Taking care of the 10-15 metre buffer between lawn and lake, river, or stream can make all the difference to the health of the watershed.  Native shrubs and trees root deep into the soil and hold the bank in place, stabilizing the water’s edge against wave action and use by wildlife.  These plants also help filter runoff that flows off our driveways and roofs and into our water systems.  Vegetation along the water’s edge also creates a corridor used by the wildlife born, raised, and fed in these habitats.  Rivers, streams, and lakes can also be a major traffic route for the spread of invasive species; by planting native species along the water’s edge in your backyard, any invasive species that come along will meet resistance as they try to establish and compete with the flourishing native flora along your shoreline.

You can still enjoy your lakeside or riverbank while naturalizing it; in fact, we believe you will enjoy it even more once there are butterflies and birds dancing around in your backyard!  Vegetative shorelines will discourage geese and prevent unwanted algae buildup.  You can incorporate seating, a dock, or even a campfire pit into your revegetation plans too!  Here is an example of a planting plan at a lakeshore property, and another for what a planting plan could look like if you live alongside a river: