Why It Matters
Riparian buffers—vegetated areas alongside streams—play a key role in supporting wildlife, preventing erosion, and maintaining clean water. By caring for the stream on your property, you’re helping your whole community.
Start With a Visual Inspection
Walk your property and inspect the stream. Look for:
- Overgrown vegetation: Vines like honeysuckle, fox grape, or multiflora rose can block water flow.
- Litter and debris: Remove wood, trash, lawn waste, compost piles, etc. Keep all materials well back from the stream bank.
- Notify WSWA of any discharges from unknown outfall pipes in the stream.
Basic Stream Maintenance
Vegetation
Trim back overgrowth, especially plants blocking the stream. Remove invasive species like:
- Purple Loosestrife
- Honeysuckle
- Teasel (bag this to prevent spreading seeds)
- Multiflora rose
When trying to control invasives, follow the label on any herbicide used.
Consider replacing invasive species with native plants to restore stream health and reduce future work.
Debris
After heavy rain, check for new blockages. Clean up twice a year:
- Before and after bird nesting season (March 15 - July 15)
- After major storms
Walk in the Rain
Taking a walk in the rain is a great way to:
- Observe where water travels on your land.
- Add swales or channels to guide runoff.
- Consider planting a rain garden to soak up water and reduce erosion.
Tools and Safety
Wear:
- Long sleeves, gloves, waders (with good grip)
- Sun protection: hat and sunglasses
Bring:
- Loopers and pruners (sharpened)
- Bags for trimmings
- Walking stick (if needed)
Tips:
- Walk with a friend for safety.
- Know your plants—what to remove and what to protect.
Connect With Us
Your local watershed association (like WSWA) is here to help. We can answer questions, offer plant recommendations, and help with restoration projects.
For a more complete guide, check out: Stream Steward Guide (Marion SWCD)
The work we do is meaningful
Stay informed about our efforts to protect and restore the Warm Springs Run watershed. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news, events, and ways you can get involved.
Read Our News and Articles
The Bypass and its Unnatural Shale Barrens
What’s Going on with Those Bare, Rocky Slopes Along the Bypass? If you’ve driven along the…
The Critical Importance of Groundwater Stewardship
What if the most important river in Morgan County never appears on a map—because it’s flowing…
WSWA Battles Invasive Species
It takes an army to tame purple loosestrife. In our case, that army’s soldiers are about…