Stream Bank Restoration
Brown Deer Golf Course, Coralville, Iowa

Before emptying into the Iowa River, Muddy Creek runs right through Brown Deer Golf Course in Coralville. During large storm events, enough water can run through to dramatically alter the stream channel.

Since the construction of the golf course began, two prior efforts to stabilize the stream channel had failed. The City of Coralville recruited geological and engineering experts to produce a long-term solution.

This initiative provided an excellent opportunity to address these problems and create a showcase of different stream bank stabilization techniques. A great opportunity existed to invite contractors, city officials, federal workers, consultants, and any other interested parties to the construction site to display the project in a series of three Demonstration Days.

Judy Krieg demonstrates the installation of soil tubes, soil and
gravel lifts,and A-Jacks to area contractors at Muddy Creek
in the Brown Deer Golf Course, Coralville, Iowa.

Both north and south banks of the stream were armored using “hard” and “soft” materials. Large limestone riprap was installed at the base of each bank. Seeded fabric layers, soil lifts, and compost tubes were placed higher on the slopes. Native vegetation will grow out from these layers, covering the rock and providing a gentle appearance to the landscape.
 

BEFORE

AFTER

The banks of Muddy Creek are armored against erosion with soil tubes and soil lifts,
and a weir is installed in the stream bed.

Weirs were installed in the stream bed to regulate the stream’s depth. These structures create a series of pools and rock riffles to slow down the water and reduce its ability to erode. Coralville golfers can now look forward to a series of quiet pools and bubbling riffles on the newly renovated stretch of Muddy Creek!
 

BEFORE

AFTER

 

Installing a weir in the stream bed controls water velocity.  Here, the channel is widened
to reduce damage from high storm flows.