Erosion

Runoff Erosion
Runoff can wash sediment, fertilizers, and pesticides into waterways. Erosion also removes valuable topsoil. Grassed filter strips, no-till drills, and organic matter on fields can help eliminate or slow down erosion of fields. Fore more information or assistance call the office and the staff will be happy to assist you.

Wind Erosion
Shrubs, trees, grasses and other native plants play a big part in wind erosion control. Beachgrass works the best for sandy, sunny dune areas. A couple rows of conifers and/or shrubs can help reduce wind erosion, can help save you money in heating costs and provide habitat for songbirds. District staff can assist you with the placement and selection of trees and or shrubs to get the best benefit. Talk to Lynda at the District office.
 
Shrubs for Erosion Issues

Bearberry-Native creeping shrubby groundcover plant that grows 1 ft. high. This will grow on sandy and rocky sites. Needs full sun.
Juniper-A native low spreading evergreen shrub which is slow-growing. The dusty blue “berry” is actually a cone. Needs full sun and dry, sandy soil.
Nanking Cherry-A fast growing dense shrub which produces showy white blossoms and edible fruit in July. Grows in full sun and will tolerate drought conditions. Will grow in a variety of soils, including sand.
Ninebark-A stout looking multi-stemmed woody shrub with shredding bark, grows in areas with moisture. Grows 3-9 feet tall. Like red-osier dogwood it needs moisture.
Red-Osier Dogwood-A native shrub, 6-8 feet tall, deep red bark, dark green leaves with white flowers. Grows well along bottom of dune where roots can reach moisture. Common shrub along the dunes.
Rosa Rugosa-Hardy fast growing shrub with showy white, pink or red flowers. Grows in droughty sands. Non-native, but non-invasive shrub.
Sand Cherry-Low shrub (3’-6’) white flowers in spring/early summer and dark purple fruit toward fall. Great to fill in sandy, dry areas, and for erosion control along lakes.