Partners plant nearly 600 seedlings to restore Webster County riverbank

MARSHFIELD, Mo. – Collaboration between the James River Basin Partnership (JRBP), volunteers, and a Webster County landowner is helping restore a riparian corridor along the James River, improving water quality and wildlife habitat.

With help from Marshfield Boy Scout Troop 88, the group recently planted 575 seedlings across approximately two acres in the Upper James River watershed. The effort is part of JRBP’s current 319 Grant, which addresses nonpoint sources of pollution in the region.

“We have a goal to restore riparian areas which include plantings like this one,” said Bekah Davis, project manager for JRBP. “Establishing this buffer will help stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, filter runoff, and create long-term wildlife habitat along this stretch of river.”

The scouts planted 450 seedlings in under two hours on an overcast morning in early March. Davis, JRBP Executive Director Brent Stock, and landowner Greg Fritz later planted another 125 seedlings in a separate section of the property.

Seedling species included: 100 black walnuts, 100 silver maple, 100 hackberry, 100 bald cypress, 75 ninebark, 50 buttonbush, and 75 sandbar willow.

“It was great to see the Scouts really take ownership of the project and get so excited about the dibble bars (tree planting tool).” Davis said. “We’re looking forward to seeing this corridor continue to grow and provide water quality benefits for years to come.”

Riparian corridors, or areas of land nearest a stream, play a critical role in maintaining healthy waterways. Vegetation in these areas helps stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, and filter nutrients and sediment from runoff before they enter the water

Fritz, a retired Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) protection regional supervisor, has worked to improve the property since purchasing it in 2007.

“I’m trying to protect the riverbank from slowly sloughing off,” Fritz said. “I’ll never see the results, but my kids and my grandkids will.”

The James River Basin Partnership is a nonprofit organization that supports a healthy and thriving James River watershed for people and nature. Discover more about JBRP at www.jamesriverbasin.com/.

Learn more about riparian corridors at mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/habitats/stream-edges.

MDC offers communities and partners several grant and cost-share options to assist with everything from green development to wildlife habitat to enhancing outdoor recreation opportunities. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/community-conservation/community-conservation-funding-opportunities.