Healthy riparian buffer along the Connecticut River contains a diversity of floodplain species as well as a mix of vertical structure that is important for wildlife, particularly migratory birds.

Photo: Tidewater Institute

A healthy riparian buffer remains intact at this site, where a residential home is within 100 feet of the water. A diversity of vegetation type and heights, including shrubs, under story and canopy trees enhance the naturalness of this setting. Photo: Tidewater Institute

The buffer in front of this home needs to neutralize a lawn that slopes toward the water. A good diversity of plants help the existing buffer work; a wider buffer would ensure that storm water has a chance to infiltrate before reaching the river.

Photo: Tidewater Institute