Buffers are natural areas of grasses, shrubs and trees that shelter sensitive wetlands and their inhabitants from adjacent land uses. These areas help to encourage ground nesting birds and other wildlife to use the wetland and also help trap soils and nutrients, reduce erosion, and protect wetlands from human disturbances. Many fish and wildlife species are more sensitive to disturbance during certain times of the year, such as when breeding and raising young. Therefore, although narrow buffers are sometimes adequate, in many situations much wider buffers are required. Landowners can establish or enlarge buffer areas by not mowing, and planting native grass, shrub, and tree species.
Many nurseries specialize in selling native species appropriate for such areas.
Remember, wetlands that have been damaged by human impacts are difficult to restore. Mistakes can be costly. Disturb wetland soils as little as possible. Minimize the amount of sediment, nutrients and contaminants that enter the wetland. Maintain, protect or establish essential upland habitat and provide a suitably wide buffer to this habitat which will protect it from disturbances from nearby land use.