Buffer Power!

The greenbelt along Campbell Creek is a buffer that protects water quality, prevents erosion, and provides food and shelter for fish and wildlife.

In the Zone

As illustrated on the panel, an ideal buffer for any creek has three zones: streamside, middle, and outer. The streamside zone has mature trees and shrubs that hold a creek bank in place. This prevents erosion and provides refuge for fish. The middle zone consists of trees, shrubs, and grasses. This zone filters contaminants and provides habitat for wildlife. The outer zone is the transition between the first two zones and human development.

A Shady Retreat

Vegetation along Campbell Creek is particularly important for salmon, providing shade and keeping the water cool enough for them to thrive. These plants also filter runoff water, keeping pollutants from entering the creek.

You Can Help

Please keep these tips in mind when recreating along Campbell Creek:

• Use established trails and decks to avoid trampling vegetation and eroding creek banks.
• Stand in the creek when fishing to prevent bank erosion.
• Take your trash home with you.
• Ride bicycles only on established trails—tires can rip up plants and create deep ruts, worsening erosion.
• If you live along the creek, leave a buffer of native plants along the bank instead of mowing up to the edge.
• Restore buffers using native plants and trees.

How Buffers Can Help You

• Buffers help control flooding, protect property, and improve water quality.
• A greenbelt buffer is an attractive place to recreate and view wildlife.