Penn State Promotes Tree Buffers for Clean Water

By Blake Jackson

Riparian buffers, or forested areas along streams and waterways, are essential for protecting and improving local water resources. These buffers help prevent erosion, reduce flooding, provide habitat for wildlife, filter pollutants, and even offer recreational opportunities. October is recognized as Riparian Buffer Month, highlighting the importance of these natural systems.

Penn State Extension, the Penn State Agriculture and Environment Center, and regional partners, including the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, encourage individuals and organizations to raise awareness about riparian buffers.

This month-long initiative focuses on promoting tree plantings along waterways, supporting pollinators, protecting streams and the Chesapeake Bay, and connecting communities with sustainable environmental practices.

Several events and educational opportunities are planned for Riparian Buffer Month. On September 24, a webinar titled Water Cooler Talk Riparian Buffers to Improve Trout Habitat will explore how brown trout respond to varying levels of streamside vegetation.

A Twilight Pond Walk in Bellefonte on October 24 will cover pond ecology, water testing, and how riparian buffers benefit ponds. Additionally, the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) Buffers Training will be held online on October 24 and in Cumberland County on October 28-29, offering certification for professionals planning and managing riparian buffers.

Volunteer opportunities, such as tree planting and maintenance through the Greening the Lower Susquehanna initiative, will also take place.

Those unable to attend events can still participate by engaging on social media using #RiparianBufferMonth and #BufferBanter, supporting local buffer programs, or planting buffers on private property.

Penn State provides numerous resources to learn about riparian buffers, including guides on identifying and maintaining streamside trees and shrubs, their benefits for wildlife, and strategies for stabilizing small sites. Educational content also covers stormwater management, reducing flooding, and maximizing multifunctional benefits such as fruit, nut, and berry production from buffer plantings.

Riparian buffers are a simple yet powerful way to protect water quality, support wildlife, and foster healthy ecosystems, making their promotion and preservation critical for communities across Pennsylvania and beyond.

Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach