Sounds like a great project.

How about Bigleaf Maple, Alder, and Buckeye? I know this is a Californian configuration,
but maybe it would work in your region, too.

Josh

is this an actual flowing river.. or stream ....

is it really necessary to opt for a water loving tree.. is what i am wondering ...

planting on a hill is the only limiting factor in most circumstances ... as the trees will put their roots where they want them.. as compared to going the rest of the way downhill and putting their feet in the water ...

those horrible cottonwoods/poplars like to be near water ...

i wonder if your county has a soil conservation office????? as in theory.. that is what your goal is .... they would be more in tune as to what trees would favor your county ...

ken

Creek banks around here have a lot of cyrilla, sweet bay magnolia, and tupelo and look great when in bloom.

Maples don't seem to be affected by walnuts from lists I've read and from experience, and silver maples are happy on river banks, even when they sometimes are flooded, so that seems like a good choice. Another idea to stabilize stream banks would be red-twigged dogwoods or shrubby willows. You can use a narrow rod to make a hole and insert cuttings which should then root.

You live in Western NC, so I'm sure Hemlocks do very well there. I know there is the hemlock wooly adelgid, but I know they are at home in that location. You could also go for an American Beech or River Birch. I'm not sure of their resistance to walnut toxin though. I think River Birch is elevation restricted as well. Whenever I'm up in the mountains the ravines are the only places I see sycamore so I know they would be happy there as well.

River Birch
Pawpaw
jcalhoun in right on with cyrilla, tupelo, and sweetbay magnolia
Baldcypres(shade?)
Carpinus
Pin oak or swamp white oak
Some hickory species