Restoring native plantings on our shorelines will have wide-ranging benefits
· The displacement of native plants by lawn grasses reduces water quality in our lakes. Water is cleanest leaving land with lots of deep-rooted plant cover. Trees, shrubs, and perennial plants have deep roots that hold soil in place and collect nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen, keeping it in your yard and out of the water. They also absorb a lot of water during the growing season, slowing the flow of water out of your yard. Increasing the amount of deep-rooted, long-living plants around the yard will go a long way to keeping our lakes clean.
· Native trees and shrubs stabilize the shoreline and provide summer shade to keep water cool for aquatic life. Experts recommend a 15’ wide buffer of such plantings at the shoreline.
· Insects have evolved to feed on native plants. Along shorelands, insects drop from native plants into the lake, providing at least 40 percent of protein for fresh-water fish.
Consider a passive approach, with NO MOW zones, or plant native species.
For more information:
· For detailed guide on lake-friendly landscaping https://dec.vermont.gov/sites/dec/files/wsm/lakes/Lakewise/docs/lp_VTlakescape.pdf
· For more about local native plants http://vermontlakes.org/lakescaping-2/six-native-plant-lists/
· To learn more about how native plants are the basis of a healthy ecosystem, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrRJm-yLsQ8
LDFLA Water Quality Committee. Any questions? Please contact David Johnson at info@ldfla.com
Establishing no-mow zones along the shoreline prevents erosion, intercepts runoff, and protects the lake habitat
Large mowed banks leading down to the lake shore are highly susceptible to erosion due to the shallow root system of most lawn grasses. Erosion from storm runoff carries nutrients into the lake that leads to problems such as reduced water clarity, increased aquatic vegetation and potentially algae blooms. Naturally vegetated areas build up a layer of decomposing plant matter, called the duff layer, which acts as a natural filter to storm runoff by absorbing pollutants. No mow zones also stabilize banks with the roots of native vegetation, preventing erosion and allowing for healthy habitat for lake species such as fish, birds and amphibians.
To create an effective no-mow zone, stop mowing any area along the shoreline. Is the entirety of your lawn used, or only certain areas? Keep those frequently used areas mowed but stop mowing the unutilized areas along the shore. Every square foot helps. You can start small then gradually expand the zone to be as wide as feasible. Not mowing allows native plants to colonize but you can jump-start the process by planting a few of your favorite native species (this also helps deter invasive species from colonizing the area).
For more information on no-mow zones and other ideas to enhance storm water infiltration and prevent shoreline erosion, see Lake Wise: Vermont Lakeshore Management for 23 Shoreline Best Management Practices.
