rev-digital-FINAL-PRESS-2023-PAGES-AHCC-QUARTER-BLEED - Flipbook - Page 57
A healthy shoreline helps to:
• Reduce the amount of precipitation that runs off properties and into lakes.
This “runoff ” carries with it sediments, pesticides, fertilizers and other harmful
pollutants that can degrade water quality.
• Protect against erosion. The vast network of roots associated with vegetation
found along healthy shorelines helps hold soil in place, preventing shorelines from
slumping and washing away.
• Reduce flooding. Vegetation found along a healthy shoreline helps slow the
velocity of surface runoff, giving it time to absorb into ground water rather than
flow directly into the lake.
• Provide wildlife habitat. Known as the ribbon of life, healthy shorelines provide
many reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, insects and mammals places for mating,
rearing young, as well as finding food, shelter and protection from predators.
• Protect property values. A healthy shoreline protects property values from
decreasing due to erosion and poor water quality.
Having a healthy shoreline does not have to take a lot of time or money; in fact, it
can free up both by giving you more time to do the things you enjoy. A common
misconception is that healthy shorelines aren’t beautiful, but au contraire - shorelines
with colourful flowers not only attract pollinators and birds but will capture the
attention of neighbours too!
What does a healthy shoreline look like?
It starts with a buffer – a strip of trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials on your
property along your shoreline. While any size buffer is better than none, having a
buffer that is at least 10 metres wide will help better protect your lake. You can help
create or expand your buffer by not mowing a section of your lawn and allowing
natural vegetation to re-establish on its own by giving seeds that have been blown in
or brought in by wildlife a chance to grow. You can also grow some of your favourite
native plants!
Why native plants? Native plants have co-evolved with, and are therefore adapted to,
the local environment and wildlife. Pollinators, including bees, flies and butterflies,
benefit from their nectar-rich flowers and birds and mammals benefit from their
nuts, seeds and fruit. On the other hand, many domestic flowers have been bred for
showiness and some have lost much of their nectar and pollen producing capacity.
As an added bonus, native plants typically require less maintenance and are less
susceptible to disease and pests.
57
