Ecological Consulting Native Plant Nursery Restoration Services Cultural Resource Management Plants to Enhance and Stabilize Your Shoreline Brian Majka Brian Majka Senior Restoration Ecologist
Today we ll discuss: Native vs. non-native plants Native vs. non native plants Shoreline plant species selection Shoreline plant layout and design Plants for use on shoreline naturalization projects
Why do YOU want to naturalize your shoreline? Wildlife Aesthetics Lower maintenance Stormwater benefits Soil stabilization ti Natural history Food source
Native vs Non-Native Always use native plants below the ordinary high water mark (OHWM) Native plants have deep root systems that will bind and stabilize soil in ways turf grass can t Wildlife has evolved using native plants for food, cover, and shelter. Therefore, some cultivars can provide similar benefits. Plant selection will be based on a variety of goals and requires knowledge of many different variables
Species Selection: Things to consider: Borrow from nature Soil Moisture and Type Sun vs. Shade Potential Competition Project Goals Just what are you trying to accomplish??? Aesthetics Wildlife Erosion Control Begin with the end in mind Stephen Covey
Planting Zones It s important to understand the hydrology of your lakeshore when selecting species Typical Zones: Below normal water level (NWL) Between NWL and Ordinary High Water Mark (OHWM) Above OHWM
Design and Layout View the native plant like any other plant Structure Color Bloom time Consider project scale, and use appropriate species Vary height, structure, texture to create interest Incorporate a variety of grasses, flowers, trees, shrubs, ferns,sedges...
Resist the urge to overcomplicate things sometimes simpler is better Diversity is great for wildlife, but can make aesthetics a little messy Consider symmetry y vs. assymetry Remember that site conditions will affect plant growth forms (IE, wildflowers get leggy in shade) Consider your project in the context of the surrounding areas
Shoreline Naturalization: A Continuum of Wildness Restoration o Wildflower Meadows Traditional a Landscaping Focus on historical vegetation and composition Genotype becomes more important Aesthetics A ti are less important Wild look, but often with higher forb composition May include species that are regionally, but not locally, native Aesthetics become more of a concern Typically use loosest definition of Native More plug and gallonpotted material Consider native plants just like a cultivated plant
Shoreline Landscaping Where Art, History and Science Meet Artist Wildlife Biologist Public Relations Ecologist Soils Scientist Hydrologist Climatologist Gardener Landscaper Botanist Horticulturist Naturalist Geologist Engineer
Be Creative! Don t be constricted by the books It s better to work with, than against, nature If you like a plant, use it Take cues from nature Anyone can make a black-eyed susan look good, but what else can you do?
And don t forget about maintenance Wet, rich soils will naturally lure weeds The amount of maintenance needed will be in proportion to desired d formality or aesthetics ti Consider mechanical, biological, and chemical controls Remember that herbicide use in aquatic areas is regulated by DEQ
New England Aster g (Aster novae-angliae)
Bee Balm Bergamot Bee Balm, Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa)
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Obedient Plant Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana)
Golden alexanders (Zizia aurea)
Blazing Star Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya or L. spicata)
Queen of the Prairie (Filipendula rubra)
Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia siphilitica)
Blue flag iris (Iris versicolor) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens)
Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Turtlehead (Chelone glabra) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
White water lily y( (Nymphaea odorata) ) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Smooth Rose Mallow (Hibiscus laevis)
White water lily (Nymphaea odorata) Swamp milkweed (Asclepias Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) with brown fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
Common Rush (Juncus effusus) Pickerel Weed (Pontedaria cordata) Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis) Steeplebush (Spiraea tomentosa) Swamp rose (Rosa palustris)
Sedges love em! em!
Carex
Carex grayi Common Bur sedge Wetland sedge Carex comosa Bristly sedge Wetland sedge
Note the road elevation
In Summary: Establish goals and plan, first Assess all aspects of site views, hydrology, soils, neighbors, wildlife depredation, use It s OK to phase your project Pick plants based on a variety of conditions Don t forget about maintenance
Direct Additional Questions to: Brian Majka Senior Restoration Ecologist Bi Brian.majka@cardno.com 616-847-1680 www.cardnojfnew.com com