Aquatic Zone
The aquatic zone remains under water the entire year. Plants in this zone have special adaptations that enable them to survive being partially or completely under water.
Erosion
The loss of soil particles, usually seen as ruts, gullies, and washouts.
Footprint
The area covered by human-caused changes to the site, including the house, garage, paved surfaces (driveway, paths), lawn, walkways, pier, dock, and beach.
Genotype
The genetic make-up of a plant or animal.
Green Building Techniques
Construction practices that protect and preserve native vegetation (e.g., tree guards that protect against bark damage and soil compaction around trees, conservation of top soils containing seeds of native plants for closing the site, protecting the buffer area from run-off during construction).
Ground Cover
Plants (flowers, grasses, sedges, ferns, and mosses) that grow from a few inches to 2 to 3 feet tall.
Landtype
Geographic area defined by dominant vegetation type and major soil associations at a broad scale.
Microsite
A small site or habitat, such as a log, stump, or small depression, where conditions are different (re., moisture, shade) from the surrounding area.
Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM)
The point on the bank or shore up to which the presence and action of water is so continuous or frequent as to leave a distinct mark by erosion, destruction of terrestrial vegetation, or other easily recognized characteristic.
Shallow Water Area
The area along the shoreline from the water's edge extending 10 feet out into the water.
Shoreland
The area of land from the water line stretching inland. The width of the shoreland varies by county zoning and state ordinances.
Shoreland Buffer or Riparian Buffer
The strip of land along a shoreline, where native vegetation provides wildlife habitat and protects water quality.
Shoreline Zone
The area that is seasonally flooded. Starting approximately at the water's edge, this zone extends up the shore and includes an area under water during the spring floods and after major rain events. Plants in this zone tolerate 'wet feet' for short periods of time.
Shrub Layer
Woody bushes and tree saplings from 3 to 12 feet tall.
Site Type
Defined by soils and native vegetation, including ground cover, shrubs, and trees that would naturally occur along a specific area of shoreland.
Upland Zone
The upland zone extends from the wet shoreline zone farther into the upland area and is never flooded with water. This zone supports upland forest species that are not tolerant of flooding.
View-shed
The view (usually of the water) from your house or yard.