Riparian Buffers (Streamside)

What are we doing?

We coordinate a program called Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs (Tribs as in tributaries) that provides free trees and shrubs for planting next to tributary streams. Program members help applicants select plants and design a planting plan, and provide other technical assistance during and after planting events.

The program harnesses the energy of local volunteers to plant and provide long-term maintenance. Local watershed groups and other partners help identify planting sites and recruit volunteers.  Anyone with streamside property can apply, but the program gives highest priority to public and highly visible sites.

Since its start in 2007 the program has planted over 68,000 native trees and shrubs along 28 miles of stream with the help of more than 10,000 volunteers. To learn more about the history of the program, read the article in the NYS Conservationist. To learn more about the program and application process, visit our Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs webpage. 

Below are some examples of projects that we have supported: 

Resources:

For additional resources on a range of topics related to riparian management see this sortable table. Topics include Buffers 101; Restoration Implementation Design, Funding, Maintenance and Monitoring, and Sourcing; Protection and Management Tools; Watershed Management; and Watershed and Streams Basics.  Formats include guidebooks, websites, fact sheets, and model language.

Research on these topics:

A 2013 publication, Beyond the trees: Community as a riparian restoration outcome and resource.