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 BenefitsWater Quality

• Intercepting sediment/ nutrients from fertilizers• Intercepting pesticides and other materials in surface

runoff • Bank stabilization

Habitat benefits

• Provide habitat• Increase biodiversity• Buffers acting as wildlife corridors• Shading water

Economic benefits

• Increase land value -• Produce profitable alternative crops – nut

crops• Increase lease fees for hunting

Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits

Native Riparian Plants

Cattails

Can be very aggressive.

Sedges

Box Elder or Ashleaf Maple

Silver Maple

Trees “water-loving” species

Sycamore

Willows

Elms

Cottonwood

Buckeye

Spice bush

Cardinal Flower

Blue Lobelia

Edge Plants

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).

Bush Honeysuckle

Japanese Honeysuckle

Riparian Invasive Plants – introduced plants that replace natives – often the predominant plants found in riparian zones

Winter creeper

English IvyPeriwinkle

Multiflora Rose

Garlic Mustard

Air Yam

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?