WOODED SLOPES & NATURAL FLOODPLAIN

Vegetation is especially important along the creek, where it filters pollutants coming into the water and slows the raging current.   Trees such as river birch, box elder and aspen stabilize creek banks naturally and are designed to re-grow from the roots after flood events. Strong trees like sycamore will not uproot easily and create shade for fish and form vital habitat and nesting sites for wetland birds such as the Great Blue Heron that depend on the fish in the creek for food. 

Twenty nine stranded carp were rescued from Crafton's natural floodplain, above.

Natural floodplains recover quickly from flood events, leaving a layer of silt or mud as the only evidence, after the water gradually subsides.  

While flooded, wetlands birds such as geese, duck and heron enjoy the additional habitat, feeding on stranded fish and floating on the temporary ponds.