Chapter 15 Wetlands 375 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Aquatic Buffers An aquatic buffer is an area next to a water body or wet- land that is protected from development. These areas may be covered in turf or left in a natural state with plant species native to the area. Installing or maintaining aquatic buffers is one of the simplest yet most important actions individuals can take to help protect the local watershed. Two common aquatic buffers are riparian zones and riparian buffers. Riparian zones are lands located along water bodies and waterways, such as ponds and lakes. Riparian zones have many of the same characteristics as wetlands, includ- ing an abundance of hydrophilic (water-loving) plant spe- cies. The hydrophilic plants help keep soils in place, provide shade that helps maintain water temperatures, absorb and use fertilizer runoff, and add oxygen to the environment, Figure 15-23. Riparian buffers are similar to riparian zones but are usually smaller and closer in proximity to the water source. Wetland Rehabilitation and Restoration Wetland rehabilitation and restoration efforts are being made to return wetlands to their original state or to create new wetlands in areas where they no longer exist, Figure 15-24. Three methods being used in these efforts are referred to as creation, replication, enhancement, and reallocation or replacement. Dariush M/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-23. A—Without a vegetative layer protecting the stream bank, erosion and sediment pollution greatly increases. Maintaining a riparian zone will keep many stream banks in place. B—Shade, bank stabilization, and oxygen are all provided when a riparian zone is allowed to grow and protect a water body. A B Madeleine Openshaw/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-24. A NRCS District Conservationist observes wildlife habitat improvements at a WRP site in Worth County, Iowa. Photo by Laura Greiner, USDA NRCS