Have you seen the ribbon of green growing along a stream, edging fields and mountains with vibrant life? What you are looking at is a riparian buffer, an essential part of our ecosystem in Virginia’s Piedmont.

Riparian buffers are the vegetated areas along rivers, streams, creeks, and other waterways. These areas are the single most effective means of protecting water quality throughout the Chesapeake Bay. With healthy riparian buffers, we can ensure the water we drink throughout the watershed is clean and can be a sustainable resource for future generations.

PEC works throughout the year on private and public property to plant trees and shrubs to establish or improve riparian buffers. This fall, we are hosting two volunteer tree plantings in Rappahannock County.

Sperryville Trail

Join PEC at the Sperryville Trail on Saturday, November 18 in Sperryville, VA. Volunteers will work in two shifts, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. to plant 125 native trees and shrubs along the Thornton River to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat as part of our Headwater Stream Initiative! We are also seeking a photographer to help capture the event.

This planting is co-hosted by the Friends of the Rappahannock, the Sperryville Community Alliance, and the Rappahannock League of Environmental Protection.

Rappahannock County Park

Join PEC at Rappahannock County Park on Wednesday, December 6 in Washington, VA. Volunteers will work in two shifts, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. to plant 200 native trees and shrubs along the Rush River to enhance water quality and wildlife habitat as part of our Headwater Stream Initiative! We are also seeking a photographer to help capture the event.

This planting is co-hosted by the Friends of the Rappahannock and the Rappahannock County Recreational Facilities Authority.