Landscaping workshop for lakefront property owners
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EmailMichigan State University Extension and The Michigan Natural Shorelines Partnership members are offering workshops about creating and managing natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes.
In Michigan, many are attracted to the splendors of lake living. We are drawn to the water, beautiful views, and the natural habitats. We want access to recreational activities such as boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports. However, intensive use and concentrated development along shorelines can create 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 State University Extension and The Michigan Natural Shorelines Partnership members are offering workshops about creating and managing natural shoreline landscapes on inland lakes. MSU Extension along with conservation districts and other local partners is offering two August workshops in southwest Michigan to help you to learn how to create, restore, and manage the natural shoreline on your lakeshore property and help protect Michigan’s inland water resources. You’ll also learn ways to work with existing hardscapes and seawalls. The first workshop will be held at the Branch County Fairgrounds in Coldwater on Saturday, August 18 from 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM. This workshop includes a light lunch and a tour of nearby Gravel Lake. The second workshop will be in Kalamazoo County at the Vicksburg Community Center on Saturday, August 25. 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. If you are unable to register online or do not have access to a computer please contact Beth Clawson at clawsonb@anr.msu.edu.
These local training events are brought to you through the sponsorship of Branch MSU Extension, Branch County; Branch and Kalamazoo County Conservation Districts; Kalamazoo County Southern Michigan Invasive Species Team; Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area; and the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. 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. 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. You can also contact a Michigan Extension educator through MSU Extension’s “Find an Expert” search tool using the keywords “Natural Resources Water Quality.”
