WICOLA Winter/Spring Rendezvous

WICOLA held its 3rd Winter/Spring Rendezvous on Saturday, April 7 at Veterans on the Lake. Thirty-seven members and guests attended to hear speakers Dan Schutte, owner of Shoreview Natives in Two Harbors and Derrick Passe, Project Manager with Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District. Dan spoke about the benefits of using native plants that serve as pollinators and increase bird and animal sightings that can educate our children to be future stewards of the land. Dan also emphasized that native planting’s help in erosion prevention and are a big benefit of less yard maintenance.

Derrick reminded us of the importance of shoreline management using native planting’s that not only benefit wildlife, but also help provide a buffer to protect our water quality. He also reminded the group of cost sharing opportunities where property owners can partner with SWCD to implement projects on their shoreline. Funds are available to offset much of the cost. Property owners can supply their own labor as matching contributions towards the grants. Derrick emphasized that this is a perfect opportunity for those who have turf grass at their shoreline and are interested in creating a buffer of native plantings for erosion control, habitat benefits, and maintaining good water quality in our lakes.