The strip of plants along the water's edge, and into the water, is just like a giant sponge. All of the plants that grow in this area help to filter out pollutants such as pesticides and fertilizers that would otherwise make it into the water. This sponge also acts to suck up extra water in the ground from rains, spring melt, and run-off. By doing this, shorelines help to prevent flooding. But these sponges don't just suck up the water, they also release it again into our creeks, rivers and lakes during really dry spells.
Healthy shorelines are full of life.
They have lots of plants growing on them - like trees, shrubs, and grasses, and they also have a variety of wildlife. For example, along the healthy shoreline of a small lake you might see dragonflies, turtles, ducks and other waterfowl, nesting songbirds, and muskrats. Healthy shorelines are 'food chains' in action - plants growing at the water's edge, insects eating leaves, and birds and fish eating insects. We can all help to keep our shorelines healthy, whether we live by the water, or just visit the shoreline every now and then. All you have to do is just let nature do its thing.