Santa Cruz Riverbank and Ecosystem Restoration, Pima County, Arizona

The Paseo de las Iglesias restoration project aims to reverse severe environmental degradation and improve flood resilience along the Santa Cruz River. The project’s main goals are: significant ecosystem revitalization, on-site water reclamation and storage, hybrid green/gray erosion control, historic programming, and public access and recreation. The team planted native vegetation, widened the river channel and incorporated public trails and recreation areas into the restoration areas. The project used a “green-gray” hybrid solution for erosion control on the riverbanks. Soil and cement gabions were placed in at-risk areas and highly eroded banks were terraced. This project reduces flood and erosion risk, improves habitat for wildlife, and provides recreational opportunities for the community.