They used willow trees and branches to build fascines, bundles of branches that are staked against the stream bank to form a sort of organic retaining wall. The fascines were installed in various configurations, depending on the severity of erosion along the creek bank. On less vulnerable banks fascines were used to create a series of terraces, and in other areas single fascines were used in a continuous line at the water's edge, laid flat against the streambank and covered with soil. Once the fascines are in place, the willow will take root and start to grow, the roots providing effective bank protection against erosion. This approach using vegetation has several advantages over structural methods using concrete or steel piling.
Erosion control using rigid concrete structures can actually exacerbate the condition over time.
Once a stream starts eroding behind a concrete retaining wall, the wall is frequently undercut and collapses into the stream bed, leaving the stream trashed and the bank exposed to continued erosion. By using living materials like willow, a more flexible barrier is formed that will adapt to the changing form of the channel over time. The vegetation will also improve water quality and provide habitat for wildlife. Dan Derosa was one of the UGA students involved in the project. While one group of students foraged for young willow trees and branches, others stacked the willow on a wooden frame to shape them and then tied them tightly with wire.