Eco-Buffer Shelterbelts
Willow Creek Sub-District
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Project Overview
Eco-Buffers are a dense planting of a diverse mix of native species that are designed to mimic a natural forest habitat. The natural habitat is mimicked through a mix of fast growing trees, long lived trees, and tall and short shrubs. The diversity of the natural species allows for an eco-buffer shelterbelt to sustain it self long term with minimal ongoing maintenance once established. Eco-Buffer shelterbelts can provide an array of environmental benefits including reduced soil erosion, enhanced soil collection for moisture retention, increased biodiversity, wildlife habitat, protection for livestock in both cold and warm months, and more.
Over the course of three spring planting seasons, 2024, 2025 & 2026 this landowner partnered with EIWD to plant three eco-buffer shelterbelts designed to improve environmental stewardship and provide long term benefits to the property. The main goals for this landowner were to create field edge buffers and future livestock protection.
The first shelterbelt planted in 2024 was 1,125 seedlings, in a three-row design over half an acre. In 2025, another shelterbelt was planted consisting of 555 seedlings, in a three-row design on 0.6 acres. The final shelterbelt, planted in 2026 consisted of 720 seedlings, in a three-row design on 0.7 acres.
All three shelterbelts were planted along field edges to create protective buffers between cultivated lands and adjacent roadways. The 2025 and 2026 plantings were especially important as they were established along highways; when the trees mature, it will help to reduce snow drift and improve winter driving conditions. EIWD staff and volunteers assisted with planting all three shelterbelts.
Eco-Buffers are a dense planting of a diverse mix of native species that are designed to mimic a natural forest habitat. The natural habitat is mimicked through a mix of fast growing trees, long lived trees, and tall and short shrubs. The diversity of the natural species allows for an eco-buffer shelterbelt to sustain it self long term with minimal ongoing maintenance once established. Eco-Buffer shelterbelts can provide an array of environmental benefits including reduced soil erosion, enhanced soil collection for moisture retention, increased biodiversity, wildlife habitat, protection for livestock in both cold and warm months, and more.
Over the course of three spring planting seasons, 2024, 2025 & 2026 this landowner partnered with EIWD to plant three eco-buffer shelterbelts designed to improve environmental stewardship and provide long term benefits to the property. The main goals for this landowner were to create field edge buffers and future livestock protection.
The first shelterbelt planted in 2024 was 1,125 seedlings, in a three-row design over half an acre. In 2025, another shelterbelt was planted consisting of 555 seedlings, in a three-row design on 0.6 acres. The final shelterbelt, planted in 2026 consisted of 720 seedlings, in a three-row design on 0.7 acres.
All three shelterbelts were planted along field edges to create protective buffers between cultivated lands and adjacent roadways. The 2025 and 2026 plantings were especially important as they were established along highways; when the trees mature, it will help to reduce snow drift and improve winter driving conditions. EIWD staff and volunteers assisted with planting all three shelterbelts.
