DONATE NOW
Buffers

What is a buffer?

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.

HOW YOU CAN HELP THE ENVIRONMENT
PEARL HOMES & NEIGHBORHOODS

PEARL HOMES are places where people care about our environment and want to do what they can to help protect our resources.

Learn more»
PEARL SCHOOLS

Lynnhaven River NOW recognizes schools providing outstanding environmental education as a Pearl School.

Learn More»
PEARL BUSINESSES

PEARL BUSINESSES are essential to truly move towards a more sustainable Virginia Beach and cleaner waters.

Learn More »
PEARL FAITH

We all want to do our part to restore the health of all of our sacred waterways and protect them for future generations to enjoy.

Learn More»
SUSTAINABLE YARDS PROGRAM

SUSTAINABLE YARDS PROGRAM: Let us help you “green” your Lynnhaven watershed home. This unique program provides specific stormwater management practices to your yard at a significantly reduced cost to you.

Learn More»