Even small trickles of water that are too small to appear on a map will contribute to the health of the entire river network.
Streams and the vegetation on either side of them have a profound influence on the quality of water and habitat in rivers and lakes downstream.
Stream corridors:
- provide natural flood control by allowing the water to be absorbed into the water table
- maintain water quality and quantity by filtering surface water and absorbing water in times of plenty and releasing it slowly over time
- recycle nutrients through decay of leaf litter and other debris that enters streams, and
- are home to many species of fish, plants and animals.
What can you do to help protect streams?
- Leave buffer strips of natural vegetation to trap silt from surface runoff, prevent erosion and provide shade and habitat for plants, fish and other creatures.
- Let water flow. Dams stop the movement of fish up and down the stream and water removal crowds fish.
- Take care when working near water. Make sure to obtain necessary permits, protect shoreline vegetation and avoid sedimentation.
- Take care with your recreational vehicle around streams. Never wash it in or near water and avoid stream crossings that churn up the stream bottom.
- Practice good farming practices by keeping animals out of streams and making sure to manage manure properly so nutrients don’t run into streams.
- Install proper septic systems when needed.
- Avoid polluting streams, especially with pesticides and fertilizers.
EcoSuperior is helping to protect stream corridors- and the water that flows through them - with a number of programmes:
- Public information
You can pick up information on stream protection at our office, or you can also book a presentation on stream protection for your group. - Classroom resources
Book a ‘Study Our Streams’ presentation for your class, or do-it-yourself with the help of the activities that we’ve developed for Grade 4 & Grade 7.
Page last updated on Wednesday, February 03, 2010
