While agriculture has been called-out as the single largest contributor to nutrient and sediment runoff entering the Chesapeake Bay, hard-working and conscientious farmers have also shown agriculture can make the largest improvements. As natural stewards of the land, hunters, anglers and community members, farmers respect nature and understand the value of conserving soils, protecting waterways and building more sustainable success.
Farms make up nearly 30% Chesapeake Bay watershed acres.
You have the power to change the landscape for a better future. Click here to access free technical resources, on-farm support and incentives that can help you see all the benefits buffer forests can bring.
Trees planted within 35 feet of ditches and streams offer some of the most effective means of reducing erosion of farm soils and runoff into local waterways and the Bay. Depending on their setting, buffer trees have the capability to filter out an estimated 19%-65% of the nitrogen, 30%-45% of the phosphorus and 40%-60% of the sediment that would otherwise enter a watershed stream. (Source: the Bay Program)
Every buffer tree planted leads to a growing stream of benefits.
1. Cools streams and sustains sensitive species.
With leafy canopies to shade and cool water, sensitive species of fish and plants are protected from the stresses of sharp temperature fluctuations. Cooler, more stable temperatures also promote beneficial algae, aquatic insects and higher oxygen content.
2. Protects stream banks.
Healthy riparian forests stabilize stream banks and reduce soil erosion. Tree roots help hold soils in place; roots, fallen branches and debris reduce runoff and lower stream flow velocity, protecting your soil.
3. Provides fish and wildlife habitat.
The organic material entering the stream from buffer forests delivers food for stream organisms at the foundation of the aquatic food web.
4. Filters pollution.
Buffer forests, known as riparian forests—planted 35 feet-to-100-feet between farm field and stream or ditch—are extremely effective at reducing runoff.
5. Defends your independence and establishes a legacy of conservation stewardship for your farm and family.
By being proactive in reducing soil erosion and nutrient runoff while protecting waterways, you’re building a legacy of leadership in conservation farming that will build value for generations to come.
Brought to you by Farm Journal’s conservation ag division - Trust In Food - with support of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
