Protecting your shoreline: A workshop for inland lakefront property owners

Michigan Natural Shorelines Partnership members are offering workshops about creating and managing natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. The first workshop will be held on May 20 in Cass County and the second on Aug. 15 in Barry County.

Shoreline landscape project at KBS Station on Gull Lake. Photo by Jane Herbert
Shoreline landscape project at KBS Station on Gull Lake. Photo by Jane Herbert

Learning how to create, restore and manage natural shorelines on your lakeshore property is one way to protect Michigan’s inland water resources. People are attracted to the many splendors of lake living. They are drawn to the fun and access of clean water, beautiful views and the natural habitats that support a variety of fish and wildlife. They want access to recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming and other water sports. Intensive activities and development along the shore can cause erosion and reduce natural habitat. Restoring natural shorelines can protect beaches from high wave energy and erosion, while promoting water quality for recreation and promote wildlife habitat for fisheries.

Michigan Natural Shorelines Partnership members are offering workshops about creating and managing natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. There are two workshops offered in southwest Michigan. The first workshop will be held in the Porter Township Hall on Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. This workshop includes a light lunch and a tour of nearby Gravel Lake. The second workshop will be held at the Kellogg Biological Station, Gull Lake from 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15 for the training and Tuesday, August 22 for a boat tour of Gull Lake. The cost is $50 per participant with a reduced cost of $25 for an additional participant sharing the same book. To register for this workshop, visit the MSU Extension events registration page.

These local training events are brought to you through the sponsorship of MSU Extension, W.K. Kellogg Biological Station, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the SW x SW cooperative invasive species management area, Gull and Gravel Lakes Associations, DEQ, and Porter Township. Workshop participants will receive a copy of Natural Shoreline Landscapes on Michigan’s Inland Lakes: Guidebook for Property Owners (E-3145), an excellent resource on the topic of natural shorelines, which will help individuals take the next step in helping to protect Michigan’s inland lakes. This publication can also be purchased independently from the MSU Extension bookstore.

The Protecting Your Shoreline workshop is designed to educate lakefront property owners on the natural erosion control methods. It will also explore using natural shoreline landscaping to provide erosion control and habitat value while balancing the beauty and practical value the shore. Topics also include the use of native plants and working with high impact shores. Workshop registration is available online. If you are unable to register online or do not have access to a computer, please contact Beth Clawson at clawsonb@anr.msu.edu. To check for other educational events and more information on natural shorelines, visit the Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership website.

For more information about aquatic invasive species or the Clean Boats Clean Waters program, contact clawsonb@anr.msu.edu. For more information about invasive aquatic plants in southwest Michigan, contact Eleanor Serocki, CISMA Coordinator, at 269-657-4030 ext. 132 or at eleanor.serocki@macd.org

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