The Urban Riparian and Stream Restoration Program is an educational program focused on the emerging discipline of natural stream design. Natural design works to maintain or restore the primary stream functions of water transport, sediment transport and wildlife habitat though the use of selected vegetation and engineered placement of existing riparian features such as rocks or fallen timber.
One-day urban riparian and stream restoration trainings on assessing and restoring degraded urban riparian areas are offered and are geared toward professionals interested in restoration activities including those with municipalities, local/state/federal agencies, river authorities, water districts, land trusts and environmental organizations as well as consultants.
The morning sessions consist of educational presentations focused on protecting water quality and restoring riparian buffers, stream classification and restoration, watersheds and environmentally sensitive areas, followed by lunch. At the afternoon sessions, attendees perform a stream evaluation at a nearby stream and receive a certificate of completion.
This program also includes a demonstration project on the benefits of restored and healthy riparian areas.
The Texas Water Resources Institute, in collaboration with Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at Dallas, Texas Riparian Association and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, are coordinating the Urban Riparian and Stream Restoration Program.
