Celebrate riparian buffers this October during the first annual Riparian Buffer Month!  The Alliance is partnering with the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council (CCLC) to promote riparian buffers and illustrate why they are so important to the health of the Chesapeake’s waterways.  They deserve to be celebrated!  

What are Riparian Buffers?

Riparian buffers, or streamside buffer, are one of the best ways to protect and improve our local streams.  A riparian buffer is an area adjacent to a stream, lake, wetland, or coastal area that contains a combination of trees, shrubs, and/or other perennial plants to provide conservation benefits.  They can deliver a number of benefits including filtering nutrients, pesticides, and animal waste from agricultural land runoff; stabilizing eroding banks; filtering sediment from runoff; providing shade, shelter, and food for fish and other aquatic organisms; providing wildlife habitat; protecting downstream communities from flood damage; providing space for recreation; and diversifying landowner income.

Riparian forest buffers can be included in landscape-scale green infrastructure plans to serve a variety of the functions mentioned above.  Green infrastructure is an approach to water management that protects, restores, or mimics the natural water cycle.  Green infrastructure is effective, economical, and enhances community safety and quality of life.

CCLC proclaimed October as Riparian Buffer Month as an opportunity to build awareness and familiarity of forested riparian buffers while sharing the applicability of this sustainable practices in a variety of settings.  Everyone is encouraged to take part in some way and participate in this month long, focused effort to spread the word about the importance of trees and other vegetation planted along streams.

What Can You Do to Celebrate Riparian Buffer Month?

  • Look for #BufferBanter and #RiparianBufferMonth posts from your favorite organizations on social media. Like, Share, Comment, etc.
  • Donate to organizations that are planting and maintaining riparian buffers in your area like your local watershed association
  • Attend a buffer focused volunteer planting, maintenance day, or educational event
  • If you have a stream, think about planting or improving the buffer on your property.

Check out the Chesapeake Riparian Forest Buffer webpage for great resources on riparian buffers. Share what you learn with family and friends!