The shoreline of GLA members David and Maureen Herr demonstrates exceptional best practices for maintaining water quality.
Why Shorelines Matter
Natural shorelines act as a living buffer. Deep-rooted native plants slow and filter stormwater before it reaches the water. They hold soil in place during storms and seasonal changes. And they create habitat in the nearshore zone, one of the most biologically diverse parts of any lake or river.
Across Michigan, an estimated 50% of nearshore lake habitat is now in poor condition. Research consistently shows that the loss of shoreline vegetation and habitat is one of the most significant threats to inland lakes, even more than nutrient pollution in many cases.
What a Healthy Shoreline Looks Like
A natural shoreline is the gold standard in terms of water quality protection. These typically include multiple layers of vegetation such as trees that form a canopy, shrubs that stabilize banks, native grasses and wildflowers that cover the ground, and aquatic plants at the water’s edge.
Aquatic plants, often mistaken as “weeds,” are especially important. They reduce wave energy before it reaches the shore and provide habitat for fish, frogs, and insects. Removing all aquatic vegetation can leave a shoreline exposed and less resilient.
Common Practices That Impact Shorelines
Many everyday landscaping choices have unintended negative consequences for water quality:
- Lawn areas extending to the water’s edge allow fertilizers, pet waste, and other pollutants to wash directly into the water
- Turfgrass has short roots that do not hold soil effectively, increasing erosion risk
- Removing native plants eliminates habitat and disrupts natural shoreline functions
- Impervious surfaces like driveways and rooftops increase stormwater runoff
- Clearing aquatic plants exposes the shoreline to wave energy and reduces habitat for fish and amphibians
What We’re Seeing in the Watershed
The Glen Lake Association continues to track shoreline conditions across the watershed through regular surveys and field observations.
Results from the 2025 shoreline survey show that while many areas still retain natural characteristics, there is a noticeable loss of vegetation at the water’s edge. Incremental changes across individual properties add up over time. The top takeaways from the survey revealed:
- Beach sanding more than doubled. Beach sanding creates hard-to-maintain artificial sandy areas by adding sand or removing plants, which can increase nutrient runoff and reduce water quality and clarity.
- Riprap installation nearly doubled. Riprap is a human-made rock barrier intended to prevent erosion. Instead, riprap can unintentionally worsen erosion on adjacent shorelines.
These shifts may seem small on a single property, but collectively they add up to increased erosion and pollutants entering the water.
Simple Ways to Protect or Improve Your Shoreline
Property owners throughout the watershed can make a meaningful difference by adopting best practices:
- Maintain or expand a natural shoreline buffer
- Create a greenbelt of native plants up to 35 feet from the water where possible
- Reduce or eliminate the use of fertilizers and pesticides
- Manage stormwater with rain gardens or infiltration areas
- Replace seawalls or riprap with native plants and natural materials like coir logs.
- Avoid beach sanding—instead try installing raised deck platforms or docks running parallel to shore to protect vegetation while increasing your water access.
- Avoid using fertilizers—instead install lake water irrigation systems to help reduce the need for added lawn nutrients.
- Tired of geese pooping all over your lawn? Maintaining a vegetated strip along the shore can naturally deter for Canada geese! By planting taller native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs (2-3 feet tall) along the shore, you can naturally deter geese which favor manicured lawns and unrestricted access to the lakeshore.
Consider Native Plants for Your Shoreline
Landscaping with native plants is a relatively easy, affordable, and attractive way to protect your shoreline from erosion. Native plant species, which are well adapted to Northern Michigan’s climate and soils, are great options when landscaping with water quality in mind.
Shrubs such as buttonbush, red-osier dogwood, and highbush cranberry provide structure and bank stability. Native flowers like marsh milkweed, blue flag iris*, and cardinal flower support pollinators and add seasonal color. Upland species like coneflower and bee balm thrive slightly farther from the water. Trees including cedar, birch, maple, and oak provide shade, habitat, and long-term stability. (Please note: do not plant yellow flag iris, as this is a highly aggressive invasive species.)
A mix of trees, shrubs, and flowering plants often provides the best balance between shoreline protection and maintaining views. Thoughtful planning can include defined pathways, selective plantings, and seating or dock areas that maintain sightlines while maintaining ecological function. Working with experienced professionals can help create a shoreline that is both attractive and effective.
Learn more! Read An Introductory Guide to Bioengineering Techniques
We’re Here to Help
If you are interested in improving your shoreline but are not sure where to start, the Glen Lake Association offers free shoreline consultations. These site visits provide practical guidance on planting native vegetation, managing erosion, and making improvements that fit your property.
Request your shoreline consultation by emailing: contact@glenlakeassocaition.org