This engaging online course distills nearly 20 years of field and design experience into a focused one-hour training on biotechnical soil stabilization. Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned professionals, the course explores the practical science, history, and application of bioengineering techniques used to stabilize soil and protect slopes.

You’ll gain insight into the origins and evolution of bioengineering practices in the western U.S., including the history behind familiar tools such as straw wattles and other natural stabilization methods. The course also explains the concept of “design life” in biotechnical systems, emphasizing the role of successional reclamation and how living systems develop long-term stability.

Participants will learn four of the most effective willow-based stabilization techniques, along with the guiding principles behind their use, the geotechnical benefits they provide, and the key details required for successful design and installation. Real-world project examples—shared with the benefit of time and performance observation—help illustrate what works, what doesn’t, and why.

The methods covered are applicable in both riverine and upland environments, making this course valuable for designers, inspectors, and field implementers looking to improve project performance and long-term stabilization success.