Vegetated Buffers and Rain Gardens

Vegetated buffers are areas of natural or established vegetation bordering a waterway, or placed between a waterway and runoff source. 

These buffer zones slow stormwater runoff, allow water to more easily absorb into the soil, contribute to groundwater recharge, and reduce erosion. Vegetated buffer gardens keep water clean, fight erosion, preserve habitat, save pollinators and are beautiful when using native plantings.

In conjunction with Greenscapes North Shore Coalition, the Conservation Commission has published a handy brochure that lists several popular trees, shrubs and perennial flowers that do exceptionally well in vegetated buffers. These plants are widely available at local nurseries and garden centers. The brochure also includes planting tips. The brochure can be downloaded at the link below, and is available in print at the library and in the Lynnfield Planning & Conservation office at Town Hall.

Grow a Vegetated Buffer Brochure

Rain Gardens are  planted depressions in the ground that collect, filter, and treat stormwater. These slightly sunken gardens allow collected water to be taken up by plants or filtered into the ground, reducing the amount of water running off site.

Rain garden soils also remove pollutants (including metals, nutrients, sediments, oils/grease, etc.) before they reach groundwater or flow to coastlines and local water bodies. By preventing stormwater from running into roads, storm drains, and waterways, rain gardens may also help reduce localized flooding and erosion.

Rain gardens are an excellent choice for most properties and are a potential do-it-yourself project with many options for shape, plantings, and size (even small rain gardens provide great benefits). Planting a rain garden with flowering and fruiting plants, shrubs, and trees will also provide visual interest, as well as food and habitat for wildlife.

Rain Gardens - Fact Sheet and How-to