Imagine a waterfall with water splashing down from high above. Now, right near the base of the waterfall, there’s a special place called a “spray cliff.” This is where the mist and tiny water droplets from the waterfall keep everything around it really wet all the time, creating a cool, moist environment that helps keep the temperature moderate.
Because of this, some unique plants and tiny creatures can live there. These plants love the moisture, and they can grow on the rocks and in the cracks where other plants might not be able to. The creatures that live there are also specially adapted to this watery environment. It’s like their own little hidden world right by the waterfall, and they thrive in all that misty, cool water! We call it the waterfall’s “spray cliff community.”
Just like the community you live in, these waterfall spray communities have lots of residents. You may not be able to see them all as they can hide and be very tiny.
These plants and critters all love living near waterfalls because it’s always cool and wet, just the way they like it!
Caution: Some of the plants around waterfalls are not found in other places so they are special – that “green” rock you are about to step on is actually home to plants, insects, and maybe tiny animals! It’s best to treat all plants growing near waterfalls with extra care.
Mosses, Liverworts, and Lichens!
There are many types of mosses, liverworts, lichens that you could see. Here are examples of a few of them.
These plants love the moist environment around their waterfall home. Mosses are very fun to touch and are generally very soft and a little squishy. We want to be mindful with it though and to tread lightly where it grows and not tear it off rocks. When you are out on your waterfall adventure, be sure to look around at all the varieties of plants.
Here are some of our local waterfalls with examples of these waterfall spray communities.
You also might see plants that will bloom such as jack in the pulpit, jewelweed, and trillium. These are just a few of the popular plants that grow along the waterfalls in our area.
Find out how much you’ve learned already about creek critters:
A _______________ is a creek critter with no backbone that typically lives under rocks. They can be insect larvae, annelids, molluscs, or crustaceans.
North Carolina is home to only one species of giant salamander, which is called a ________________.
Why is it a bad idea to move or stack rocks from the stream?
When searching the streams for critters, describe how to safely search under rocks without disturbing their habitat
Take 3 pictures of different plants in the waterfall spray community.
Learn more about one of these plants and how we can protect it when enjoying waterfalls.
Draw a picture of your chosen plant, three facts you have discovered about this plant, and one idea of a way you can protect this plant when you visit waterfalls.
While you were learning about plants that love the moist environment around their waterfall home, how did you enjoy the area? Did you feel the spray hit your face or arms as you were exploring the plant life? Maybe it helped cool you off on a warm day. Try thinking about this memory the next time you’re feeling too hot, it just might help you feel a little cooler and calmer.
Here’s a special Spray Cliff Community challenge activity for our friends whose physical, sensory, or other abilities may differ: Many times, when experiencing something new, you may come away with a different perspective than others. Using the skills that are unique to you, share your experience of the waterfall plant life. What was the most enjoyable to you? What was your experience? Describe in your own way – words, pictures, drawing, what you found to be interesting from your observation. This is unique to you and will offer a different way of experiencing the waterfall with others.
Ready to submit your photos, drawing and description to earn your badge?
Complete the Badge Challenge Submission form and upload them as scans, screenshots or attachments.
“To promote and advance the cultural, economic, ecological, and historical significance of North Carolina waterfalls; to serve as an educator and advocate; and to preserve waterfalls and facilitate their enjoyment in perpetuity.”
283 Inman Branch Road
Waynesville, NC 28786
The spray zone of a North Carolina Waterfall
Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (Tax ID 84-4464996) under Section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
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