A riverbank is the strip of land along the edge of a river where the water meets the ground. Picture standing beside a flowing river: the slope or shelf of earth beneath your feet, rising up from the water's edge, is the riverbank.

Riverbanks can look very different depending on where you are. Some are gentle, grassy slopes perfect for sitting and watching the water flow by. Others are steep and rocky, dropping sharply into deep water. Many riverbanks are lined with trees whose roots help hold the soil in place, preventing it from washing away during floods.

Animals use riverbanks constantly. Beavers build their lodges along the banks, turtles sun themselves on muddy banks, and birds nest in holes in steep clay banks. Fish often swim near banks looking for insects that fall from overhanging plants.

People have always valued riverbanks too. Ancient cities were built along riverbanks because rivers provided water, food, and transportation. Today, people still build homes with riverbank views, fish from riverbanks, or simply walk along them to enjoy nature.