Natural Shorelines

SMALL CHANGES. DEEP ROOTS. A STRONGER SHORELINE.

Erosion is unsightly and expensive. Native plants are a natural, low-maintenance solution.

Protecting your lake starts at your shore

Turf grass and rock walls may look tidy, but they rarely stop erosion, flooding, or ice damage. Natural shorelines, using native plants, are proven to protect property, improve water quality, and support lake health.

Prevent Damage - Native roots stabilize soil, reducing erosion and damage from water and ice.
Low Maintenance - Once established, native plants need less mowing, watering, and fertilizing than lawns.
Reduce Runoff - Vegetation soaks up rain and snowmelt, cutting erosion and standing water.
Support Wildlife - Native shorelines provide habitat for birds, pollinators, and aquatic species.

Website Banner-Forest Lake-Restored Shoreline Projects- September-2025

Ready-to-Plant Native Garden Designs

Designed for function, beauty, and ease.

We offer three customizable Pocket Garden designs that protect your shoreline while supporting lake life.

Shoreline Sanctuary

A mix of native plants that offer food, cover, and nesting space for birds and turtles.

Loon Landing

Low-profile native plants and zones that support nesting loons.

Goose Be Gone

Dense, tall vegetation deters geese from landing and nesting.

All designs are customizable and compatible with docks and lake access.

Simple Steps to a Stronger Shoreline

Step 1: Contact Us

Schedule your free site visit with a shoreline expert. Call or email us today!

651-395-5850
aidan.read@clflwd.org

Step 2: Pick Your Pocket Garden

We’ll help you choose or adapt a design based on your shoreline conditions and goals.

Step 3: Apply for Cost-Share Program

You can qualify for up to 75% reimbursement through our Shoreland Habitat Cost-Share Program. It only takes a few minutes to apply!

Apply Today!

Step 4: Install with Support

Do-it-yourself or hire a contractor—we’ll guide you either way.

Cost-Share Program

Get up to $1,000 back for shoreline restoration.

Eligible Improvements Include

Native shoreline plantings
Tree and shrub installation
In-lake habitat

Who can apply?

Homeowners
Homeowner Associations (HOAs)
Local businesses

Website Banner-Forest Lake-Forest Lake Restored Shoreline Projects-September 2025

Financial Assistance

Mini Grant

Shoreland Habitat Incentive Program

Community Water Cost-share

WHAT: A competitive grant offering funding of up to 75% of approved costs for highly ranked projects with a maximum of $8,000. Eligible projects must improve water quality in the watershed district. Examples include: shoreline restorations, wetland restorations, raingardens, and/or labor conducted by an approved contractor.

WHO: Residents, homeowner associations, schools, non-profits, and businesses

Property Tax Payment Program

Technical Assistance

Site Visits

Soil Testing & Weed Wrench

Residential soil testing, interpretation of results, and management recommendations are available upon request. Cropland and pastureland are not eligible for this service.

A full size Extractigator (i.e. weed wrench or buckthorn puller) can be checked out on a reservation basis. This tool can be used to remove woody vegetation that is too difficult to be removed by hand. A refundable $150 deposit is required.

Project Design & Support

Local Contractors and Suppliers

CLFLWD Local Service Providers and Contractors

This list does not imply any endorsement or recommendation by CLFLWD. This is not a complete list of resources. It is intended to be an aid to those seeking initial guidance on project installation. It is strongly recommended that 2- 3 contractor bids be received, and references be obtained before selecting a contractor. If you would like to add resources to the list, contact CLFLWD at (651) 395-5850.

Your Shoreline Is Your Property’s Frontline

Deep roots protect your lake.

Request a Site Visit

Call: 651-395-5850

Email: aidan.read@clflwd.org