(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by SWCD).

A buffer is vegetated land adjacent to a stream, river, ditch, lake or wetland. Who needs one? Anyone adjacent to a stream, river, ditch, lake, or wetland.

Buffers help filter out contaminants such as phosphorus, nitrogen, bacteria, and sediment from lawns, pastures, and agricultural fields so they don’t reach our water sources; they are an important conservation practice to help keep water clean. 

Studies by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency show that buffers are critical to protecting and restoring water quality and healthy aquatic life, natural stream functions and aquatic habitat due to their immediate proximity to the water.

What should you plant? 

Native, water loving, species are best to not only help clean our water but also to provide important habitat and pollinator resources. 

If one already has non-native species, remember to let it grow and pull back any fertilizer or disturbance. 

For any questions regarding buffers or installing them on your property, please contact the Sherburne Soil and Water Conservation District 763-220-3434.