Riparian Zones: The Transition Between Land and Water

​What are Riparian Zones?
Riparian zones are essential for life, but few people know about them. A riparian zone, also referred to as a riparian buffer, is the traditional zone between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. When looking at a stream, the dense vegetation around the water is the riparian! 

​Why are they important?
There are countless reasons why riparian zones are vital but here are only a few:
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• Sedimentation and Erosion Control: The plants present in riparian zones often have deep roots that help stabilize the soil, preventing it from being washed away by the water.

​Improve Water Quality: As water moves across a landscape, it will drain towards lower areas. These areas are often streams and rivers. The riparian zone helps filter the pollution, sediment, and excess nutrients that the water picks up along its journey from entering the streams.

•  Flood Control: Riparian zones can help slow down water. Vegetation can soak up excess water preventing, minimizing, or delaying flooding.
• Wildlife Habitat: These zones are essential to a wide range of birds, mammals, amphibians, and fish. They provide water with shade and temperature regulations which can keep waters cool which is vital to many fish species. They also act as nursery grounds for many fish species.
• Carbon Sequestration: Riparian zones can absorb and store carbon dioxide, which helps us in the fight against climate change. 

​What are the threats that riparian zones face?
Despite their importance, riparian zones face numerous threats.

• Urban Development: Expansion of urban areas often encroaches on riparian zones. This rapid urbanization leads to habitat loss, pollution, and altered hydrogeology which eliminates riparian zones.
• Agriculture and Lawn Practices: The use of pesticides and fertilizers can kill off riparian vegetation. These, along with with homeowners and organizations mowing down vegetation to the water line, can pollute our waterways very easily. 

​How can we protect riparian zones?
Every person can play a role in protecting these vital ecosystems.

• Protect Riparian Zones On Your Property: Taking the initiative to plant native riparian vegetation in areas on your property along with limiting fertilizer and pesticide use will allow our neighborhood riparian zones to recover.
• Community Involvement: Join local environmental groups and support organizations that try to make a difference.
• Policy and Regulation: Use your voice to encourage local policymakers to make regulations with riparians in mind.

By understanding the importance of riparian zones and taking action to protect them, we can ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

Author

Erin Burke is the Tuscarawas Watershed Coordinator for Summit SWCD.