Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, in partnership with the Maine Forest Service and Knox-Lincoln Soil & Water Conservation District, will host a hands-on Live Staking Workshop on Thursday, April 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Coastal Rivers’ Salt Bay Farm in Damariscotta. 

Live staking is a natural, low-cost restoration technique that involves collecting cuttings from dormant trees and inserting them into the sides of streambanks in order to revegetate. These live stakes will grow into trees, stabilizing soil and improving habitat. 

Maine Forest Service District Forester Jared Gregory will introduce the basics of live staking and demonstrate the technique. Participants will be involved in every step of the process, from identifying trees and collecting cuttings to inserting the stakes in the ground.  

The workshop is designed for local landowners, conservation volunteers, and anyone interested in practical, nature-based solutions for water quality and habitat protection. By stabilizing streambanks, live staking prevents sediment from clouding local waterways and creates essential shade for native fish species.  

This program is free. Registration is required at coastalrivers.org/events.