Restoring a buffer or planting a buffer garden is an easy, fun way to help protect the area’s waterways from pollution and erosion. If you own property along a Lynnhaven waterway, planting a buffer will help reduce the stormwater runoff directly entering the waterway from your lawn. By converting lawns to landscape beds, and planting salt tolerant shrubs, trees, perennials and non-turf grasses along the water’s edge, behind the wetland or along the edge of your bulkhead, you can help filter pollutants and sediments from stormwater runoff, provide habitat and food for wildlife, and lower your overall yard maintenance efforts.

However, you don’t have to live on the water to have a buffer garden work for you. Most stormwater runoff from our properties enters our local waterways through the stormwater system. Converting lawn area to

landscape beds along the perimeters of your yard can slow the amount of stormwater leaving your property. Plant selection for street buffers is usually more flexible because the growing conditions are more tolerant than for a shoreline garden.

Download our Buffer Restoration Guide and Plant List.

For more information, email office@lrnow.org or call 757-962-5398.