What is a riparian buffer?Riparian Buffer are key to healthy waterways; they consist of deep-rooted grasses, shrubs and trees that hold the soil, stabilize the stream bank and help prevent erosion. Fine silt from erosion is seen covering the streambed rocks and pebbles in many areas of Johnston Run; this fills and smothers the rocky habitat needed by fish (such as trout) and the insects they feed on. Along with preventing erosion, a riparian buffer of grass, trees and undergrowth provides a habitat inviting to songbirds (which also enjoy insects found in a healthy stream). Bees enjoy this kind of environment, as does a variety of wildlife. The buffer helps conserve the soil, nutrients and minerals in the land next to it. Riparian buffers reduce the impact of storm water run off from our roads, parking lots, lawns and agricultural areas can unintentionally add minerals, chemicals and other pollutants such as fertilizer, weed killer and pesticides to a streambed - making the ducks’ and fishes’ “drinking and bathing” water not so healthy.
A beautiful video of Nature revitalizing a waterway
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