"Naturescaping" for our stream

There seems to be a rough consensus among residents near the stream that any erosion control construction should leave the stream looking as natural as possible.  Let's call this "naturescaping." 

"Riprap," which is the dumping of stone rubble into a trough gouged by heavy equipment, does not fit this definition. (Click to enlarge)



I have been looking on the internet to find examples.

Here's one, my best example--click to view.  Concrete has been used to line a streambed, with a rough appearance, and following the curves of the stream.  Next, rounded stones have been dumped into the stream to give it a more natural appearance.  Our stream might require some metal barriers to prevent the stones from washing downstream in a big flood.  The metal barriers, little dams really, would also allow sand to collect for children to play in, and provide little pools where animals could drink.  They would create a lovely rushing sound when water was flowing.

This photo, from Maryland, is for a stream (or artificial garden) with much more water than ours.  But it's inspirational, shows what the potential is.

Here are two examples from Ontario, near Guelph.  Again, perhaps a bit bigger than our stream, but very inspirational.  Both are disturbed--but it's hard to tell if stream is running over rock or concrete. Photo 1 Photo 2

Here's an example of a small channel lined with riprap. This shows that riprap can follow a curved path.  But note that the water is running mostly underground, through the rocks.

Stream corridor restoration--a trend
"Today, interest in restoring stream corridors is expanding nationally and internationally.... Stream corridors are increasingly recognized as critical ecosystems supporting interdependent uses and values."  Source

Here's an example of a completely restored small stream--restored after it was obliterated by a landslide. 
Photo thanks to Fish & Wildlife Associates

Stay tuned!  I'll add more examples as I find them.