Natural and Beneficial Functions of Floodplains

Learn the many important resources and environmental services and benefits that floodplains provide. For example, did you know that without floodplains flooding would be more destructive than it is now? Floodplains are a natural location for high waters to go and the availability of a floodplain area reduces the velocity of the water which in turn helps reduce erosion along the streambank. Floodplains also assist in the recharge of groundwater. As floodwaters pass over the floodplain they infiltrate into the ground helping to ensure a full water table. Floodplains also provide important habitat for fish and other aquatic and riparian species. Furthermore, there are boundless opportunities for recreation and education in floodplains. This video was produced in produced in conjunction with AWSMP and Vecc Videography (https://www.veccvideography.net/). This video was produced by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County with funding provided by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection. See other educational videos about streams on AWSMP’s YouTube Page and on Instagram (@AshokanStreams). For more information on the AWSMP, visit www.ashokanstreams.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AWSMPUlster/.