1. 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.

2. In a healthy riparian zone, there are typically three layers of vegetation that occur:
Tall trees
Shorter trees and shrubs
Flowering plants and ferns

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. Riparian Zone Environmental Benefits
Economic benefits
Increase land value -
Produce profitable alternative crops – nut crops
Increase lease fees for hunting

7. Native Riparian Plants
Edge Plants
Swamp Mallow
Cattails
Blue Lobelia
Button Bush
Sedges
Swamp Milkweed
Cardinal Flower
Trees
“water-loving” species
Virginia Bell
Flower
Box Elder or
Ashleaf Maple
Willows
Buckeye
Silver Maple
Cottonwood
Spice bush
Sycamore
Elms

8. Riparian Invasive Plants – introduced plants that replace natives – often the predominant plants found in riparian zones
Japanese Knotweed
Winter creeper
Bush Honeysuckle
Multiflora Rose
Periwinkle
Japanese Honeysuckle
Concentrating on Riparian Zones (areas around streams and rivers that should have substantial tree and shrub growth). These invasive plants are not always restricted to riparian zones, but are often found in great abundance there.
Air Yam
English Ivy
Burning Bush
Garlic Mustard

9. 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?