As of September of last year, cyanobacteria levels in Lake Anna had dropped below detectable levels. This is a recurring annual trend, occurring after the peak summer season when most visitors have left and temperatures begin to cool. Weather patterns and environmental factors can cause rapid changes in water quality, leading to recreational water illnesses from cyanotoxins and other pollutants. By July or August, the northern parts of Lake Anna may once again be placed under an algae advisory from the Virginia Department of Health.

To prevent this cycle, shoreline planting—including riparian buffers, native aquatic plants, and shoreline stabilization efforts—is a key strategy to reduce nutrient pollution and combat Harmful Algae Blooms (HABs).

Mark DeBord, Lake Anna Civic Association (LACA) board member and Environmental Preservation co-chair, has been at the forefront of shoreline planting initiatives. Over the past two years, LACA has received resources from both Dominion Energy and DuPont, securing grants that allowed them to plant over 7,000 native plants along the shoreline and in select creeks feeding the lake.

“Our goal is to reduce the amount of phosphorous and nitrogen getting into the lake,” DeBord explained. “We want to soak up the nutrients before they ever hit the creek that flows into the lake.”

Shoreline planting is an ongoing effort that includes adding aquatic vegetation to absorb excess nutrients and creating riparian buffers along creeks and streams feeding into the lake. These plantings help reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and naturally absorb phosphorus and nitrogen—the primary nutrients fueling cyanobacteria growth.

The process of shoreline planting takes multiple forms. Along the lakefront, native grasses, shrubs, and aquatic plants can be placed directly at the water’s edge or even in shallow water to stabilize soil and prevent erosion.

For larger-scale impact, riparian buffers are ideally installed along tributary creeks that feed into Lake Anna, particularly in the North Pamunkey and North Anna watersheds. These buffers range from 50 to 200 feet wide and consist of layers of vegetation, including tall trees like river birch and black willow, mid-sized shrubs such as viburnum and buttonbush, and native grasses and flowers further inland. This layered approach ensures that excess phosphorus and nitrogen are absorbed before they enter the water system, reducing the risk of algae blooms downstream.

Challenges for Farmers

While shoreline planting offers clear benefits, expanding these efforts presents challenges, particularly for farmers and landowners with property along creeks feeding into the lake. Many cattle farmers rely on direct access to streams for their livestock, and creating riparian buffers means fencing off water sources and finding alternative ways to provide water. Installing wells or off-stream watering systems can be expensive, making it difficult for some farmers to commit to these changes. Additionally, setting aside land for buffer zones can mean a loss of grazing or hay-producing acreage, which can impact farm operations. Despite these concerns, conservation groups are working to provide resources and financial incentives for farmers willing to participate.

Community awareness of the importance of lake health has been growing. In 2024, The Breeze conducted a Needs Assessment Survey, revealing that protecting the lake is the community’s top priority. A significant 31 percent of residents indicated that they would direct funds toward environmental protection and lake health. Concerns over HABs have driven interest in erosion control, water monitoring, and shoreline preservation, highlighting the need for proactive solutions like shoreline planting.

LACA and its partners are continuing their efforts to expand shoreline planting initiatives in 2025. Dominion and DuPont employees will be sending volunteers to assist with planting events, which are expected to begin in May. The focus will be on identifying key locations where planting can have the greatest impact, particularly in areas where runoff is a known issue.

Buffer Landscaping for Homeowners

Homeowners can also participate by incorporating buffer landscaping, which involves planting deep-rooted native species along their shoreline properties. These plants filter runoff from lawns and prevent excess nutrients from washing into the lake while maintaining an open view of the water. Homeowners and landowners interested in participating are encouraged to reach out to LACA for guidance on how to incorporate native plants into their properties.

Protecting Lake Anna’s water quality requires a collective effort. Through a combination of shoreline planting, riparian buffers, and community engagement, the lake can be preserved for future generations.

Jen Bailey

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