Glossary

Glossary

Glossary Restoring our Rivers Science Story Braided river: An ever-changing river system made up of many shallow channels that diverge and merge as they flow around unstable deposits of sand and gravel known as braid bars. Ecosystem services: Ecosystem services are the direct and indirect benefits that healthy ecosystems provide to humans, supporting our well-being, economy, and survival. E.coli: E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the gut and helps with digestion. Some strains can cause illness and spread through contaminated food or water, or contact with infected people or animals. E. coli is a threat from farm runoff because animal waste from farms can carry harmful strains of the bacteria into the environment, where they can contaminate water and spread disease. Flood protection assets: Structures or features designed to reduce the risk and impact of flooding on people, property, and the environment. Riparian planting: Planting native vegetation and trees along riverbanks River berms: River berms are raised, shelf-like ridges of soil, gravel, or vegetation along a riverbank, either natural or man-made, designed to slow water flow, prevent erosion, create fish habitats, or control flooding by diverting high water or runoff away from sensitive areas. Stopbanks: Stopbanks are specially designed and maintained mounds of earth that help to limit or prevent the spread of floodwater onto surrounding land.