Solution #1:  Plant a Riparian Buffer

A Ripe What? (Riparian: the land next to a stream, lake, creek or other body of water.)

Plant trees, shrubs, or wildflowers along streambanks to help soak up fertilizers and pesticides. The canopy of leaves will help control the water temperature. Trees use nitrogen and phosphous as nutrients. Scientists believe that planting trees will help the Chesapeake Bay by taking the nutrients out of the water. So importatnt is this task, the Commonwealth of Virginia has a goal to restore or reforest 610 miles of riverbacks by the year 2010. And if you plant native species, it’ll provide food and shelter for frogs, raccoons, birds, foxes, and other critters. Trees also help control the rate and volume of water and influence flood levels.

To learn more about

planting a riparian buffer: Call your local Forester or the Soil and Water Conservation District in your area.

buffers or the Bay: http://www.chesapeakebay.net/bayprogram/index.htm

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