Read Related Content On East Coast Buffer Trees Here
- Streamside Buffers: A Natural Protector
- Benefit from Streamside Buffers
Local water sources play an important role in a balanced ecosystem. Successful crops, plentiful wildlife and local communities don’t just depend on water – they need clean water.
A healthy stream is much more than a nice place to cool off on a summer day. Here are 4 ways local stream health benefits everyone:
When streams are stable, they serve as an important ecosystem that reaches well beyond their banks. As a result, adjacent land is healthier, and farmland benefits from higher yields and less optimizing inputs.
Healthy streams have vegetation - trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants – on their banks. Tree roots hold the soil and help to stabilize the surrounding habitat. Woody debris extending into the stream can reduce water flow and prevent erosion. Over time, the soil develops the capacity to hold more water, which can reduce flooding.
A healthy stream stabilizes the local habitat and protects nearby crops from drought and flooding which can help to increase adjacent property values.
Both land and aquatic animals depend on local water sources. Healthy streams mean fish, wildlife and even pollinators are protected and fed. In addition, people can enjoy swimming, boating and fishing in stable waterways.
How a Streamside Buffer Can Help
Did you know there’s a simple way you can help promote local stream health?
A streamside buffer is an intentional planting of trees and shrubs along a waterway to protect it from erosion and pollution. These plantings are a link between land and water, serving as a “living filter” for surface and subsurface water leaving upslope areas.
How to Get Started
Other farming best practices may last 5-15 years at best. In contrast, tree buffers are a permanent practice that only gets better with age.
Meet with an expert
They can help you discuss options that fit your operation, such as funding opportunities and which plants will work for your priorities. Native varieties of trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants will thrive in their natural habitat, both alone or in combination.
Go 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.
Streamside buffers are a natural way to promote local stream health - something everyone can benefit from.
Install your own streamside buffer. Sign up today to find support and funding opportunities.
Read Related Content On East Coast Buffer Trees Here
- Streamside Buffers: A Natural Protector
- Benefit from Streamside Buffers
