Backyard Buffers

Submitted by Melissa Stevens, Watershed Forester,
Maryland Forest Service
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This past spring, Maryland Forest Service staff Larry Maxim and Melissa Stevens bundled up and distributed approximately 60 Backyard Buffer packets to 31 Frederick County citizens. Each packet contained around 30 native tree seedlings to be planted near streams, creeks, and swales on private property.  Melissa and Larry sent a survey to all of the 2011 Backyard Buffer program participants this fall and received about half of the surveys back.  Over half of the respondents had 70% or greater survival!

Backyard Buffers was first piloted in Frederick County and Washington County. Due to its local success, the program has since spread to Allegany, Carrol, Harford, Carroll, Garrett and Howard Counties.

For more information about the Backyard Buffer program available in these areas, please visit http://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/pdfs/byb_program.pdf.

Currently, there are Backyard Buffer displays available to lend to Forestry Boards, HOA’s, watershed associations, and any other groups who would like to use them to spread the word about this great program. Contact Melissa Stevens to reserve them for a specific date or time frame.