Revegetation - Plant Materials

General Plant Materials

Planning Riparian Restoration in the Context of Tamarix Control in Western North America

Abstract: Throughout the world, the condition of many riparian ecosystems has declined due to numerous factors, including encroachment of non-native species. In the western United States, millions of dollars are spent annually to control invasions... Read More
Intermountain Regional Herbarium Network

Intermountain Regional Herbarium Network
Colorado Plant Database

This website, which is sponsored by the Colorado Native Plant Master Program, is designed to help people find research-based information about plants that grow in the wilds of Colorado. Plants can be searched for by name, specific characteristics, and... Read More
Plant Materials for Riparian Restoration
Guidelines for Planning Riparian Restoration in the Southwest
Riparian Planting Zones in the Intermountain West
Stream Care Guide - A Handbook for Salt Lake County

This 57-page guide from the Salt Lake County Watershed Planning & Restoration Program explores the basics of protecting water quality, streamside habitat, and property values. While written for the Salt Lake area, the information contained... Read More
Native Plant Materials Policy

This document describes the Native Plant Materials Policy adopted by the United States Forest Service in 2008. A Strategic Framework for implementing the Policy is detailed.
Tech Note 9 - Plants for Saline to Sodic Soil Conditions

This Natural Resources Conservation Service Technical Note provides information on: characterization of saline and sodic soils;effect of salinity on plants; management of salinity problems; planting in saline-sodic soils;and species selection for salt... Read More
Revegetation Techniques - A Guide for Establishing Native Vegetation in Victoria, Australia - Part A

While focused on Victoria, Australia, this guide provides any restoration practitioner with helpful information on highly efficient and cost effective revegetation methods. This publication aims to provide the practical 'know how' to help... Read More
Tamarix - A Case Study of Ecological Change in the American West

Written by 44 of the field's most prominent scholars and scientists, this volume compiles 25 essays on tamarisk--its biology, ecology, politics, management, and the ethical issues involved with designating a particular species as "good" or... Read More
Nursery Manual for Native Plants - A Guide for Tribal Nurseries

The Nursery Manual for Native Plants - A Guide for Tribal Nurseries covers all aspects of managing a native plant nursery, from initial planning through crop production to establishing trials to improve nursery productivity into the future.
Interim Report: Revegetation Strategies and Plant Materials Selection for Restoration of Xeric Tamarix Infestation Sites Following Fire
Restoring Riparian Buffers: A What Works Snapshot

This document presents a snapshot of work to restore and protect riparian buffers in the United States. Two types of information are provided: 1.) a summary of the results of a short, national survey of organizations involved in riparian buffer... Read More
Groundwater Well Installation, Soil Testing, and Caging Techniques

This video details other considerations that should be taken into account during a restoration project including: groundwater well installation, soil testing, and protection from herbivory. This video was funded by the Walton Family Foundation.
Tech Note 70 - Revegetating Riparian Areas in the Southwest "Lessons Learned"

The efforts to control invasive tree species and revegetate riparian areas along New Mexico’s rivers and streams have led to important “lessons learned” based on both successful and failed projects. The information in this technical... Read More
Revegetation Techniques - A Guide for Establishing Native Vegetation in Victoria, Australia - Part B

Section B of Australian RevegetationTechniques outlines the different techniques available to direct seed or plant seedlings. Natural regeneration, mechanical and hand methods are covered. Section B will also assist you to choose the technique or... Read More
Living Streambanks - A Manual of Bioengineering Treatments for Colorado Streams

Bioengineering practices provide resiliency for streambanks, enhance wildlife habitat, enhance organic matter inputs to streams, improve water quality, increase floodplain roughness, and heighten landscape aesthetics so important to countless residents,... Read More
Your Remarkable Riparian - A Field Guide to Riparian Plants within the Nueces River Basin of Texas

The purpose of this beautifully illustrated guide is to cultivate awareness of native riparian vegetation and appreciation for its role in proper riparian function.
Weld County - Guide to Native Annuals

This publication from Weld County provides photos of native annual plant species commonly misidentified.
Plant Recruitment in Beetle-Defoliated Tamarisk in Grand Co, UT: Prelim Findings 2009-2013; Tim Graham
Native Plant Materials Yellow Pages

The Native Plant YellowPages includes a list of vendors carrying ecotypic (i.e., locally adapted) native plants for flood-recovery, in the form of seed and container stock, as well as a comprehensive list of seed vendors and nurseries who sell native... Read More
Development of Desert Panicgrass (Panicum urvilleanum Kunth) for Use in Southwestern Desert River Channel and Riparian Restoration; Ken Lair
The Reality of Climate Change and the Need for Genetics Approaches in Riparian Restoration; Thomas Whitham
Containerized Planting Techniques

This video demonstrates how to properly install containerized plant materials at a restoration site. The type of container selected for your particular site should be based on your site access, access to water, soil conditions and available equipment.... Read More
Update on The Vegetation Response to Environmental Flows and Restoration Treatments in the Colorado River Delta

Karen Schlatter gives an Update on The Vegetation Response to Environmental Flows and Restoration Treatments in the Colorado River Delta at TC's 2016 Annual Conference.
USING MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI IN RESTORATION PROJECTS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN US
Low-Water Native Plants for Colorado Gardens - Western Slope: Below 7,000'

Many people have an interest in landscaping with native plants, and the purpose of this booklet is to help people make the most successful choices, based on their location in Colorado.
Regional Stream Stewardship & Recovery Handbook

The purpose of the Stream Stewardship and Recovery Handbook is to create an educational resource for private landowners to better understand their streamside properties in the context of the larger watershed, what they can do to practice good stream... Read More
Revegetation Plans for Stream Restoration Projects

A well-designed revegetation plan is a foundational component of a successful stream restoration project. It helps to ensure the establishment and long-term viability of a healthy riparian corridor, which is critical to stream ecology and stream... Read More
Evaluating Sod Mats as an Alternative to Plugs in Wetland Revegetation; Susan Sherrod

Evaluating Sod Mats as an Alternative to Plugs in Wetland Revegetation Susan Sherrod1* 1Biohabitats, Denver, CO, USA; ssherrod@biohabitats.com The City of Fort Collins (CO) Natural... Read More
Reed Canary Grass - Native or Not?

This document describes the biology and management implications of reed canary grass, a rhizomatous perennial grass that is currently found in all but six of the lower 48 states.
Audubon Native Plants Database

This site allows users to enter their zip code to view a list of the best plants for birds in their area, as well as local resources and links to more information.
International Standards for the Practice of Ecological Restoration

This groundbreaking new publication from the Society for Ecological Restoration provides updated and expanded guidance on the practice of ecological restoration, clarifies the breadth of ecological restoration and allied environmental repair activities,... Read More

Revegetation - Plant Materials

Best Management Practices for Revegetation after Tamarisk Removal

This manual is intended to assist both the experienced revegetation professional as well as a landowner new to revegetation. It was developed through a synthesis of the best current research combined with experience from actual project managers in the... Read More
Revegetation Strategies and Technology Development for Restoration of Xeric Tamarix Infestation Sites

Revegetation Strategies and Technology Development for Restoration of Xeric Tamarix Infestation Sites
Restoring Native Vegetation in the Escalante Watershed - Guidelines and Resources for Land Owners and Land Managers

This document is primarily intended to provide restoration guidance for land owners and land managers. Emphasis is placed on the use of planning, evaluation, and removal techniques that can minimize active revegetation efforts. Information about... Read More
Restoring Cottonwood & Willow Riparian Forests: A Field-Calibrated Seedling Recruitment Model for the Lower San Joaquin Basin

In California’s Central Valley, widespread flow regulation and land development have greatly reduced the extent and sustainability of native cottonwood and willow riparian forests, which provide critical habitat for many species of wildlife and... Read More
River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative Community Partnerships Restoring New Mexico Rivers

This document profiles restoration success stories from New Mexico. Projects were funded through the River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative.
The Great Basin Native Plant Project - Webinar Series

The Great Basin Native Plant Project has posted presentations from its diverse Webinar Series on its website; topics range from seed collection to pollinators to genetic diversity.
Bank Erosion Repair with Sod Tiles on the Valles Caldera National Preserve; Steve Vrooman
Condit Decommissioning Project; Russ Howison
Proactive Watershed Management for the Upper Llano River, TX; Emily Seldomridge
Riparian/Wetland Restoration in the Republican River Watershed; Fred Raish
Weed Control and Native Plant Community Recovery after Tamarix Removal by Three Methods Over Five Years

A presentation by Dr. Anna Sher on Weed Control and Native Plant Community Recovery after Tamarix Removal by Three Methods Over Five Years: Findings of Monitoring 40 Sites of the Dolores River Restoration Partnership. Presented at Tamarisk... Read More
Tracking Ecosystem Recovery in Response to Invasive Tree Removal and Restoration; Erin Espeland
Changes in Cottonwood Abundance Along the Dolores River Over 75 Years; John Sanderson
Enhancing Resilience of Wet Meadows in the Gunnison Basin, CO; Gay Austin
Restoration of the Escalante River; Amber Hughes
Cougar Floodplain Restoration Project; Mariah Garr
Cottonwood Restoration in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area; Nikki Grant Hoffman
Groundwater Monitoring and Wetland Restoration at a Gravel Pit, Colorado River; Gigi Richard
Non Native Removal, Revegetation, & Access Along the Colorado River Near Moab, UT; Jennifer Jones
Watershed-Wide Weed Management, Tools for Detection, Treatment, and Restoration; Sparky Taber
Development of Desert Panicgrass (Panicum urvilleanum Kunth) for Use in Southwestern Desert River Channel and Riparian Restoration; Ken Lair
Re-establishing Native Habitat on the Upper Gila River of Arizona for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher & Yellow Billed Cuckoo; Shawn Stone
Restoring Cottonwoods to Altered Rivers in Western Colorado; Amanda Clements
Evaluating Sod Mats as an Alternative to Plugs in Wetland Revegetation; Susan Sherrod

Evaluating Sod Mats as an Alternative to Plugs in Wetland Revegetation Susan Sherrod1* 1Biohabitats, Denver, CO, USA; ssherrod@biohabitats.com The City of Fort Collins (CO) Natural... Read More
Dryland Restoration Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Restoring Native Habitats in the Southwest

This manual details the very basics of restoration planning, techniques like planting, seeding, and preparing soil, and will also cover topics such as basic trail maintenance techniques that can be used in conjunction with common restoration ideas, as... Read More
Bringing Birds Home

Bringing Birds Home is a manual that describes how to proactively improve riparian habitat for bird species in Mesa County, Colorado. This guide was made possible by a grant from the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies and was... Read More
A prescription for drug-free rivers: uptake of pharmaceuticals by a widespread streamside willow; Carmen Franks, David Pearce, Stewart Rood

A prescription for drug-free rivers: uptake of pharmaceuticals by a widespread streamside willow Carmen Franks, David Pearce, Stewart Rood Abstract: Following human excretion and limited removal with wastewater treatment,... Read More
Velvet Mesquite Thinning to Improve Riparian Forest along the San Pedro River

Mesquite bosques are characterized by stands of mature mesquite trees with low-stem density and a dense, closed canopy. These habitats are known to support a diversity of native plants in the understory and wildlife. In an effort to restore a bosque... Read More
Native species recovery after reduction of an invasive tree by biological control with and without active removal

Authors: Anna A. Shera, Hisham El Waera, Eduardo Gonzáleza,b, Robert Andersona, Annie L. Henrya, Robert Biedrona, PengPeng Yuea This report includes a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the vegetation response to a single watershed-scale... Read More

Plant Identification

Field Guide for the Identification and Use of Common Riparian Woody Plants of the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwest Regions

This Field Guide is intended as a pocket field guide for the identification of many common native woody plants that are found in riparian areas in the Intermountain West and Pacific Northwestern regions of the United States. This guide is intended to... Read More
Simple Identification Key to Common Willows, Cottonwoods, Alder, Birch, and Dogwood of the Intermountain West

Developed by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, this guide provides a simple key to help identify common willows, cottonwoods, alder, birch and dogwood.
A Vegetative Key to the Willows of Colorado
Field Guide to Intermountain Rushes
Field Guide to Intermountain Sedges

This guide was prepared to assist both specialists and nonspecialists in identifying common sedges of the Intermountain Region.
Guide to Poisonous Plants

This Colorado State University website provides information on a suite of poisonous plants.
Russian olive vs. Silverleaf Buffaloberry Handout

This brochure, created by the Boulder Community Alliance, describes the differences between invasive Russian olive and native silverleaf buffaloberry - two plants which are often mistaken.
How to Tell the Difference Between Russian Olive and Silverleaf Buffaloberry

This 1-page handout describes the differences between invasive Russian olive and native silverleaf buffaloberry. Photos of distinctive characteristics are provided.
Spread and genetic relatedness of native vs. introduced Phragmites australis in Utah wetlands; Karin M. Kettenring

Executive Summary Utah is experiencing a dramatic invasion of an aggressive European subspecies of the common reed (Phragmites australis subsp. australis). This invasion is threatening recreation resources, wildlife habitat, and native wetland... Read More
How to Identify Dalmatian, Yellow, and Hybrid Toadflax
Reed Canary Grass - Native or Not?

This document describes the biology and management implications of reed canary grass, a rhizomatous perennial grass that is currently found in all but six of the lower 48 states.

Seeding

Tech Note 59: Plant Suitability and Seeding Rates for Conservation Plantings in Colorado

This revised NRCS Technical Note provides guidance for planners, producers and consultants to develop plant suitability and seeding rate recommendations for conservation plantings within Colorado.
Native Seed Network

The Native Seed Network is a resource for both the restoration community and the native seed industry, providing powerful search tools and information on all aspects of native seed.
Basic Guidelines for Seeding Native Grasses in Arid and Semi-Arid Ecoregions
Successful Restoration of Severely Disturbed Lands: Native Plants and Adapted Seeds for Reclamation

This document offers resources for selecting native plant species and appropriate seed sources to revegetate degraded lands in the state and region.
Seedlot Selection Tool

The U.S. Forest Service, Oregon State University, and the Conservation Biology Institute have launched a free web-based decision-support tool to help natural resource managers match seedlots (seed collections from a known origin) with planting sites... Read More
How Could California Benefit from the Newly Enacted “National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration”?

This paper describes way that the state of California could benefit from enacting goals in the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration.
Development of Desert Panicgrass (Panicum urvilleanum Kunth) for Use in Southwestern Desert River Channel and Riparian Restoration; Ken Lair
Colorado Parks and Wildlife - Current Issues in Land and Wildlife Management and Invasive Species Management Projects; Jeff Thompson
Seeding Xeric Riparian Sites Following Removal of Invasive Phreatophytes

Following the eradication of invasive phreatophytes on floodplain areas in the Southwest, plant establishment by direct seeding is problematic on many sites because of deep water tables, fine-textured saline soils, aridity, and no flooding potential.... Read More
To Prevent Another Dust Bowl, the US Must Sow the Right Seeds

This article describes the benefit of using a diverse suite of species in restoration activities and the research that is being conducted to breed plants for desirable seed production and planting traits.
Re-establishing Native Habitat on the Upper Gila River of Arizona for Southwestern Willow Flycatcher & Yellow Billed Cuckoo; Shawn Stone
National Seed Strategy

National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration 2015-2020 is designed to provide a more coordinated approach among tribal, state, federal, local and private entities, including commercial growers, to restoring plant communities.
Native Seeding Recomendations for Western Colorado

This document lists plants that provide various benefits to wildlife in Colorado.
Dolores River Restoration Partnership - Active Revegetation: Moving Forward

This document discusses riparian restoration lessons learned by the Dolores River Restoration Partnership over the last five years. Working across two states, four Bureau of Land Management offices, and five counties, the Partnership has had a number of... Read More
The Use of Site-Specific Native Plant Species in Restoration Design to Benefit Pollinator Habitat; Randy Mandel
Seeding Restoration Practices - Sylvia Hickenlooper

A look at best practices and recommendations in seeding for restoration.

Cottonwood and Willow Pole Planting

Guidelines for Planting Dormant Whip Cuttings to Revegetate and Stabilize Streambanks
Use of Non-Dormant Cottonwood Poles for Riparian Revegetation
Suggested Methodologies for Cottonwood Pole, Willow Whip, and Longstem Plantings

This guide describes techniques for harvesting, storing, and planting various types of plant materials, including dormant cottonwood pole cuttings, willow whip cuttings, and longstem products. This guide was prepared by Tamarisk Coalition, based on input... Read More
The Reality of Climate Change and the Need for Genetics Approaches in Riparian Restoration; Thomas Whitham
Restoring Cottonwoods to Altered Rivers in Western Colorado; Amanda Clements
Evaluation of Fall Versus Spring Planting of Dormant Hardwood Willow Cuttings With and Without Soaking Treatment
Cluster Plantings: A Way to Plant Live Unrooted Cuttings in Coarse Soils Including Sands, Gravels and Cobbles
A Vegetative Key to the Willows of Colorado: A Preponderance of the Evidence
Harvesting Cottonwood and Willow Poles, Stinger Bar, and Waddle Techniques

This video demonstrates techniques for planting dormant cottonwood and willow cuttings. Techniques utilized have been shown to improve the efficacy and survival of unrooted materials used in restoration projects. This video was funded by the Walton... Read More
Tech Note 23: How to Plant Willows and Cottonwoods for Riparian Restoration

This Natural Resources Conservation Service document describes proper techniques for planting cottonwoods and willows.
A Guide for Harvesting, Storing, and Planting Dormant Willow Cuttings

This guide, produced by Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, describes appropriate techniques for gathering, storing and planting dormant willow cuttings for revegetation and bank stabilization projects.
Dolores River Restoration Partnership - Active Revegetation: Moving Forward

This document discusses riparian restoration lessons learned by the Dolores River Restoration Partnership over the last five years. Working across two states, four Bureau of Land Management offices, and five counties, the Partnership has had a number of... Read More
Guidance for Stream Restoration and Rehabilitation

A great deal of effort has been devoted to developing guidance for stream restoration and rehabilitation. The available resources are diverse, reflecting the wide ranging approaches used and expertise required to develop stream restoration projects. To... Read More
Instructions for Harvesting, Transporting, and Storing Live Cuttings

This document by Wildhorse Riverworks describes how to use live cuttings in revegetation projects.
Revegetation Plans for Stream Restoration Projects

A well-designed revegetation plan is a foundational component of a successful stream restoration project. It helps to ensure the establishment and long-term viability of a healthy riparian corridor, which is critical to stream ecology and stream... Read More

Longstems and Tallpot Plantings

Containerized Planting Techniques

This video demonstrates how to properly install containerized plant materials at a restoration site. The type of container selected for your particular site should be based on your site access, access to water, soil conditions and available equipment.... Read More
The Long-Stem Planting Guide (from Australia)

This publication describes the long-stem planting methods utilized in Australia. Techniques for a variety of ecosystems are described.
Deep Planting - The Ground Water Connection

Published by the NRCS, this pamphlet provides guidelines for planting longstem transplants for riparian restoration in the Southwest.
Deep-Planting Techniques to Establish Riparian Vegetation in the Arid and Semi-Arid Southwest PowerPoint

This PowerPoint presentation from the Natural Resources Conservation Service was presented in Moab and Escalante, Utah in 2011. The presentation covers: what, when, and where to plant; effective planting methods; suggested planting equipment; survival... Read More
Southwestern Riparian Tree and Shrub Planting Methods That Require Minimal or No Irrigation
Dolores River Restoration Partnership - Active Revegetation: Moving Forward

This document discusses riparian restoration lessons learned by the Dolores River Restoration Partnership over the last five years. Working across two states, four Bureau of Land Management offices, and five counties, the Partnership has had a number of... Read More

Pollinator Plants

Tech No 2c - Plant Materials for Pollinators and Other Beneficial Insects in Eastern Utah and Western Colorado

The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide guidance for the design and implementation of conservation plantings to enhance habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects including: bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Plant species... Read More
The Use of Site-Specific Native Plant Species in Restoration Design to Benefit Pollinator Habitat; Randy Mandel
Recommended Southern Rocky Mountain Pollinator Conservation Seed Mix
Plants for Pollinators in the Intermountain West

The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide guidance for the design and implementation of conservation plantings to enhance habitat for pollinators including: bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and hummingbirds. Plant species included in this document... Read More
Milkweeds - A Conservation Practitioner’s Guide

The scope of this document includes: • An overview of milkweed biology and ecology. • Descriptions of milkweeds’ role in supporting monarchs, bees, and other beneficial insects. • Guidelines on milkweed propagation and... Read More
Wild bees of Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument: Richness, Abundance, and Spatio-Temporal Beta-Diversity

Interest in bees has grown dramatically in recent years in light of several studies that have reported widespread declines in bees and other pollinators. Investigating declines in wild bees can be difficult, however, due to the lack of faunal surveys... Read More
2019 Palm Desert Workshop Planting for Pollinators
Audubon Native Plants Database

This site allows users to enter their zip code to view a list of the best plants for birds in their area, as well as local resources and links to more information.

You are here

Resource Center

Revegetation - Plant Materials

General Plant Materials

Revegetation - Plant Materials

Plant Identification

Seeding

Cottonwood and Willow Pole Planting

Longstems and Tallpot Plantings

Pollinator Plants

RiversEdge West's

Events & Programs