Keeping your shoreline healthy is vital to the overall health of the lake. One of the biggest factors in the health of the shoreline is the plants that live on the land along the shoreline, as well as the submerged plants that live near the shoreline.
Plants on the shoreline or submerged in the water close to the shoreline are a problem for most lakeshore property owners. Unfortunately, most property owners want to remove all native vegetation and maintain a nicely manicured lawn, as well as add sand for a beach adjacent to the lake area for swimming and boating. The balance is educating property owners to learn about the vital role these plants play in the overall health of the lake. With the knowledge they gain, they will be able to make better decisions on how many plants to remove and how to still enjoy the recreational benefits of their lake.
Natural vegetation on the lakeshore enhances fish and wildlife habitat. Once established they are low maintenance and add to the beauty of our lakeshores. A major function of vegetation along a lakeshore is to filter pollutants from runoff thus protecting water quality. Native plants accomplish this by utilizing their deep root systems securing soil for filtration and stabilizing soil against erosion.