In 2015, we worked with the Town of Craftsbury to install a riparian buffer on town property on the east bank of the Black River, just south of the town garage. We planted a 50' wide buffer totaling .36 acres. The project cost was $3600. We secured a TFS grant in the amout of $1800. 

There was little to no existing riparian buffer and the area had been maintained as open public space in the past. The existing vegetation was limited to some honeysuckle growing on the very edge of the river bank. The soils on the site are Croghan loamy fine sand, 3 to 8 percent slope. The planting plan included adding six species and 150 stems of trees and shrubs that are properly suited to the site conditions and natural community types of the site. The development of a riparian forest will help to create shade, bank stability, habitat, and public awareness.  

The project will be used as an educational tool by utilizing volunteers and sharing the project with people at town events and community gatherings. This project is part of a larger on-going effort through Sterling College, where students have studied this reach of river, surveyed the surrounding landscape, and actively worked on the removal of invasives from nearby properties.