyard-scale repair project
Draft Agenda:
| Time | Topic | Presenter |
| 9:00 | Welcome & Introductions | AUWRC |
| 9:15 | Welcome and workshop goals. What causes stream erosion? | RiverSHARED/5SSR |
| 9:45 | Step 1: How to evaluate stream banks | RiverSHARED/5SSR |
| 10:15 | Step 2: Repair options (overview of small scale stabilization approaches. Native plant discussion. | RiverSHARED/5SSR |
| 11:00 | Break | |
| 11:10 | Step 3: When permits are needed | AUWRC/RiverSHARED |
| 11:15 | Step 4: Finding professionals and funding assistance | AUWRC/RiverSHARED |
| 11:30 | Lunch (+ native plant give away) | |
| 12:30 | Creekline Site Visit | Creekline/RiverSHARED |
| 3:00 | Adjourn | |
