Stream buffers provide various ecosystem services including stabilizing stream banks, regulating stream water temperature, taking up nutrients in runoff water, and providing wildlife habitat. Stream buffers are included in the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act in the livestock and forestry sections and can help protect water quality. Farmers and landowners need technical information and support when planning for and implementing stream buffers as best management practices on their property. In Fall 2021 a UK Cooperative Extension Service specialist partnered with the Salt River Watershed Collaborative to plan a multi-pronged educational effort focused on forested stream buffers. The team gathered content specialists (including a landowner, county agent, and several water specialists) to shoot footage and develop videos explaining key concepts of stream buffers and their impact on the landscape. This effort resulted in the creation of a 5-part video series on buffers and stream stewardship (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMGXV6vlqh-tLJ7sxEEhRCzX9H7KSXqwY).  The team also presented forested riparian buffer information on an episode of From the Woods Today, a weekly internet show hosted by the University of Kentucky Department of Forestry and Natural Resources, and conducted a forested riparian buffers virtual field day. Post field day evaluation indicated that 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they felt more knowledgeable about forested stream buffers; 75% of respondents learned about a new conservation practice they will adopt on land they manage; and 85% reported that they gained confidence on how to better implement a practice they already use.

Plans for an in-person field day for October 2022 are underway to continue the partnership.