Register for Maryland Forest Service’s Backyard Buffer Program

Dear Maryland Landowners in the Anacostia Watershed (see below if you’re outside the watershed),


How would you like 1 to 25 tree seedlings delivered to you at no cost through the Maryland Forest Service’s Backyard Buffer program? This Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR) program was created to help landowners who own less than 6 acres and live near or adjacent to waterways create forested buffers. These buffers help reduce the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution that enters into our watersheds. Buffers improve water quality and create habitat for fish and wildlife.

What’s the catch? Your property must be less than 6 acres and within 300 feet from a stream, storm drain or other waterway. COG is partnering with the Maryland Forest Service and will deliver 1 to 25 whip seedlings in early spring. You simply plant them, and care and maintain them to establish a forested buffer. That’s it!

If you are interested, please complete the following short survey. We will review your response after March 13, so you should receive word after that if your application was accepted or not.

Feel free to contact Sam Groat for more information and review the following FAQ section. Note that you must be a Maryland resident to be eligible.
Sam Groat
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite #300
Washington, DC 20002-4290
202-962-3358
sgroat@mwcog.org



Common questions and answers that may guide your decision for participation:

Q1. What are the plant species available?

A. False indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa), silky dogwood, pin oak, black cherry, and American sycamore. We cannot guarantee availability of all specific species, specifically the dogwood will be limited per applicant.

Q2. When do we need to submit the request?

A. Orders must be submitted by March 13, but will not be delivered to you until sometime in late March or April. Participants will be notified when MDDNR provides us a delivery date. Trees are available on a first come basis.

Q3. Not many people in the Anacostia watershed have property in the riparian areas. Can the trees be planted elsewhere on their property?

A. We would prefer to see the trees planted close to waterbodies, otherwise, rain gardens, drainage areas, wetlands, or anywhere that water infiltrates (near a storm drain can sometimes count). Feel free to ask if you are unsure.

Q4. Are there any reporting requirements?

A. A Maryland DNR or COG staff may contact you regarding your application, a follow up survival survey and to see if you want more plants in the following year. You must provide a contact and address so we may deliver the trees :)

Q5. Is it possible to choose from the list of available species?

A. We will do our best to accommodate your wishes but cannot guarantee specific species. For example, orders of 25 trees will most likely contain 5 of each of the available species. This year the dogwoods will be in very limited supply.

Q6. Does COG plant the trees?

A. No. You are responsible for planting and protecting the trees. A planting guide will be provided.

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* 1. Is your property adjacent to a stream?

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* 3. Do you have any requested species (see above for species list)? We cannot guarantee specific species. For example, orders of 25 trees will most likely contain 5 of each of the available species.

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* 4. Do you have the ability to care for these trees for several years?

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* 5. Which subwatershed do you live in? 

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* 6. How did you find out about this program?

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* 7. We must provide your contact information to MDDNR staff to participate and for follow up (required).   Please provide your contact information:

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* 8. Describe where we can leave the trees on the day of delivery. A shaded location is best. We will email when we know the deliver date (from MDNR). We will send a second email verifying delivery.