A riparian zone or area is the interface between land and a river or stream, per Wikipedia. In California, it is a woodland which is rich in biodiversity, with trees, shrubs, and ferns, along with an abundance of wildlife, such as birds, squirrel, and deer. The creeks they are near sometimes run dry in the summer. The woodlands are a cool retreat from hot summers, but can be burned to a crisp in a severe wildfire. For me, they are a bit of heaven – a space away from the subdivisions and roads of settled California.
Ink, Yarn & Beer 
Never heard of riparian but I shall endeavour to drop that in a conversation now! Lovely place to walk.
I learned that at school!