Local water sources are a necessary part of every community. When they’re healthy, they can do even more.
Everyone Can Help Improve Water Quality
There are things people can do to help improve the quality of local waterways. Some efforts that are already underway include:
Local Communities
- Municipal stormwater runoff management
- Public education around the proper use and storage of household toxins
Local Businesses
- Improved landscaping management
- Urban lawns
Individuals
- Anti-littering campaigns
Farmers
- Planting a streamside buffer
One farming best practice you can do to improve water quality is to install a streamside buffer.
Tree Buffers Help
A streamside buffer, or tree buffer, is an intentional planting of trees and shrubs across at least 30 feet between waterways and farm fields. It serves as a “living filter” between surface and subsurface water leaving upslope areas.
Plant Your Own Tree Buffer
If you’re ready to help with the effort to improve waterways in your area, get started with these 2 steps:
Meet with an expert
An expert can help you explore options that fit your operation, such as which plants will work for your priorities. For example, native varieties of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will thrive in their natural habitat, both alone or in combination. An expert can also help you learn more about funding opportunities.
Think wide
A narrow buffer provides some benefits, such as shade, but wider buffers are necessary to keep streams healthy. Plan for 35 feet per side minimum with up to at least 100 ft preferable for increasing benefits.
When local waterways are healthy, they serve everyone. To learn more about how you can help with a streamside buffer, sign up below
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