Why are riparian areas valuable to agricultural producers, communities & society? Riparian areas provide:
Abundant forage and
improved opportunities for long-term sustainable farms, ranches & communities
A buffer and filter to improve and maintain water quality
A 'sponge' to hold water, improve forage production and provide a drinking supply
Shelter and habitat for livestock and wildlife
The Alberta Riparian Habitat Management Society, more commonly known as 'Cows and Fish':
Strives to foster a better understanding of how improvements in grazing and other management of riparian areas can enhance landscape health and productivity, for the benefit of landowners, agricultural producers, communities and others who use and value riparian areas.
We are available to help landowners, agricultural producers, stewardship groups and communities to:
Examine and monitor the health of their riparian areas
Evaluate and suggest management strategies
Digital Story of the Month
Title: What's in a Name
Description: Once you understand something you never look at it the same way. It's no different with plants. A botanist's interest in a plant goes beyond knowing its name to understanding the significance of why a particular plant occurs, where it does and what that says about the history of the landscape in which it is found.
Did You Know?
Riparian areas support 80% of all wildlife in Alberta.
Native bird populations are 2 to 3 times higher in healthy riparian areas than unhealthy ones.
