Native plants play an important role in maintaining the health of shorelines.
Using native plants and removing invasive species are essential aspects of every Green Shores® project, including Green Shores for Homes and Green Shores for Shoreline Development projects. Native shoreline vegetation is hardy, requires little to no care once established, and enhances the health, beauty, stability, and resiliency of shorelines everywhere.
Once plants are established, their root systems help anchor the shoreline, preventing erosion. Vegetation in intertidal areas can buffer wave energy, reducing the damaging effects of powerful storms. Native plantings in the riparian and upland zones improve water quality by slowing storm runoff and filtering pollutants that would otherwise enter rivers, lakes, and marine environments. Native vegetation, including grasses, shrubs, trees, and fruiting plants, enhances wildlife habitat and biodiversity by providing shelter, nutrients, shade, and safe travel corridors for fish, birds, beneficial insects, and other wildlife.
Are you seeking inspiration?
See our list of native plants that thrive in lake and marine shoreline environments to begin your journey.
Next, consider visiting a Green Shores Demonstration Site, like Songhees Walkway Pocket Beach, Esquimalt Gorge Park, or following updates on the Dyke Road Park, Cultus Lake Park, and Colquitz Park projects to see examples of native shoreline plantings at various stages of maturity.
Detailed plant information and vibrant photos are available on the Washington Native Plant Society website.
