River Pathways Riparian Plants

Why Care About Riparian Vegetation? Many of the functions and values of riparian areas are dependent upon streamside vegetation Many of the functions and values of riparian areas are dependent upon streamside vegetation

Riparian Vegetation Streamside vegetation filters sediments and pollutants from the stream Streamside vegetation filters sediments and pollutants from the stream

Riparian Vegetation Streamside vegetation provides bank stability by holding onto soil Streamside vegetation provides bank stability by holding onto soil

Riparian Vegetation Streamside vegetation provides habitat for countless organisms Streamside vegetation provides habitat for countless organisms

Riparian Vegetation Streamside vegetation shades the water and keeps it at the right temperature for aquatic organisms Streamside vegetation shades the water and keeps it at the right temperature for aquatic organisms

Riparian Vegetation Streamside vegetation slows floodwaters during high flow events Streamside vegetation slows floodwaters during high flow events

Monitoring Riparian Vegetation Since streamside vegetation is so important to the health of the stream, biologists must monitor its condition closely Since streamside vegetation is so important to the health of the stream, biologists must monitor its condition closely

Monitoring Riparian Vegetation In order to monitor riparian vegetation, biologists must be able to both identify and describe the plants they see In order to monitor riparian vegetation, biologists must be able to both identify and describe the plants they see

Identification Biologists often use drawings, pictures, keys, and written descriptions to identify plants Biologists often use drawings, pictures, keys, and written descriptions to identify plants

Description When a plant cannot be identified, biologists must make detailed descriptions of the plant for later identification When a plant cannot be identified, biologists must make detailed descriptions of the plant for later identification

Plant Identification Game Follow the directions and develop the skills you need to be a professional land/resource manager! Follow the directions and develop the skills you need to be a professional land/resource manager!