The days are getting shorter, the evenings getting cooler, and the leaves are changing; that means fall is here. While other folks might call this pumpkin spice season, at JRA we call it riparian buffer maintenance season!
Performing maintenance on buffer projects is crucial to ensure their long term success. These vital ecosystems provide numerous benefits, including improved water quality, reduced erosion, and enhanced wildlife habitat. By investing time and resources in maintenance activities, we can ensure that these buffers continue to thrive!
Maintenance activities include repairing or replacing tree shelters and stakes, removing unwanted vegetation from the tubes, managing invasive plant species, and marking which plants did not survive, so they can be replaced in the spring. This fall, the James River Association’s dedicated staff, in collaboration with Riparian Stewards and volunteers, will undertake a significant maintenance effort, covering 60 acres across 75 sites in nine counties. This collective effort will help to strengthen and preserve these valuable riparian buffers for generations to come.
We are always looking for a dedicated group of Riparian Steward volunteers if you want to make a difference in your community and protect our waterways. No prior knowledge is necessary. JRA provides all the training and tools you need. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a complete beginner, we welcome your enthusiasm. All you need is a passion for nature, a willingness to get your hands dirty, and reliable transportation! Watch the training video and take the quiz found on our website to start your journey as a Riparian Steward!
