Riparian Buffers - Bluegrass Greensource

What is a Riparian Buffer Zone?

A vegetated strip or zone along a stream that protects the stream from impacts of our land use. A healthy riparian zone consists of a combination of trees, grasses, shrubs, and perennials.

Water quality benefits start at just 10 feet of buffer width from the streambank and improve with recommended widths of 15-30 ft, up to 100 ft as space allows.

Riparian Buffer References:

Native Plant Selection for Streamside Buffers in Central KY
Central Kentucky Backyard Stream Guide
Living Along a Kentucky Stream
Planting a Riparian Buffer
Plant by Numbers (guide to landscaping for beginners)

Invasive Species:

Removing Invasive Species

Invasive Species Control Methods

Funding Guide

State and Federal funding available for:

Streamside Buffer Plantings (Riparian Area Protection)
Limiting Livestock Access to Streams (Fencing and Stream Crossings)

Funding Option:

Agency Contact:

Kentucky State Cost-Share Program (Kentucky Soil Erosion and Water Quality Program)

Local Conservation District Office

Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)

Local Natural Resources Conservation District Office (NRCS)

Continuous Conservation Reserve Program (CRP)

Farm Service Agency (FSA)
Local USDA Service Center

Tuesdays and Thursdays

March 9th-25th, 2021 | 3-4 PM

Virtually via ZOOM

Join us for this FREE virtual workshop series to learn the information, tools, and resources needed to establish riparian buffers and stabilize streambanks on your property and in your communities.

Workshops are open to the public. Mini cost-share grant applications will be available for riparian buffer establishment in the Clarks Run, Hanging Fork, and Hinkston Creek watersheds. Grants are reimbursable up to $2,000*.

*You must attend ONE of the Water Quality and Streamside Buffer 101 workshops offered on March 9th and March 18th, and AT LEAST ONE OTHER workshop in the series to be eligible for the mini grants.

Tues, March 9th, 2021
3-4PM

Water Quality and Streamside Buffer 101
Lindsie Nicholas,
Bluegrass Greensource

Thurs, March 11th, 2021
3-4PM

Establishing Native Meadows in Riparian Areas
Robert Hoffman,
Roundstone Native Seed

Tues, March 16th, 2021
3-4PM

Stream Restoration: Design, Permitting, and Construction
Chuck Davis and Derek Scott,
Beaver Creek Hydrology

Thurs, March 18th, 2021
3-4PM

Water Quality and Streamside Buffer 101
Lindsie Nicholas,
Bluegrass Greensource

Tues, March 23rd, 2021
3-4PM

Agricultural Conservation Programs Panel Discussion
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS),
Conservation District, and UK Cooperative Extension Service Representatives from across Central Kentucky

Thurs, March 25th, 2021
3-4PM

Streamside Plant Selection in Central Kentucky
Alicia Bosela, Ironweed Nursery and
Laura Greenfield, Oakland Farm Trees