Caitlin Worsham, project manager (foreground) and Christine O'Brien, project assistant, plant livestakes as part of a Lake Junaluska wetland restoration project. (Photo courtesy Haywood Waterways Association)

Haywood Waterways Association assists with wetland restoration project

March 21, 2023

Haywood Waterways Association recently assisted with the planting of 100 livestakes – a mix of black willow and silky dogwood – in a wetland section on Lake Junaluska as part of a wetland restoration project to reduce stormwater impacts and provide wildlife habitat.

Livestakes are woody segments collected from larger plants that measure approximately 24 inches long and three-fourths to 1.5 inches in diameter. Still dormant, the livestakes were placed into the ground leaving about 5 to 6 inches above the soil. As the weather warms, the livestakes will begin to sprout and grow. The species chosen for the project are known to take root in moist areas.

Haywood Waterways Association is a nonprofit association dedicated to maintaining and improving the water quality of the Pigeon River.