Landowner Profile

Share a little about your property and what motivated you to plant a buffer.

Our property has streams on three sides. Previous landowners let their horses have access to the stream for water and cattle (and horses) were grazed on a swampy pasture near another stream. Considerable erosion and degraded stream banks. We worked with the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District to fence out the streams to create buffers. They put us in contact with the James River Association for tree planting and invasive control.

What positive changes have you noticed since your buffer was planted?

Significant progress controlling the invasive Ailanthus, privet and autumn olive among others. We cleared one grove of mature Ailanthus and alot of Autumn Olive with JRA help. Wonderful to see the native trees and shrubs gradually fill in around the buffer. Not only are there the trees planted by JRA (in tubes) but also natural growth and reseeding from the surrounding woods and fields for Sycamore, pines, cedar and willows.

Erosion has been reduced and the previously swampy area has a lush growth of willow creating a wonderful haven for birds and small mammals. Interestingly (though not in the planted buffer) we’re seen beaver return. We laugh because they gnawed down large Autumn Olive and Privet patches to make their dam!

What words of advice would you share with others who have a buffer or who are considering planting one?

Take the long view, reforesting (or rewilding) buffers takes years of invasive control combined with the plantings. Celebrate successes like the trees that really take off.

What riparian tree or shrub species is your favorite and why?

Sycamores and willow because they grow quickly and spread quickly; Willow Oak because of fast growth and ability to outgrow the deer browse!; River birch for the papery bark; and the spicebush for the lovely smell and lush foliage along the banks.