05/14/2026
On Saturday, May 2, the community of Cherry Valley planted a Riparian Forest Buffer of 525 native trees and shrubs along the Cherry Valley Creek behind the Old School. Thirty community members of all ages came out on a beautiful sunny morning to help the creek, including the Village Board members and our County Rep, Leslie Berliant.
“The community really came together today to help our Creek. This will create a more enjoyable park experience through additional shade, a native food forest, and flood mitigation, ensuring the creek and park live together harmoniously for years to come,” said Angelica (Board Member of CVCFC)
This project was a collaboration of the Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District (OCSWCD), the Upper Susquehanna Coalition (USC), the Cherry Valley Community Facilities Corp (CVCFC), the Village of Cherry Valley, and Glensfoot Farm. The project was funded by the USC Trees for Tributaries Program. The program provides Free Plants, Materials, and Technical Support to aid in reforesting New York’s Tributaries.
What is a Riparian Forest Buffer? It is a vegetative strip that protects lakes, rivers, and streams from the impact of adjacent land uses. The vegetated area, usually forested, consists of a blend of native trees, shrubs, and grasses. The plantings will grow slowly over the next several years, and eventually the tubes will be removed. They require minimal maintenance, with one or two annual mowings, which is aligned with the current groundskeeping schedule. “Riparian Forest Buffers help improve water quality, decrease soil erosion, sequester carbon, and create wildlife habitat,” said Shamar Fitzpatrick (OCSWCD Buffer Steward Coordinator).
Educational workshops are planned for Spring 2027, as part of the Telegraph School’s “Cherry Valley Water Project: Sacred Waters.” They will consist of Riparian Forest Buffer education, an herb walk, music & art-making with the Cherry Valley Creek, and more. Funding for the workshops comes from the OCSWCD Mini-Grant Program and they will be led by the Schoharie River Center, OCSWCD, and local artists and herbalists. The day will end with a NYSCA-funded community water ritual performance created by artist Angelica Palmer.
About the OCSWCD & their programs: Otsego County Soil and Water Conservation District partners with Upper Susquehanna Coalition to implement conservation projects. Some types of projects are Riparian Forest Buffers, exclusion fencing, stream bank restoration, and wetland restoration.
OCSWCD has programs such as Agricultural Nonpoint Source (Manure storage, covered barnyards) and Agricultural Environmental Management (implementing more environmentally friendly practices on the Farm). To learn more, visit https://www.otsegosoilandwater.com/
About the CVCFC (the Cherry Valley Old School):
The CVCFC is dedicated to fostering an inclusive community, offering diverse cultural programming and educational enrichment, and partnering with the Village and Town of Cherry Valley and Otsego County agencies to address community needs locally and beyond. To learn more, visit www.cvcfc.org
For more info, contact Shamar or Angelica:
Shamar Fitzpatrick
Buffer Steward Coordinator
Otsego SWCD
[email protected]
607-547-8131 ext. 4
Angelica Palmer
Board Member of CVCFC
Director of the Telegraph School
[email protected]
607-264-3785
Photo credit: Marc-Anthony Polizzi unless otherwise noted
Link to photo files: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-hFF1PpCznRdDzOYVE5kpYRWiF8M6Zt0?usp=sharing
