Spotlight on Lake Saving Yards
An ongoing showcase of exemplary yards designed by homeowners with lake protection in mind
By : Erin Johnson , Friends of the Lake
Most of the Waterside Buffer rebate recipients share the same goal : reducing the damage from too much storm water on steep areas of their yards . Often that water comes from above , either from a neighbor ’ s yard , common land , the street or all three . By using these storm water management practices to protect their own property , they are also helping protect our lakes from unfiltered runoff . A win for everyone ! These four projects are examples of what can be done to reduce runoff while adding landscaping interest with rocks and native plants .
The Crowleys
Check dams with boulders and native shrubs planted in between them , help slow the water and beautify the front of this North Shore townhouse . On the side of the home is the start to a Monarch butterfly garden , which will be planted further next spring with the goal of teaching the kids about pollinators . This work was done by Residential Reforestation .
The Fogelmans
They had water coming under their fence and into their yard from LLA owned land , taking soil with it and disrupting the existing plantings . After watching the water flow carefully during various rain events , the homeowners built a rain garden on their own . It is filled with native plants and looks great . The rain garden has greatly reduced their runoff problems . LLA also provided a large silt sock , running above and along the homeowner ’ s fence line , to further reduce water coming from the common land uphill .
36 LakeTalk November 2021