Establishing a buffer, with its mix of grasses, forbs/wildflowers, shrubs and trees, allows for a variety of benefits to the surrounding ecosystem:

• Filters pollutants out of storm runoff before it reaches the creek
• Limits erosion, protects creek banks and keeps sediment out of the creek
• Provides shade and maintains moderate water temperatures
• Provides habitat for a diverse group of animals, both on land and in the water