Shoreline Landscaping/ Greenbelt

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"This natural buffer of native vegetation between the water’s edge and your lawn has a number of benefits. Greenbelts help reduce erosion by stabilizing the soil and slowing runoff, filtering nutrients, sediments, and other pollution. They also reduce the time and costs involved with maintaining a lawn, provide valuable wildlife habitat, attract birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, and provide a beautiful “frame” for your view of the lake all while buffering sound and increasing privacy. Greenbelts also deter geese who prefer well-manicured lawns with unrestricted access to the water."

The most important benefits of greenbelts are erosion control and pollution filtering. By keeping sediments and excess nutrients from washing into the water, greenbelts keep the water clear and cool. When too many nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus get into the water it can cause algae to bloom, blocking out light and killing the native plants, creating an environment without oxygen in which fish cannot survive.

“Shoreline & Streambanks.” Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council

Visit the Leelanau Conservation District plant seedling sales at the link below. These sales occur in spring and fall, and are a very affordable alternative to commercial

nursery sales.  

The MI Shoreland Stewards Program offers a simple, online self-assessment that helps you evaluate how your property supports the health of our lake. The questionnaire highlights what you’re already doing well and gently points out opportunities for improvement—making it easy to take small, meaningful steps.

Even better, the program recognizes lakefront property owners who are using best management practices to protect Michigan’s inland lakes. It’s a great way to contribute to the long-term health of the shoreline while joining neighbors who share a commitment to stewardship. Taking part is straightforward, informative, and a positive step we can all take together to keep our lake thriving.

The Michigan Natural Shoreline Partnership has a helpful website that explains the various planting "zones" for lakeside properties and recommends specific plants for each area and condition. 

MSU has published a 70 pg guidebook for property owners wanting to learn how to create natural shoreline landscapes on Michigan inland lakes.