Riparian Zone

I've spent the past 2 weeks on the road with Dave Barnes. On the drive from Phoenix, AZ to San Diego, CA we traveled through the Sonoran Desert. Occasionally we would cross a stream or river whose banks were lined with lush green vegetation. I knew that a term existed for the green area along the bank of a stream, but couldn't recall the term. After a grueling internet search, the answer was revealed.

riparian (rĭ-pâr'ē-ən)

Relating to or inhabiting the banks of a natural course of water. Riparian zones are ecologically diverse and contribute to the health of other aquatic ecosystems by filtering out pollutants and preventing erosion.