Maintaining species diversity, especially amongst the smallest creatures in our lakes, is key to ecosystem health. So what can you do to prevent excessive nutrients, such as phosphorus, from entering our water? Help do your part to buffer against harmful algal blooms and premature aging of our beautiful lakes…
- Add additional native plants to your healthy greenbelt or start a new one.
- Irrigate with naturally nutrient rich lake water.
- Always use a soil test to determine the nutritional needs of the plants on your propoerty.
- Avoid using fertilizers on your property, especially those containing phosphorus.
- Never use fertilizer of any kind near the water.
See how you score…Take the survey here: Rate Your Shoreland – Michigan Shoreland Stewards (mishorelandstewards.org)
Learn more about the Guardian Program and benefits of native plants in this short video featuring the GLA: Lake Friendly Landscapes – YouTube
Need ideas for what to plant where? Check out: Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership
A selection of local sourced native plants are now available at Northwoods Hardware in Glen Arbor. And when you purchase your plants a Northwoods, they donate a percentage of sales back to the GLA!
Learn more here: Garden Center – Northwoods Hardware
Thank You Northwoods Hardware!
Photo above by Rob Karner
