1. Buffer Zones Laurie J. Fox Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC

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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. 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

7. Chesapeake Bay Watershed Your Entire Landscape is a Buffer!

8. The Virginia Tech Hampton Roads AREC Buffer Zone Story

17. coir logs with aprons

22. Ernesto with 10.1” rain

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

32. rain shower or hurricane nor’easter

35. NCSU

49. The Hermitage, Norfolk, VA

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