Most are familiar with the large rivers that define a landscape, like the Missouri, Mississippi, and Colorado Rivers. Smaller flows are equally important: spring-fed streams nourish arid landscapes, slow meandering flows spread out and feed wetlands, and narrow fast-moving rivers shape bank habitats.
Many animals call rivers and streams their homes, from otters and beavers to turtles and salamanders. One especially remarkable river dweller is the Pacific salmon, which hatches in a river or stream before migrating out toward the ocean. When the salmon is preparing to reproduce through spawning, it uses environmental cues to find its way back to its original natal stream.
There are National Natural Landmarks designated for their rivers and streams nationwide that illustrate the beauty and diversity of these ecosystems. Some of these include:
| McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, AK |
| Canelo Hills Cienega, AZ |
| Patagonia-Sonoita Creek Sanctuary, AZ |
| Big Spring Creek, CO |
| Gulf Hagas, ME |
| Fannie Stebbins Refuge, MA |
| Pine Creek Gorge, PA |
| Catfish Creek, TX |
| Barton River Marsh, VT |
| Rose Creek Preserve, WA |
| Chippewa River Bottoms, WI |
| Two Ocean Pass, WY |
Last updated: July 25, 2024