This month’s issue of Watershed Winds from Penn State Extension includes a series of articles to help readers celebrate October as Riparian Buffer Month with a focus on buffer maintenance.

The articles include--

-- There’s More To Planting A Riparian Buffer Than Just Putting Trees In The Ground.

There is more to planting a riparian buffer than just putting trees in the ground. Planning and long-term care is needed for trees to survive from a young seedling to a full-grown tree.

-- Penn State Extension’s Growing Great Buffers Video Series

-- At The Side Of Spring Creek, Dauphin County: Weeds Around Tree Shelters.

The main concern with weeds in a riparian buffer is the direct competition they can become for your newly planted native trees. Weeds often outcompete recently planted trees for both above- and below-ground resources such as sunlight, available water, and nutrients.

-- Riparian Buffers For Field Crops, Hay And Pastures.

There can sometimes be a stigma surrounding the implementation of riparian buffers from an agricultural perspective because of the initial cost, potential maintenance, possible reduction in land area available for cropping systems or pasture, and loss of a water source for livestock. While these concerns are understandable, this article aims to address many of them and to help provide a variety of options and considerations to think about.

-- At The Side Of Spring Creek, Dauphin County: Spotted Lanternflies.

As if taking care of over 300 newly planted trees along a stream isn’t enough work in normal conditions, let's talk about battling spotted lanternflies too. Spring Creek in Dauphin County has seen a few spotted lanternflies over the past two years, but 2021 has been a year of abundance.

-- Early Detection Of Aquatic Invasives Is Key.

Invasive species are those that have been introduced to a habitat or ecosystem usually by means of human activity. These natural invaders often outcompete native species and suddenly become dominant in a habitat.

-- October Is Riparian Buffer Month.

Penn State Extension is joining the Chesapeake Conservation Landscaping Council, who declared October as Riparian Buffer Month, as an opportunity to build awareness and familiarity of forested riparian buffers while sharing the applicability of these sustainable practices in a variety of settings.

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Upcoming Events

Here are a few related upcoming educational programs-

-- October 27: Riparian Buffer Ecosystem Services, Noon.

-- Penn State Extension: 7-Part Water Webinar Series

Related Articles:

-- Chapman State Park Hosts Local Master Watershed Stewards In Warren County

[Posted: October 19, 2021]

10/25/2021