In 2022, these Eagan homeowners approached us with an idea: transform this degraded lake edge into a flourishing shoreline filled with a diverse mix of native flowers and grasses. After receiving a grant from the city to help with the initial cost of the shoreline this homeowner was ready to start. We met with the owners to understand their goals, surveyed the site, and began restoring the shoreline.

First, we removed buckthorn and reed canary grass using chemical, manual, and mechanical methods. After removing the invasive plants, we covered the area with soil and mulch. Then we began installing 680 plants made up of 40 different species of native grasses, forbs, and sedges on 1,400 square feet of shoreline. We added a fence in the water to protect the small plants from waves and keep geese away.After the installation team set the restoration up for success, the maintenance team managed the establishment by removing re-invading weeds and planting supplemental natives as needed.

After three years of careful maintenance, the restoration is lush and vibrant and features a wide variety of native plants. This Eagan shoreline offers interest and beauty to onlookers as well as valuable habitat for wildlife. Even the neighbors have joined in, adding more restorations along this lake. If that’s not enough to convince you, the native plants even help to stabilize the soil and filter pollutants before they reach the lake. If you are interested in a project like this on your land, please contact us today!