Creek Connections

Riparian Buffers Module
	Pictures Contents - equipment and supplies Activities - information and download Resource Folder Contents Academic Standards Covered Related Links Reserve This Module
RIPARIAN BUFFERS MODULE CONTENTS BOX A BOOKS/GUIDES __3 Peterson's Field Guide to Eastern Trees __3 National Audubon Society Field Guide to Trees - Eastern Region __4 Tree Finders/Winter Tree Finder __2 The Tree Identification Book __1 North Woods Trees Keychain Identification Guide (plastic cards) __21 Common Trees of Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources __20 Summer Keys for Pennsylvania Trees Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Cooperative Extension MANILA ENVELOPES __1 containing __15 Illustrated Guides to RCE Terminology __15 RCE Glossaries __1 containing 8 Landscaping with Native Plants in Pennsylvania pamphlets __1 containing 8 Invasive Plants in Pennsylvania pamphlets __1 containing extra labels for the "Riparian Observations" RCE activity extension __1 containing Mystery Tree Sheets for Tree ID Activity __38 laminated sheets __1 laminated key __3 pages laminated glossary sheets __1 containing Nutrient Travels Activity Materials: __8 brown paper bags with cards in each bag - Carbon Cycle __7 brown paper bags with cards in each bag - Nitrogen Cycle __7 brown paper bags with cards in each bag - Phosphorous Cycle __8 red Carbon Cycle station signs __7 blue Nitrogen Cycle station signs __7 light brown Phosphorous Cycle station signs MINI BOX 1 __2 blue circles __2 yellow circles __2 stopwatches __1 trowel __8 plastic cups with labels MINI BOX 2 __Riparian Buffer Metaphors! Materials (see inside of lid for detailed list of contents) RIPARIAN BUFFERS MODULE CONTENTS BOX A CONTINUED OTHER __2 Plinko Boards (foam boards w/ thumbtacks) with "And They're (Run) Off Pieces attached __1 bag of 30 pennies __1 Ziploc bag of 12 fifty-foot pieces of string __5 fiberglass measuring tapes - 165 ft. __1 stack of extra plastic cups __3 videos __1 Riparian Forest Buffers: The Link Between Land & Water __1 The Riparian Zone __1 Life on the Edge: Improving Riparian Function __1 laminated "Forest Matters" poster __Mystery Tree Leaves binder (white binder with Creek symbol on back) __1 bundle of approximately 50 red flags __1 roll of laminating plastic for making leaf collection __1 Twig ID kit BOX B __1 riparian model - please LET THE MODEL AIR DRY COMPLETELY __1 spray bottle __1 small container of brown washable paint __1 small paint brush __3 plastic "rain" cups (w/ holes in bottom) __2 plastic cups
RIPARIAN BUFFERS MODULE ACTIVITIES Click on underlined activities to download now! Riparian Buffer Metaphors! · Compare the characteristics, functions, and benefits of riparian buffers to common objects. Riparian Runoff Rivalry · Two demonstrations of how riparian forest buffers effectively reduce soil erosion and the amount of runoff entering waterways, decreasing sedimentation and turbidity levels therein. RCE · Observe, estimate, and assess the physical and biological characteristics of 100 meters of stream channel and riparian zone. Extension Activity: Riparian Observations Buffered Stream, Healthy Stream · Compare the chemical health of two small streams, one of which has a healthy riparian forest buffer and the other of which is more exposed or virtually buffer-less. RipCycles & Nutrient Travels · Read information and answer questions about nutrient cycling in riparian ecosystems, particularly the carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorous cycles. Then, follow the travels of these nutrients through a riparian ecosystem. Tree ID · Identify various types of leaves from common Pennsylvania trees. Distinguish between trees that are found near waterways versus those that are only found in the uplands. Click here for the data sheet. Eco-Tones · Observe a demonstration of what ecotones are and their implications for biodiversity. Then investigate differences in tree diversity between a riparian ecotone and an upland forest. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index Excel Spreadsheet Wrangling Over Riparian Zones · Play the role of a farmer or Conservation District agent and debate a proposed mandate for 100-foot-wide buffers along all waterways. Riparian Round Up · Visit a riparian area and apply knowledge from other Riparian Buffers Module activities to observe, answer questions, and draw conclusions about the riparian area. VIDEOS: Riparian Forest Buffers: The Link Between Land & Water, The Riparian Zone, and Life on the Edge · Watch a video about the functions, benefits, and/or restoration and management of riparian buffers. Then answer and discuss "Study Questions" about the video.
Module Resource Guide Information *Sections* Fact Sheets Basic information about riparian buffer functions and management. Articles of Interest Articles relevant to riparian buffers and how they protect waterways, provide habitat to wildlife, and are managed. Riparian Restoration & Management Information on how to find funding for and conduct riparian restoration projects. General Activity Information A list of module activities and an explanation of the activity format (layout). Activities Specific to the riparian buffers theme, these activities include all the necessary background information for teachers to pick up the activity and do the lesson in their classrooms or in the field.
Riparian Buffers Module Related Links Natural Resource Conservation Service: Riparian Buffer Zone USDA Forest Service: Riparian Forest Buffers Connecticut River Joint Commissions: Riparian Buffers Virginia Cooperative Extension: Understanding the Science Behind Riparian Buffers Riparian Buffers for Agricultural Land
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