RIPARIAN BUFFER AT UNION CREEK

This tree planting project will strengthen and revitalize a half-acre riparian buffer along a stretch of Union Creek, which itself is a tributary of the Maury River in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Healthy riparian buffers protect water quality, filter excess nutrients from waterways, prevent bank erosion, provide habitat and food for local wildlife, and create shade for aquatic species. Riparian vegetation also removes carbon from the atmosphere. Because Union Creek is in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, protecting its health has a positive ripple effect that benefits aquatic ecosystems all the way to the Bay and beyond.

This project was a partnership between the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Boxerwood Education Association, Rockbridge County High School Environmental Science classes, and the private landowner. On March 15, 2024, 60 high school students and 8 supervising adults planted 103 trees. These trees are projected to sequester 9 metric tons of carbon dioxide during the 15-year project period.

This project has met COREworks standards of integrity as assessed by both the internal and external (community) review protocol. 

Review the COREworks Registry Confirmation ► 

Review the approved Tree Planting #5 application to COREworks ►