White Iron Chain Of Lakes Association
Shoreline Management
Manicured lawns up to your property line may look nice in the city along a city street or sidewalk. Up at the lake, however, keeping native plants and unmowed buffers to the lake can have measurable benefits to the lake. The shade alone can provide cool water for fish spawning. Native plants have evolved to thrive in this climate and can reduce the need for fertilizer. Wildlife can use the vegetation for nests and concealment. Geese (often a nuisance) will avoid shorelines with a natural buffer since it could conceal predators. One of the greatest time savings of a native landscape is that it doesn’t require weekly mowing like a home in a city. Just think of all the time that you can save (not to mention noise and air pollution) by leaving the lawnmower in the city.
Do you have turf grass at your shoreline and interested in creating a buffer of native plantings? Lake Co. SWCD is eager to share their knowledge, and they have funding to partner with property owners to implement projects on their shoreline. If interested, contact Derrick Passe or the WICOLA Board. We are especially interested in having a site identified ASAP to provide members with a hands on opportunity with native plantings in May.
Derrick Passe;
WICOLA Board;
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