Riparian Zones
A riparian zone is a vegetated area (a
"buffer strip") near a stream which
helps shade and partially protect a
stream from the impact of adjacent land
uses.
Zone 1. Large Native trees provide shade and bank stabilization
Zone 2. Native shrubs, this zone provides habitat for wildlife. Absorbs contaminants.
Zone 3. First line of defense against contaminants. Mostly of native grasses; slows
water runoff.
•Streambed Zone. Fallen limbs, trees, and tree roots; slows water flow, reduces
erosion. Woody debris increases habitat and cover aquatic species.
Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Water Quality
• Intercepting sediment/ nutrients from fertilizers
• Intercepting pesticides and other materials in surface
runoff
• Bank stabilization
Habitat benefits
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•
•
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Provide habitat
Increase biodiversity
Buffers acting as wildlife corridors
Shading water
Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Economic benefits
• Increase land value • Produce profitable alternative crops – nut
crops
• Increase lease fees for hunting
Native Riparian Plants
Cattails
Can be very
aggressive.
Sedges
Trees
“water-loving”
species
Box Elder or
Ashleaf Maple
Silver Maple
Sycamore
Willows
Elms
Cottonwood
Buckeye
Spice bush
Edge Plants
Blue Lobelia
Cardinal
Flower
Bidens Sticktights
Swamp
Mallow
Swamp
Milkweed
Button
Bush
Virginia Bell
Flower
Spotted
Jewelweed or
Touch-me-not.
Also a yellow
species. Good
remedy for the
next plant.
Poison Ivy – leaflets 3,
let it be. White berries.
Virginia Creeper – 5
leaflets – non poisonous
(unless you eat it).
Riparian Invasive Plants – introduced plants
that replace natives – often the predominant plants
found in riparian zones
Japanese Honeysuckle
Bush Honeysuckle
Winter creeper
Periwinkle
English Ivy
Multiflora Rose
Air Yam
Garlic Mustard
Japanese Knotweed
Burning Bush
Questions to consider:
Why are native species more desirable than
invasive species in riparian zones?
What can be done to remove invasive species
from riparian zones?
What can be done to increase public
awareness of the necessity of riparian zones
along streams?