How to Create a Natural River Shoreline Greenbelt

Native vegetation along river shorelines, called greenbelts, once occurred naturally. Excessive development caused many to disappear with damaging results: disappearance of wildlife habitats, disappearance of fish spawning grounds, erosion and increased water pollution. Follow these steps to establish a natural river shoreline greenbelt.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Evaluate the river and its shoreline. By controlling erosion, greenbelts leave water clear and allow aquatic plants and fish to thrive. When erosion and pollution meet the river, algae blooms which kills plants that provide oxygen for the fish.
2. Design a suitable greenbelt. Shoreline greenbelts should ideally run along the length of the shoreline and measure from 15 to 95 feet wide.
3. Determine what you have to work with. It helps to know the soil type, light and moisture variations of the land proposed as a greenbelt. If erosion has started, you may need additional advice from a conservation expert.
4. Learn what native plants belong in the area. Get wetland plants for marshy areas. Tall plants should run along the edge of the river, and finally plant shorter plants in the middle of the greenbelt area.
5. Plant native plants randomly for a wilder look or together for a more manicured appearance. Pay attention to colors, textures and blooming times. Edible plants attract wildlife.
6. Ask for volunteers, particularly when you want to establish a greenbelt in a public area. The Nature Consortium formed to give Seattle's West Duwamish Greenbelt a boost. Volunteers have planted over six thousand native trees and two thousand understory plants in the largest urban forest in the Untied States.

Tips & Warnings

• Many rivers run through or near cities. A natural river shoreline helps protect the river from urban development.
• Investigate the need for permits or permission to establish a river shoreline greenbelt.