Beth and the Buffer Project

I had the pleasure of interviewing BRFAL Member Beth and learning more about her participation in the chapter’s Buffer Project.

What is the Buffer Project? The Project seeks to improve the quality of the lake and land around it by preserving the “the lake shoreline and water quality while providing wildlife habitat and protecting your property investment and enhancing the beauty of the lake.”   The effort is unique in that it is a collaboration between the Smith Mountain Lake Association, the Franklin County Master Gardeners and the Master Naturalists of the Blue Ridge Foothills and Lakes (BRFAL).

Buffer Project team members visit lake homeowners, upon request, to provide free advice on developing a landscape that promotes native plants, slows and filters water run-off, and establishes natural habitats to support native wildlife.  Homeowners appreciate the well-researched and customized advice they receive from the team.  Often a homeowner will express a particular challenge, such as finding deer resistant native plants appropriate to their landscape, and the Project team is able to make suggestions that will work for that homeowner’s growing conditions.

BRFAL Member, Beth, has really enjoyed her time serving with the Project and encourages others to consider participating. “I’ve learned so much and the team works great together,” Beth shared when we chatted about the opportunity. It truly is a great opportunity for Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners to collaborate to benefit the lake.

Lake homeowners can take advantage of this free service by sending a request via email to:  theoffice@smlaassociation.org or call 540-719-0690.