Build Better Buffers Workshop

Come learn about how to Build Better Buffers!

Soil is the number one cause of lake pollution in the state of Maine and buffers are some of the best ways that landowners can be proactive in protecting the lake for years to come! Water traveling over the surface of roads and yards carries pollutants like phosphorus into Thompson Lake---which causes algal blooms and lowers water quality. Better Buffers filter and absorb water and nutrients, trap excess soil, provide wildlife habitat, and mimic natural systems to create a dynamic landscape to enjoy in all seasons.

Join Thompson Lake Environmental Association (TLEA), McLaughlin Garden, and local Soil & Water Conservation Districts to learn more about TLEA's "Build Better Buffers" program which helps Thompson Lake shoreline residents improve their buffers.

Buffers are densely vegetated strips of land that run along the shoreline of a lake, pond, or stream. Buffers are planted with a diversity of woody shrubs, grasses and herbaceous perennials that help to slow and filter water down into the ground instead of running along the surface and bringing pollutants to the lake. There are many ways to diversify your landscape that doesnt obstruct your view, but actually enhances it.

Build Better Buffers customers get a site visit, soil sample, and landscape design from Horticulturist at McLaughlin Garden. Professionals will survey existing plants, review your LakeSmart evaluations, and take into account your goals and visions for your property to design a better buffer for your unique landscape! BBB Customers receive a 10% discount on plants and a one year membership to McLaughlin Garden.

We'll take a short walk around Thompson Lake to view a few varied buffer types, both natural ecosystems and landscaped. We'll discuss importance and benefits of buffers (its more than just water quality!) and look at great plants to include in a buffer. McLaughlin Garden will be taking sign ups for site visits and plans for next season.

Whether you're interested in signing up for the BBB program through TLEA or just want to learn more about buffers and plants along the shoreline, we encourage you to attend!

LOCATION + PLAN

We'll meet at the Thompson Lake Marina (The Heath) and check out a natural shoreline buffer and then take a short walk to a nearby property participating in the Build Better Buffers program. They have established the beginning of a buffer with plans to add more plants over the next few years with the help of the TLEA Youth Conservation Corps, and design from McLaughlin. We'll also have a demonstration of how erosion control mulch, duff layer, and vegetation impacts soil filtration and pollution reaching the lake.

TLEA will host a wine and cheese afterparty at a nearby location, with further discussion of programming, buffers, youth conservation corps, membership and more. Come and network with neighbors for the good of the lake!

Funding for this workshop, in part, was provided by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Section 319 of the Clean Water Act. The funding is administered by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection in partnership with EPA. EPA does not endorse any commercial products or services mentioned."