LAKESCAPING FOR WILDLIFE AND WATER QUALITY Lakescaping Definition

LAKESCAPING FOR WILDLIFE AND WATER QUALITY

Lakescaping Ø Definition l Landscaping in areas that are lake front properties

Affects of Managing Lakeshore Ø Ø Ø Fisheries Wildlife Non-native plants and wildlife control Water quality Use of native plants Landscape design Forest management Aquatic plants management Management of swimming beaches Watershed management Lawn and garden management Control of shoreline erosion

Involvement in Shoreline Activity Ø Local Ø County Ø State Ø Federal l Zoning regulations, laws, and permits

Topics Life at the water’s edge Ø The lake ecosystem Ø Solving lakeshore problems with buffer zones Ø Designing lakeshore landscapes Ø Site preparation and plant installation Ø Maintenance Ø Shoreline stabilization Ø Good stewardship practice Ø Lakescaping examples Ø

Life at the Water’s Edge Ø Buffer Zone-extends 25 to 100 ft above shoreline

The Lake Ecosystem Ø Watershed l l Ø Lake River Stream Wetlands Lakeshore is one of the most biological diverse natural communities l Interaction between • • • Soil Water Air l Long term stability and water quality

Vegetation Profile

Habitat Ø Nesting & Nursery area Ø Cover l l Wildlife Aquatic Ø Feeding l Food web

Lake Chemistry Ø Cycles l l Biological Chemical • Phosphorus-limiting factor • Oxygen l l l Atmosphere Aquatic plants Physical • Water transparency l Interdependent • When one changes it affects the others

Solving Lakeshore Problems with Buffer Zones Ø Problems with groomed lakeshore l l l Erosion and sedimentation Sandy beach maintenance Excessive plant growth and algal blooms Loss of wildlife habitat Nuisance animals Loss of leisure time

Buffer Zone Ø Definition l Ø Is a natural strip of vegetation along at least 75% of a property frontage Vegetation used to create a buffer zone l l l Native trees Shrubs Wildflowers (forbs) Grasses Sedges on land Emergent, floating and submergent aquatic plants

Designing Lakeshore Landscape Ø Consideration l l l Climate Water Soil Plants Animals

Lakescaping Vs. Landscaping Ø Differences l Lakescaping • • • First assesses the growing environment Then selects plants to grow in that conditions Preference to native plants l l l Thrive in specific soils, moisture, and light conditions Do not require supplemental water, fertilizer, pesticides or excessive labor Landscaping • First selects a plant for color, fragrance, or characteristic • Then alters growing environment l Needs fertilizer, pesticides and supplemental water

Steps Ø Develop a plant list Ø Consider you needs and desires Ø Draw a base map Ø Create space by designing outdoor rooms Ø Design specific plantings

Developing a plant list Ø Native landscaping in area Ø Properties l l Soil – sandy, rocky, mucky, etc Light conditions – full sun, part sun, or shady Moisture Slope Ø Take photo of other areas for ideas

Considering your Needs and Wants Ø What are the characteristics of your site l Site inventory Ø What do you need in your landscape l Utility requirements Ø What do you want in your landscape l Recreation desired Ø What can you do to improve the environment and water quality

Drawing a Base Map Ø Draw you property Ø Measure dimensions l l l Buildings- windows and doors Driveways and walkways Landscape Ø Plot all measurement on large sheet of graph paper l Suggested scale 1”=4’, 1”=8’, or 1”=16’

Creating Space by Designing Outdoor Rooms Outdoor room – is an area in you landscape that accommodates your activities Ø Create with wall of Ø l l Ø The Floor being l l Ø Trees Shrubs Wildflowers Fence or other structure Lawn Patio or Deck Consider ceiling

An Outdoor Room

Consult Ø State natural resources agency (DEQ) l Minimum requirements • Buffer zone • Permits l l Ø Ø Michigan’s wetland regulatory program • Wetland Protection Act • Clean Water Act Permit Standards • Public Interest Test • Acceptable Disruption to Aquatic Resource Test • Wetland Dependency / Alternatives Analysis Test Common Law Local Regulations

Laws Ø Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ø Subdivision Control Act Ø Michigan Environmental Protection Act Ø Michigan Endangered Species Act Ø Flood Plain Regulatory Act Ø Inland Waters Ø Shorelands Protection and Management Ø Sand Dunes Protection and Management

Designing Specific Planting Ø Aquatic Buffer Zone l l l Emergent plants Submerged plants Floating plants • Absorb wave energy, hold fine sediments in place, and provide food and shelter for many fish and wildlife species Ø Upland Buffer Zone l l Herbaceous plantings Woody Plantings • Protects the lake by filtering nutrients, leaves, and holds the bank soils in place

Emergent Plants Grow in large colonies Ø Grasses Ø Once established will Ø Sedges spread Ø Forbs Ø Establish 2 to 3 species in large groups Ø l Will move to where they are best suited Arrange Grasses Inter-planted with wildflowers

Herbaceous Ø Low-growing, non-woody, leafy, ground layer plant l l l Sedges – triangular stem grass-like plants Grasses Wildflowers • Plant grass and sedges approximately 3 ft between individual plants • Place wildflowers between the space of grasses and sedges

Woody Ø Trees and shrubs l Shrubs • Space 6 ft between each shrub • Do not place any close then 2 ft from grasses and sedges l l Shrubs can be planted right up to lakes edge without obscuring view Design a filter or framed view • Add trees where need if desired Ø Make sure you take in consider shade tolerance species for planting if using trees

Budget Money and Time by Planting in Intervals

Lakeshore Transformation 1

Lakeshore Transformation 2

Lakeshore Transformation 3

Site Preparation & Plant Installation Ø Sourced of Native Plants l l l l Nurseries Contract Growers Diggings from the wild Rescue plants from the blade of bulldozers Propagation of seeds Cuttings Rootstock Ø Planting Costs

Nurseries Ø Rules l Purchase local-origin plants from local nurseries • Not more then 200 miles away l Make sure plants bought are not collected from the wild

Contract Growing Ø Order them 3 to 6 months in advance Ø Necessary for large quantities Ø Typically half-down payment is required Ø Investment is worth the timely delivery of the plants you desire

Digging From the Wild Ø Digging is destructive l l Robbing plants of their natural beauty Opens soil • Creating a seed bed for invasive weeds l Reduces reproductive potential Ø Digging some plants is illegal Ø Transplants are difficult to establish Ø Do collect seeds and propagate l Seed collect is illegal on public property

Rescuing Plants from the Blade of the Bulldozer Thousands of native plants are destroyed each year by construction Ø Permission to harvest is required Ø Must plant in a bed immediately Ø Best dug in the spring or fall, when cool Ø l In mid summer • Cut aboveground stems in half to reduce the amount of leaf surface that loses water • Keep transplants out of the sun after digging • Keep exposed roots wet l Aquatic plants need DNR permits

Propagation from Seed Ø Collect seed in the summer and fall Ø Propagate wildflower and grasses indoors over the winter Ø Obtain permission from appropriate agencies to collect seeds on state land or from landowner on private property

Cuttings Ø Lakeshore shrubs l Propagated from twig cuttings • Taken in spring • Before leaving l Examples • Willows • Red-osier dogwood

Rootstock Ø Portions of the root system without stems and leaves Ø Purchase fewer plants with larger sizes Ø Clean of seed and plant fragments l So as not to introduce invasive species

Planting Costs Ø Wildflower and grass plugs 6 -12 plants l Ø Woody bare-root plant in spring l Ø l $40 per 1000 ft² Small live plants -- $600 per 1000 ft² Prairie kits l Ø $8 per shrub and trees Wet-meadow seed mix l Ø $1 a plant $225 per 1000 ft² Prairie grasses and wildflowers large areas l $1700 to $10, 000 per acre

Turf vs. Prairie

Purple Loosestrife Common Buckthorn Site Preparation Crown Vetch Ø Eliminate invasive weeds l Reed canary grass, purple loosestrife, crown vetch, and common buckthorn • Takes time and persistence Reed Canary Grass

Site Preparation Ø Eliminate turf l Organic herbicides – scythe or superfast weed killer • • • l Require permit from DEQ to apple herbicide 10 to 14 days for sod to die Spot spray for at least to 2 day before planting Remove sod with gas-powered sod cutter • Labor intensive l Smother lawn • black polyethylene plastic, old carpet shower curtains, or layer of newspaper or cardboard • Takes all growing season – 5 to 6 months

Site Preparation Ø Soil preparation l Live plants • Elimination sod and invasive plant for • Nothing else for native plants

Planting Tips Ø Keep planting affordable l Ø Ø Ø Plant emergent and floating plants in the spring-when water levels are low Label plants Cut a thin slice into root mass to simulate growth Soak containerized plants before taking them out to plant Installing l l Ø Divide master plan into small sections and plant over 5 to 6 year period Wide but not deep hole Create a mound of soil Dig wide enough to speed roots

Planting Tips Ø Bare-roots l l l Wash roots Plant before they leaf out and temp. moderate Cover with damp straw, compost, soil or wet burlap Avoid burying plants too deep or to shallow Ø After planting water thoroughly Ø Planting in lake need to be anchored to prevent wash away Ø Exception to the rule of not adding soil amendments Ø l Shady upland • 3 to 6 inches of compost or manure

Seeding Tips Within 15 ft of lakeshore do not seed use living plants – soil erosion Ø Above 15 ft seed and use cover crop of rye, oats, or mixed seed Ø On shallow slopes and flat grades place a light application of straw – prevent erosion Ø Keep new seedings moist Ø Most perennial species are slow to establish – have patience Ø Planting are difficult to differ from weeds – learn to identify native plant seedlings Ø

The “No Planting” Technique Ø Mowing and competition keep native plant from growing l l Stop mowing up to lake shore Above 15 ft kill lawn with herbicide-next to native plants • Kill grass 5 ft to 10 ft at a time l Ø Allowing for native plant to take over This will not work in areas with invasive species l Buckthorn, reed canary grass, crown vetch, and smooth brome

Mulching Ø Prevent soil erosion Ø Keeps weed from germinating Ø Holds in moisture

Maintenance Ø Maintaining Aquatic plants Ø Maintaining Onshore plantings l l l First season Second season Long term maintenance – 3 years and beyond Ø Replacement

Maintaining Aquatic Plants Ø The trick is getting them established not long-term maintenance Ø Secure plants Ø Replant and anchor if uprooted or washed away Ø Some species will come back on their own

Maintaining Onshore Plantings Ø First season l Benefit from supplemental watering • Need 1 in of water per week l Keep weeds out • Once every two weeks l Look out for invasive species • Pull out will young l l l Use mulch Do not fertilize Do not use insecticides and fungicides

Maintaining Onshore Plantings Ø Second season l l Water only during drought periods Scout for weeds once every three weeks • Dig out the roots of unwanted trees l l In spring cut back dried herbaceous vegetation In fall leave dried vegetation

Maintaining Onshore Plantings Ø Long-term maintenance (+3 years) l l Beginning of each season cut back dried vegetation Scout for weeds once a month No watering is necessary Leave dried vegetation standing in fall

Replacement Ø A few plants will not make it through the first year Ø In large gaps replant quickly – erosion Ø A continuous vegetative cover is the goal Ø Expect your lakeshore planting to change over time Ø Enjoy

Shoreline Stabilization Ø Bioengineering l l Stabilizes bank Uses living materials • Creates habitat • Self repairing l cheaper

Methods Below Normal Water Line Ø Wave – breaking devices Ø Plant – anchoring methods

Methods above Normal Water Line Ø Slop preparation l Ø Cut back to get 2: 1 (horizontal to vertical) slope Erosion – control fabrics l l l l Revetments Rock Riprap Wattles Live stakes Willow Post Brush Layers Brush Mattresses

Revetments

Rock Riprap

Wattles

Live stakes

Willow Post

Brush Layers

Brush Mattresses

Vegetation

Ice Action Ø Depends on l l Ø Wind direction Ice thickness Lake level Other factors Land ridge l Leave in place • Filters runoff from the yard • Covered in vegetation – removal will expose the shoreline to erosion

Cost Estimates

Good Stewardship Practices Ø IT ALL RUNS DOWN HILL l l l Storm drains Gullies Swales Tiles Ditches Ø Use buffer strips

Maintaining a Vigorous and Environmentally Sound Lawn Ø Planning Ø Soil preparation for seeding or sodding Ø Seeding Ø Watering Ø Mowing Ø Fertilizing Ø Weed and insect control

Planning Ø Design a smaller lawn to reduce overall maintenance Ø Replace unnecessary lawn areas with shrub borders or herbaceous native plantings Ø Consider planting native ground covers that tolerate the adverse growing conditions found in these spots

Maintaining a Vigorous and Environmentally Sound Lawn Ø Planning Ø Soil preparation for seeding or sodding Ø Seeding Ø Watering Ø Mowing Ø Fertilizing Ø Weed and insect control

Soil preparation for seeding or Sodding Ø Soil test l Soil type, p. H, and nutrients Ø Loosen soil before seeding or sodding Ø Till in compacted upland soils Ø Use aerator in compacted established lawn once a year in mid-spring or in the fall after Labor Day

Seeding Ø Select low-maintenance turf grasses Ø Read labels on seed packages carefully to learn what they contain Ø Do not buy cheap grass seed l You get what you pay for

Watering Encourage deep rooting by watering seldom but thoroughly Ø Actively growing turf requires 1 in of water per week Ø To survive hot, dry weather, lawn grasses naturally go into a state of dormancy Ø During severe drought, water dormant grass ¼ to ½ in every two to three weeks to keep crowns from dehydrating beyond the point of recovery Ø

Mowing Ø Mow high Ø Mow frequently Ø Keep lawn mower blades sharp Ø Increase mowing height by ½ to 1 in in midsummer Ø For small lawns consider using a manual, nonmotorized mower Ø Sweep up grass clippings blown onto pavement

Fertilizing Ø Leave grass clippings on the lawn l Use a mulching mower Low-maintenance lawn need just one application of fertilizer per year applies in the early fall Ø Use organic fertilizers Ø l Milorganite, Ringers, synthetic organics (Nitroform, Par-EX) Sweep adjacent paved surfaces after applying fertilizer Ø Water lawn after applying fertilizer Ø Have soils test for lack of phosphorus Ø l Don’t use if not needed

Weed and insect control Ø Ø Ø Insecticides are seldom needed for grass management When needed us a broadleaf herbicides for weed control in the fall In small yard pull weeds by hand Spot treat individually with ready-to-use sprays Read and adhere to labels on pesticides Maintain a healthy lawn l Ø Weeds will not be able to establish Historically, lawns were composed of a variety of grasses and broadleaf plants l Consider going back to a more diverse community of plants with in your lawn

Managing Invasive Non-Native Plants Ø Learn the difference between non-native and native plants l Native • Plants or species that have originated in an area and continue to grow in their ecological niche • Thrive because they are well adapted to the environment l Non-Native • Move or carried here through an unnatural process • New location devoid of competition and predators l l l l l Purple loosestrife Eurasian water milfoil Reed canary grass Curly-leaf pondweed Yellow water Iris Flowering rush European frog-bit Hydrilla Ornamental water Lilies Water chestnut

Leaf Cleanup Ø Rake leaves soon after falling

Rain Gutters Ø Directed onto the lawn

Detergents May contain phosphorus Ø Use ones without phosphorus Ø Do not bath in lake Ø Do not wash pets in lake Ø Do not wash car on property or park on lawn while washing Ø l Wash pollutants in to lake • • Soil Nutrients Hydrocarbons gasoline

Septic System Maintenance Ø Make sure it is properly maintained Ø Pump it when it needs pumping l Use a knowledgeable contractor Ø Left on maintained will cause the septic to fail l Public health problem and violates local laws Ø Do not dump chemicals down sink or toilet l Will kill good bacteria Ø Do not use a garbage disposal

Pet Management Ø Contribute to excess nutrients Ø Health hazard Ø Clean up after pet as soon as possible Ø Keep cats inside Ø Train dogs to not chase wildlife or restrain them

Mosquitoes Tall grass does not cause a mosquito problems Ø Need mosquitoes standing water Ø l Remove clogged rain gutters, tire swings, whiskey barrel planters, neglected bird paths, and old pails Un-mowed area near water increase the predators of mosquitoes Ø Plant repentant plant Ø l Ø Citronella, chamomile, basil, evening primrose, peppermint, comfrey, cloves, garlic, and thistle Put up bat houses

Enhancing Lakeshore Habitat Ø Nest boxes l l l l l Purple martin Tree swallow Eastern bluebird House wren black-capped chickadee Barred owl Screech-owl Wood duck Hooded merganser squirrel Common goldeneye Common merganser

Enhancing Lakeshore Habitat Ø Snag Management l l Snag is a dead tree either fallen or standing Habitat • • • Flickers and Woodpeckers--downy, hariy, red-bellied, and pileated Red, gray, and fox squirrels Wood ducks Great crested flycatcher, Tree swallow, Eastern bluebirds, House wrens and Black-capped chickadees White breasted nuthatches, Brown creeper, and Eastern kingbirds Bald eagles and Osprey Salamanders Snakes Insects Turtles Ducks Eastern phoebes, purple martins, and belted kingfishers

Lakescaping Examples Ø Fish Lake

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