Buffer Zones Laurie J. Fox Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC

Chesapeake Bay MD & VA 200 mile estuary 48 major rivers 100 tributaries 64,000 square mile watershed supports 2,500 species

An area of vegetation bordering a water body Purposes: Slows & filters runoff Removes sediment, nutrients, & pollutants Adds visual & species diversity to the landscape Stabilizes shoreline & prevents erosion Provides food & habitat for wildlife Helps moderate flooding

Buffer zones will vary for each location. They can be formally landscaped, naturalized, or anywhere in between. Width can range from as little as 5’ to over 100’. No formal design is required, however, a combination of woody and herbaceous species is recommended. Most buffer zones are low maintenance.

Landscape – an expanse of natural scenery seen in one view Design – a working plan Buffer – anything that lessens shock, an area of vegetation bordering a body of water

Chesapeake Bay Watershed Your Entire Landscape is a Buffer!

The Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC Buffer Zone Story

coir logs with aprons

Ernesto with 10.1” rain

Lessons Learned Where is the water No bare ground Quick plant establishment Whole shoreline Only limited by imagination

rain shower or hurricane nor’easter

NCSU

The Hermitage, Norfolk, VA

Picture credits: Susan French, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Beach Jarrod Katzer, WPL Cutler Robinson, Bayville Golf Club Laurie Fox, Virginia Tech