Shorelines

Shorelines are a critical and sensitive link between land and water, often called “the ribbon of life”.  The land and shallow water that meet at the water’s edge provide a nursery for the wildlife. Here, fish spawn, aquatic insects find mates, waterfowl nest, and turtles scramble ashore to lay their eggs.

Unaware of the importance of native plants to their shorelines many landowners destroy the cattails, bulrushes and other native species, and replace them with lawns and non-native plant species. Native plant species protect shorelines from erosion because they have deep root systems. Removal of native plants and alterations to land close to the shore can destroy productive habitat and degrade water quality.

Keeping your shoreline natural does not have to be time-consuming or expensive. Simply not mowing the grass or cutting the trees and shrubs at least 5 meters from the shoreline will allow natural vegetation to grow and establish. If some vegetation must be re­moved for access to the water or to improve your view, prune trees and shrubs instead of removing them completely.

Also we offer a Shoreline Planting Program to help you establish native plants on your shoreline. We offer a free site visit to help you decide on the best approach for your shoreline.  If you decide to go with our planting program we develop a customized planting plan for your property.

Not sure where to start, contact our stewardship technicians. They will help you to create, protect, or rehabilitate a shoreline. Also, we offer a grant for the purchase of native plants.