WINONA LAKE - The Watershed Foundation (TWF) and Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will offer a free workshop about healthy shorelines on June 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the Winona Lake Senior Center.
This workshop will introduce lake property owners to shoreline restoration practices that reduce erosion and runoff, improve habitat and protect water quality without sacrificing natural beauty or recreational access, according to a news release from TWF. Participants will learn about alternatives to concrete seawalls, including glacial stone and native plants, as well as shoreline zoning, IDNR permitting requirements and grant funding available for eligible shoreline projects.
Speakers include:
• Lyn Crighton, The Watershed Foundation
• Madison Johnson, IDNR Division of Fish & Wildlife
• Jordan Smithers, IDNR Division of Water
• Nate Thomas, IDNR Lake & River Enhancement
An optional tour of the healthy shoreline project at Winona Lake Limitless Park will follow.
The event is free and open to the public. Registration is encouraged. Register at https://tinyurl.com/Healthy-Shorelines-25
What Are Healthy Shorelines?
While traditional mowed lawns and concrete seawalls have long been the accepted norm, they aren’t natural or healthy for our lakes. They decrease plant life and animal habitat along the shoreline, create added wave action, and contribute to erosion, algae growth, muck, and waning fish populations – among other problems.
Healthy shorelines combine rock seawalls and native plants both on the land and in the water. Bioengineered and glacial stone seawalls help slow wave action, stabilize the shoreline, promote aquatic plant growth and provide habitat for aquatic creatures.
Lake-friendly landscaping includes native plants that slow runoff, filter pollutants and reduce erosion – among other benefits. With proper planning, natural shorelines can be beautiful and low-maintenance, and they don’t interfere with recreation, the release states.
Grants Available for Healthy Shoreline Projects
Through its Healthy Shorelines Initiative, TWF provides grant assistance of up to $1,200 to homeowners for shoreline projects that reduce runoff and erosion and improve water quality and habitat.
Healthy Shorelines projects have included stone re-facing of concrete seawalls, bioengineered seawalls, glacial stone seawalls and more.
In order to be eligible, the project site must be located on a lake located in the Upper Tippecanoe River Watershed, and the applicant must contribute at least 25% of the total project cost.
Grant applications are due by Aug. 1.
Healthy Shorelines grant applications, information, and other resources can be found at watershedfoundation.org/our-work/implement/healthy-shorelines/
For more information, or to find out if your project is eligible, contact The Watershed Foundation at [email protected] or 574-834-3242.