What is a riparian forest buffer?
A riparian forest buffer is a vegetated area of trees and shrubs along stream banks. These buffer areas improve water quality by filtering runoff, cool streams by shading, provide habitat for birds and small mammals, and slow flood waters.
TJSWCD provides cost share funding for planting trees along streams and in upland areas!
Tree Planting Cost Share Flyer
Benefits
Buffers Stabilize Stream Banks and Reduce Erosion
Roots from vegetation planted on stream banks hold the soil, reducing the loss of soil from stream banks and sediment entering streams.
Buffers improve water quality
Tree roots reduce runoff by allowing sediment to settle out before reaching the stream. Trees can filter nutrients and chemicals through plant uptake.
Buffers provide habitat
Trees along streams provide shelter and food for fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Organic matter from trees provide food for aquatic insects and worms. Trees also provide shelter for many terrestrial species that rely on streams.
Buffers Stabilize Stream Banks and Reduce Erosion
Roots from vegetation planted on stream banks hold the soil, reducing the loss of soil from stream banks and sediment entering streams.
Buffers improve water quality
Tree roots reduce runoff by allowing sediment to settle out before reaching the stream. Trees can filter nutrients and chemicals through plant uptake.
Buffers provide habitat
Trees along streams provide shelter and food for fish, mammals, birds, and reptiles. Organic matter from trees provide food for aquatic insects and worms. Trees also provide shelter for many terrestrial species that rely on streams.
The James River Buffer Program is a partnership between James River Association (JRA), the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF), and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) to create forest buffers that improve the quality of local waterways.
. Click the hyperlink below to learn more and see if you qualify for the program.
Completed Tree Planting Projects
Resources
Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Forest Buffers: Effects on Water Quality
This document discusses the benefits of riparian forest buffers and what factors affect the benefits of the riparian buffer.
The Science Behind the Need for Riparian Buffer Protection
This document discusses the benefits of riparian buffers and buffer widths needed for different benefits.
