Growing Forests for Clean water

The James River Association and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation are working with landowners across the Middle and Upper James River watersheds to restore or create forest buffers that improve the quality of local waterways.

​FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY FOR THIS CLEAN WATER OPPORTUNITY

Do you meet these criteria?

  1. My property is within the eligible area in the James River watershed.
  2. I want to improve water quality and habitat on my land and for downstream neighbors.
  3. I have water on my property in need of a forested buffer.
  4. I agree to keep the area forested for 15 years or more.
One hundred percent of project costs are covered for qualifying landowners. Read more and apply for the program. 
​Please note that some counties are only partially within this boundary – search using your address on the full map.

What is the James River Buffer Program?

The James River Buffer Program exists to help landowners based in the James River watershed install riparian buffers on their properties. Through no cost to the landowner, we work with you to select the kinds of native trees and plants that you prefer on your land, take care of the initial planting, and even maintain the buffers for three years once they are planted.
Since its launch in 2019, 1,163 acres have been installed by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, James River Association, Rivanna Conservation Alliance, and Virginia Department of Forestry, across 311 sites in the James River watershed. That’s 382,212 native trees!

WHAT IS A Riparian FOREST BUFFER?

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Riparian buffers are the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along our waterways. These streamside forests provide the James River and its tributaries with the protection they need. Riparian buffers slow flood water, improve water quality by filtering runoff from upland land use, provide canopy cover to shade and cool the stream, provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals, and are a great place for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird watching.

NEWS & NOTES