Landscape Buffers for the Water’s Edge

Maine’s water resources are among our state’s greatest natural assets, but disturbing soil, working with, and affecting vegetation around shorelines can involve extra care, materials, and understanding of local, state, and federal regulations. John Maclaine of Maine DEP’s Nonpoint Source Training Center will focus on vegetative buffers that include a variety of plant species effective for controlling erosion, protecting water quality, and maintaining high-quality resources for future generations. He’ll share ecological principles that guide regulatory decision-making and up-to-date information on state rules and permits. Whether wetlands, ponds, lakes, rivers, or the seashore, landscapers and gardeners working with the water’s edge will find this this presentation helpful as a refresher or for building awareness.

The Green Spotlight Series is produced in partnership with the Maine Landscape and Nursery Association. MELNA members can register using the member price and will receive one recertification credit when they attend the live Zoom session.

John Maclaine coordinates Maine DEP’s Nonpoint Source Training Center and the Municipal Stream Crossing Grants Program. For over 20 years, John has used his background in wildlife ecology and construction to advise various Maine nonprofit organizations and state agencies on land use guidance, technical assistance, project planning, support, and design from a water-quality and habitat-improvement perspective. His work with the Center focuses on providing training, technical assistance, and other resources to reduce the amount of non-point source pollution that could impact the quality of Maine’s water.