b'Riparian SpongeO ver and over, rivers teach usPlants too are good teachers, andPicture a wall of water pushing that her protective clothing ofthey work closely in tandem withover tall, leafy, wide-bladed plants must never be thoughtlesslythe rivers. Those with the highestgrasses onto the next bunchgrass, removed. She refuses to submit tostability are always seen in healthythen onto the next, and so on the idea that her clothes should beriparian zones. Their deep anddown the riverbank. Rushing tailored into a nice yard.fibrous multi-functional roots storewater lays them down, each Instead, she wants us towater during times of plentyoverlapping the next. Taller understand her need for what herand slowly release it when timesgrasses function exactly like closest human friends call aof drouth return. Hence theshingles on a roof to shed water riparian sponge.sponge. flowing over them. They protect Riparian describes thethe ground from violent, turbulent meandering zone surrounding theBut those roots are also anchoringdigging. Above them, the riverbanks. These areas extend outand interlocking with each other,interlocked bushes and trees are from normal water levels with the giant ancient trees, andsurrounded at ground level with sometimes so far that flood plainsthe land itself. During times oftall native grasses. Together they mingle with foothills.raging floodwaters, these riparianwork as a living shield to protect plants bind together with the treesthe earth during floods and to slow In trying to understand a riparianto hold the banks in place and helpthe velocity of the raging torrents. sponge, think of the role thatprevent the land from tearing.This important work cannot be plants play in keeping our ancientdone by the ancient trees alone.river sisters properly clothed.Close your eyes. A wide diversity of native plants evolved with the river over thousands of years. They know exactly how to live right here, without much extra care. When floodwaters recede, riparian plants slowly rise back up and life goes on. When the water and mud dry out, they simply stand back up and keep on keepin on. From time to time, with or without healthy riparian areas, large old ancient trees may fall and be swept down in the raging waters. Yet, the rivers have a plan. Big, downed wood is but another crucial element of her long-term health.'