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   Stormwater ponds play a crucial role in managing runoff, improving water quality, and reducing flooding. However, many ponds experience issues such as nutrient buildup, algal blooms, and shoreline erosion, often due to traditional landscaping practices like mowing to the water’s edge and excessive fertilizer use. Vegetated shoreside buffer zones can mitigate these problems by filtering pollutants, stabilizing banks, and enhancing biodiversity, yet their adoption remains limited due to aesthetic concerns and lack of awareness among property owners and managers. To address this, an Extension program developed educational outreach materials, including fact sheets, workshops, demonstration sites, and online resources, to promote buffer zone benefits. Field days and guided tours showcased successful installations, while partnerships with local governments and environmental organizations helped broaden outreach and offer incentives. As a result, 72% of participants (n=314) reported increased understanding of buffer zone benefits, and 45% of surveyed property managers and HOA representatives (n=47) had implemented or planned to implement buffer zones within a year. Pilot sites showed improved pond conditions, including reduced erosion and pollution, as well as increased native plant diversity supporting pollinators and wildlife. This initiative has contributed to improved stormwater pond health and water quality by encouraging sustainable practices. Continued outreach and policy incentives will be key to expanding adoption and ensuring long-term environmental benefits.