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.
Feb 20, 2016
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?