Native Shorelines

​Creating native shorelines—areas along the water's edge that consist of plants native to the region—brings a range of ecological, environmental, and aesthetic benefits. Native shorelines play a crucial role in maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems and contribute to overall biodiversity. Here are several benefits of incorporating native shorelines:

Erosion Control
Native plants, with their deep and extensive root systems, help stabilize the soil along the shoreline, reducing erosion caused by water movement, ice, and wave action. This natural erosion control prevents sedimentation in the water, promoting clearer and healthier aquatic environments.
The root systems of turf grasses are only a few inches deep whereas native sedges, wildflowers, and shrubs have much denser roots that are often multiple feet deep.

Water Quality Improvement
The root systems of native plants act as natural filters, trapping and removing pollutants from runoff before they reach the water. This helps improve water quality by reducing nutrient levels, sedimentation, and the introduction of harmful substances. Native shoreline vegetation can absorb and slow down stormwater runoff, preventing excessive nutrient loading and sedimentation in nearby water bodies. Emergent wetland plants growing in the shallow edges of ponds will also deter nuisance filamentous algae blooms.

Habitat for Wildlife
Native shorelines provide critical habitat for a diverse range of wildlife, including insects, amphibians, birds, and fish. The plants offer food sources, nesting sites, and shelter, supporting a thriving ecosystem. Wildflowers also play a crucial role in supporting pollinator species such as bees and butterflies.

Reduced Maintenance Requirements
Native plants are generally well-suited to local environmental conditions. Once fully established, they require far less maintenance than non-native turf grasses which need to be constantly irrigated and mowed. A native shoreline only needs to be mowed or burned once a year or every other year in the late fall or early spring to prevent trees and invasive species from growing. 
Having a buffer of tall vegetation around the pond will prevent a large amount of leaves from blowing into the water in the fall. Leaves can be a significant input of nutrients to your pond and slowly fill it in over time.

Geese Deterrence:
Canadian geese can become quite a nuisance around neighborhood ponds. Their feces is left all over lawns and sidewalks and it can be a significant source of nitrogen and phosphorus that causes algae blooms. Geese love to live around ponds with turf grass mowed right up to the water's edge so they can get in and out of the water easily and see predators from afar.  When there is a buffer of tall grasses and forbs around a pond it is physically harder for them to access the water and they'll be wary of predators like foxes and snakes lying in wait.

In summary, native shorelines are an integral component of healthy and sustainable aquatic ecosystems. They provide numerous benefits, from erosion control and water quality improvement to habitat creation and stormwater management. Incorporating native plants along water edges is a valuable practice for individuals, communities, and organizations aiming to promote environmental stewardship and preserve the natural beauty of aquatic environments.