The River Ecosystem

The San Lorenzo River runs through City of Santa Cruz between two levees. Levees are large walls constructed to prevent the river from flooding when it rains. Within this human-made channel is a thriving river ecosystem. Plants provide food and shelter to birds, fish, bugs and other wildlife. Learn about some of the plants that you can find by the San Lorenzo River:

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Willows are tall shrubs In the sunflower family, that grow along the river. gumweed’s yellow flowers Their branches grow attract butterflies and This wild rose is over the water, providing Tule grows as tall pollinators. Gumweed is a favorite food of shade to keep the water bunches of stems along a natural remedy to treat butterflies, bees and cool and a buffet of falling the river. They are an poison oak burn. birds. insects for fish to eat. essential habitat for many bird and animal species. Tule naturally filters stream flow for cleaner water.

Volunteer for your TIP: Interested in a ecosystem at River BANK BANK school field trip to plant Health Days, each native species along second Saturday of CHANNEL the river with your the month at the classmates? Ask your San Lorenzo River. teacher to consider a Youth River Health Day. Sign up to volunteer at: coastal-watershed.org/volunteer Email [email protected] to learn more. LEVEE LEVEE

How do plants help the river ecosystem? Name the plant(s) that provides each ecosystem benefit: 1. Shade to keep the water cool: 2. Food for pollinators: 3 3. Helps keep water clean: ______