Life of the Credit River Watershed
The streams and creeks that feed into the Credit River are crucial to supporting life in the Credit River Watershed. These flowing systems move water and sediment, such as rocks and sand, creating aquatic habitat and connecting terrestrial habitats through the landscape.
The transitional area between water and land, including the streambank and floodplain is known as a riparian ecosystem. These areas play an important role in maintaining healthy streams, supporting biodiversity and maintaining human well-being.
Keeping it Cool
Riparian ecosystems usually support a dense community of trees, shrubs, grasses and other plants. Plants growing along the stream create shade and keeps water cool, a key factor for the survival of coldwater fish and invertebrates.
Brook trout, for example, prefer water that is below 19 degrees Celsius. Streams with groundwater upwellings and plenty of shade from overhanging trees provide ideal conditions for coldwater species.
Providing Food and Habitat
Riparian plants benefit fish and stream invertebrates by more than just the shade they provide.
When overhanging trees, shrubs and plants drop their branches, they enhance the habitat for aquatic life. Fallen branches in a stream make a perfect shelter for fish. Fallen leaves and sticks are also important food sources for stream creatures.
In fact, there is an entire invertebrate community called shredders that search for leaves and sticks on the bottom of a stream to eat by chewing or shredding. Crayfish and other larger invertebrates, along with fish, prey on shredders and other invertebrates, maintaining ecosystem health and lifecycles.
Stabilizing Banks
Streambanks rely on riparian plant roots for soil stabilization and reduced sediment runoff, to maintain its health. A dense network of these roots along streambanks anchors the soil and minimizes soil loss during heavy rain.
Riparian plants also improve water quality by filtering pollutants from runoff before it enters the stream.
Although some erosion is natural, when there is insufficient plant cover in riparian ecosystems, streambanks can erode rapidly. This could cause property loss and damage to roads and bridges.
Corridors for Wildlife
Riparian areas are key to the flourishing of diverse species within the watershed. Dense vegetation typically found in riparian ecosystems provides shelter, food and nesting sites for wildlife, like birds, mammals and reptiles. Riparian ecosystems also function as migration corridors. These corridors allow animals to move safely through the landscape from one habitat to another.
Protect Riparian Areas on Your Land
Landowners can help protect riparian ecosystems. The best way to protect these important areas is to leave them alone. We are drawn to streams because we appreciate their natural beauty and the peace they inspire. You may be tempted to remove shrubs or mow grass right up to the streambank to improve your view of the stream, but when we leave riparian ecosystems in a natural state, we’re helping to protect the health of the watershed and all the living creatures that live within it.
We can work with you to develop and implement a management plan that will improve the health and beauty of the wetlands, streams and ponds on your property. Connect with a stewardship coordinator to get started.
Discover our Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program
Learn about the health of streams and other ecosystems in the watershed through our interactive Integrated Watershed Monitoring Program StoryMap Collection.
By Adrienne Ockenden, Watershed Monitoring Specialist.