CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, VA — The Chesterfield County Department of  Environmental Engineering and Friends of Chesterfield’s Riverfront will host two  Riparian Stewardship workshops to promote the care and maintenance of healthy  riparian buffers. Riparian buffers are zones of native plants adjacent to waterways that  protect water quality and property value. The workshop topics include the importance  of buffers, regulations regarding Chesapeake Bay Resource Protection Areas and  managing viewsheds in buffer zones. Both workshops are free to attend and registration  is not required. 

Homeowners are encouraged to attend to learn how to enhance buffers on their property and how to apply for free native plants through the Better Backyard Buffers initiative.Speakers at the workshops include: Ralph White, director of the James River Park System; Scott Flanigan, water quality manager for Chesterfield County; and Adrienne Kotula from the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Division of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.