Once you have assembled your resources and objectives, then take a look at outlining your buffer. Good riparian buffer design incorporates each of these components, allowing the benefits to complement each other in a natural system. A minimum grass zone of 20-24 feet provides deep pores for water to soak into the soil, moderates flooding, and sends water into the soil instead of over it. Species in the grass zone include switchgrass, big bluestem, Indian grass, and forbs. Tree species in the shrub zone include ninebark, red osier dogwood, chokecherry, gray dogwood, and nanking cherry.
Trees shade streams, absorb excess nutrients, stabilize stream banks, and provide homes for animals.
A minimum of 30 feet is recommended, allowing for four to five rows. Trees recommended nearest the stream include willow, poplar, box elder, and silver maple. Trees recommended for the middle rows or on higher ground include sycamore, green ash, white ash, silver maple, basswood, and swamp white oak. The more people you involve, the better your riparian buffer plan will serve your specific goals, while fitting into the overall conservation picture. Once you have settled on a plan, have your resources lined up, and have your plan cleared with the appropriate agencies, you are ready to plan for the planting day.