Riparian Vegetation
Plants need water, and water needs plants.
Riparian vegetation on Drift Creek (Siletz Basin)
Plants on the banks of streams have a multitude of benefits. Their roots stabilize sides of streams and reduce erosion. These highly productive areas sequester large amounts of carbon. The complex systems filter water before reaching the stream and groundwater, leaving cleaner water for humans and wildlife.
Fish inside the stream benefit from the riparian vegetation as well. The plants provide food and habitat for invertebrates that are food for young salmon and other fish. Trees that fall in the stream provide cover for small fish to hide. Tall plants provide shade for streams, keeping them at a temperature that can support cold water species like salmon.
MCWC and our partners have a heavy focus on planting in riparian areas. Strong riparian vegetation is central to watershed function and reduces the amount of management required my humans to reproduce ecosystem functions. Check out some of our planting projects under our habitat restoration projects.