Welcome to Lake County Water Authority's Healthy Shorelines Program!
About Us
At the Lake County Water Authority, we are committed to preserving the beauty and health of the Lakes and waterbodies in Lake County and their natural ecosystems. Our Healthy Shorelines Program aims to educate and empower residents to play an active role in maintaining the vitality of our shorelines.
Why Healthy Shorelines Matter
Healthy shorelines are vital for maintaining the ecological balance of our lake and surrounding areas. By planting native plants and vegetation along the shorelines, we can reduce erosion, filter pollutants, and provide habitat for wildlife. This not only enhances the beauty of our surroundings but also contributes to improved water quality.
What We Do
Through our program, we provide educational resources, workshops, and hands-on assistance to residents interested in adopting shoreline-friendly practices. Whether you're a homeowner, a business owner, or a community organization, we're here to support you in making a positive impact on our environment.
Benefits of Planting Native Plants:
- Native plants are well adapted to our local climate and soil conditions, requiring less maintenance and water.
- Their deep root systems help stabilize the shoreline, preventing erosion and protecting against storm damage.
- Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, promoting biodiversity and ecological resilience.
Here are a few favorite natives for shoreline planting
“Nonnative” vs. “Invasive”
Shorelines across Lake County can harbor several non-native and invasive species that can pose significant threats to local ecosystems. A non-native plant is a plant that’s natural range does not include Florida. An invasive plant is a plant that grows so rapidly that it takes over an area. Simply because a plant is listed as non-native does not mean that it is necessarily invasive. For example Hydrilla is both non-native and invasive, it commonly forms dense mats of vegetation and that can choke up waterways impeding navigation and outcompete native plants reducing biodiversity.
Why You Should Remove Invasive Plants from Your Shoreline:
Lake County's shorelines are essential natural buffers that support water quality, stabilize soil, and provide critical habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Actively managing invasive and non-native plants along your shoreline helps maintain this ecological balance by allowing native vegetation to thrive. Invasive species often spread aggressively, displacing native plants and reducing the shoreline's ability to filter pollutants, prevent erosion, and support biodiversity. By removing these unwanted species and encouraging native growth, residents play an important role in protecting the function, beauty, and long-term resilience of our lakes and wetlands.
Watch out for these common invasive plants!
Join the Team
Ready to join us in creating healthier shorelines for Lake County? Here's how you can get involved:
- Attend our workshops and educational events to learn more about shoreline-friendly practices. Sign Up for our healthy shorelines program at our education workshop events, complete an application, and receive free native plants to plant on your shoreline if eligible.
- Volunteer for shoreline restoration projects and community clean-up efforts. Including non-native invasive species removal.
- Plant native vegetation along your shoreline and encourage your neighbors to do the same.
- Spread the word about the importance of healthy shorelines and inspire others to take action.
Contact Us
Have questions or want to learn more about our Healthy Shorelines Program? Get in touch with us:
Together, let's make a difference for the health and beauty of Lake County's shorelines!
