Residents, Organizations Collaborate on Riparian Buffer Planting
CHERRY VALLEY—On Saturday, May 2, 30 community members of all ages planted a riparian forest buffer of 525 native trees and shrubs along the Cherry Valley Creek behind the Old School. Village board members and Otsego County Representative Leslie Berliant were among those who participated.
“The community really came together today to help our creek. This will create a more enjoyable park experience through additional shade, a native food forest, and flood mitigation, ensuring the creek and park live together harmoniously for years to come,” said Cherry Valley Communities Facility Corporation Board Member Angelica Palmer.
According to a press release, the project was a collaboration of the CVCFC, Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District, the Upper Susquehanna Coalition, the Village of Cherry Valley, and Glensfoot Farm.
The project was funded by the USC “Trees for Tribs” program, which provides free plants, materials and technical support to aid in reforesting New York’s tributaries, organizers said.
A riparian buffer is a vegetative strip that protects lakes, rivers and streams from the impact of adjacent land uses. The vegetated area, usually forested, consists of a blend of native trees, shrubs and grasses.
The Cherry Valley plantings will grow slowly over the next several years, and eventually the tubes will be removed. They require minimal maintenance, with one or two annual mowings, which is aligned with the current groundskeeping schedule, officials said.
“Riparian forest buffers help improve water quality, decrease soil erosion, sequester carbon and create wildlife habitat,” explained Shamar Fitzpatrick, OCSWCD buffer steward coordinator.
Related educational workshops are planned for spring 2027, as part of The Telegraph School’s “Cherry Valley Water Project: Sacred Waters.” They will consist of riparian forest buffer education, an herb walk, music and art-making with the Cherry Valley Creek, and more.
Funding for the workshops comes from the OCSWCD Mini-Grant Program. Sessions will be led by the Schoharie River Center, OCSWCD and local artists and herbalists. The day will end with a New York State Council on the Arts-funded community water ritual performance created by artist Angelica Palmer.
OCSWCD partners with USC to implement conservation projects, including riparian forest buffers, exclusion fencing, stream bank restoration and wetland restoration. Visit https://www.otsegosoilandwater.com/ for more information.
The CVCFC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, offering diverse cultural programming and educational enrichment, and partnering with the Village and Town of Cherry Valley and Otsego County agencies to address community needs locally and beyond. Learn more at www.cvcfc.org.
