Riparian

Riparian is defined as "pertaining to the bank of a river". The riparian plant community is found along any stream, waterway, or river. Common plants include cottonwood, sycamore, willow, poison oak, and mule fat. Riparian plants are generally more water-thirsty than those of the other southern California plant communities.

Riparian habitat runs through other plant communities, as water flows from higher elevations through tributaries to the Santa Ana River. The narrow corridor of a stream is a valuable resource in our dry southern California climate. Streams that flow throughout the year are referred to as perennial and typically drain large acreages.

Perennial streams bring drinking water to wildlife and support plant growth all year long. These waterways are normally thick with vegetation providing food, homes, and movement corridors for wildlife.

Scholars estimate that 95% of southern California's riparian habitat has been developed or degraded. Many drainage ways have been narrowed and concrete-lined or piped and filled, rendering them useless to wildlife.

Several threatened, endangered, or sensitive native species are dependent upon local riparian habitat, including the California red-legged frog, the Southwestern arroyo toad, the Southwestern pond turtle, the Least Bell's Vireo (a bird), and the Santa Ana Sucker, (a fish).

Sometimes it is hard to recognize streams in southern California. Some of our waterways appear dry during much of the year, although they may become raging torrents during the rainy season. All streams must be regarded with care. If you live in a watershed, and we all do, then you impact water quality. Learn ways to prevent the pollution of waterways in the section: Urban Areas, Prevent Pollution or in the booklet Stream Care: Every Person's Guide for Healing Waterways, available from the Riverside-Corona Resource Conservation District.