It follows then that a riparian areas grows along a bank or stream. Riparian zones, which include streamside and lakeshore vegetation as well as wet meadows, are among the most ecologically diverse and productive of terrestrial habitats. They are refuges of lush vegetation and abundant wildlife important for residents and non-residents alike.
Migratory animals use riparian areas as stops off points to forage, drink and rest before moving on.
People utilize them for recreation and natural resources such as minerals, water and grazing lands. The quality of their health impacts both human and non-human alike. Riparian areas differ in plant species and communities due to varied topography, geology, climate, elevation, structure, stream bearing, stream gradient, and stream flow. As the characteristics of the local level change, so does the composition of the plant community. Because riparian areas link terrestrial zones with freshwater zones, they are abundant with forage, water and habitat.