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.
In
a healthy riparian zone, there
are typically three layers of
vegetation that occur:
 Tall trees
 Shorter trees and shrubs
 Flowering plants and ferns
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 zones are important to
a stream because:
• They filter pollutants and prevent them
from entering the stream
• They prevent the streambank from
eroding or wearing away.
• They supply shade to the stream
Shade helps keep the water temperature cool.
• They provide shelter and food for animals
that live in or near the stream
Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Water 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
Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Economic benefits
• Increase land value • Produce profitable alternative crops –
nut crops
• Increase lease fees for hunting
Native Riparian Plants
Cattails
Edge Plants
Blue Lobelia
Swamp
Mallow
Button Bush
Sedges
Trees
“water-loving” species
Box Elder or
Ashleaf Maple
Cardinal
Flower
Virginia Bell
Flower
Willows
Buckeye
Silver Maple
Sycamore
Cottonwood
Elms
Swamp
Milkweed
Spice bush
Riparian Invasive Plants – introduced plants
that replace natives – often the predominant plants
found in riparian zones
Japanese Knotweed
Bush Honeysuckle
Winter creeper
Multiflora Rose
Periwinkle
Japanese Honeysuckle
Air Yam
English Ivy
Burning Bush
Garlic Mustard
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?