Jim Walker - A Virginia Farmer's Riparian Buffer Story

Are you a farm owner in the James River watershed? Have you ever considered installing riparian forest buffers on your property? Meet Jim Walker, a 3rd generation Virginia cattle farmer in Albemarle County. Inspired by his goal to keep the waterways surrounding his property as clean and healthy as possible, Jim looked for a solution to keep waste from his cattle out of the river (and back on his farmland). Through the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, he learned about and enlisted the help of the James River Buffer Program (JRBP). By working with the JRBP, Jim was not only able to help select the kinds of trees and shrubs that were planted on his property, but all of the planting, cost, and buffer maintenance for three years post-installation was handled completely by the JRBP.
Riparian buffers are the trees, shrubs, and other vegetation along our waterways. These streamside forests provide the James River and its tributaries with the protection they need. Riparian buffers slow flood water, improve water quality by filtering runoff from upland land use, provide canopy cover to shade and cool the stream, provide habitat for a variety of birds and small mammals, help reduce erosion, and are a great place for recreational activities such as fishing, hiking, and bird watching.
After watching Jim’s story, you can discover even more benefits of the JRBP, find out if you’re eligible to apply for the program, and sign up at www.jamesriver....
Video produced by Filmspire (www.filmspirev....

[@ruthowens2667]

So great that the JRA can help our farmers protect our environment…especially our natural resources, like our rivers!

[@joshuacrowley4910]

Amazing stuff!