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Erosion and pollution reduction The area of your yard adjacent to the water can be subject to strong erosional forces such as water fluctuations, wave action, and current. Buffers have exten- sive root systems that help anchor soil in place. Those same extensive root systems promote infiltration of runoff. Pollution in runoff is more easily captured in the soil or taken up by the plants themselves. Low maintenance The area adjacent to the water can be a nightmare for lawn maintenance. Saturated soils, muskrat runs, and steep slopes make it hard to mow, and debris can wash up Many of us think agri- culture when considering the term “planting a buffer,” a strip of plantings 10 or more feet wide adjacent to water that reduces erosion and pollution. Buffers aren't just for farmers. The same con- cept can be applied to your yard if you live on a lake or pond. Buffers offer a host of benefits. Goose deterrent While we all like wild- life, geese can present challenges to the water adjacent homeowner. They can harm your lawn because they find tender lawn grass scrumptious and tend to deposit their brand of fertilizer afterward. This is where your new buffer comes in. Geese think predators are hiding in your buffer ready to catch them, so they avoid those areas. Bird, butterfly, and frog habitat There are some animal visitors that we quite enjoy. Many birds, butterflies, and frogs rely on buffer plantings to provide food and shelter. Some popular butterfly plants, like Swamp Milkweed, grow best close to the edges of waterbodies. Planting a buffer can deter geese, protect shorelines, and add beauty on shore. While buffers aren't no-maintenance, the maintenance require- ments are less frequent than weekly mow- ing. No fertilizers are needed. Beauty You can add a little extra wow to your yard with a shoreline planting. The upper edge that you view from your house is perfect for showy plant- ings. Of course, not just any plant can go into a buf- fer. It is important to use only native plants in buffers for your yard or cabin. Not only will you realize the habitat benefits that you are looking to achieve, but you will prevent the introduction of invasive non-native plants into the environment. Interested in adding a buffer but aren't sure where to start? Good news! Rice Creek Watershed District offers mini-grants of up to $500 per year for an eligible project. You can learn more about buffers by con- tacting Rice Creek Watershed District at 763-398-3073. The MDA will spell out the development plan details and financial commitments. “Much progress has been made on the Rice Creek Commons development,” said Mayor David Grant. “We are closer to getting the necessary agreements in place and look forward to being able to break ground with our partners.” For more information, visit the Joint Development Authority (JDA) meeting section on the City of Arden Hills website at cityofardenhills.org. From the homep- age, click on Agendas and Minutes. TCAAP/Rice Creek Commons MDA updateThe City of Arden Hills, Ramsey County, and Alatus LLC are negotiating the terms of a Master Development Agreement (MDA) for the Rice Creek Commons development that will be located on 427 acres on the northwest corner of the former Twin Cit- ies Army Ammunition Plant (TCAAP) property. Several news stories have been printed and aired about this project, but an MDA has not yet been signed. It is anticipated that the Joint Development Authority will approve an MDA by the end of summer.